A Doll’s House

Novel | Henrik Ibsen
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 What, according to you, is the message of the play “A Doll’s House?”

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 What, according to you, is the message of the play “A Doll’s House?”  [NU: 2019]

Henrik Ibsen’s (1828–1906) “A Doll’s House” (1879) is a modern problem play. It takes place in the Helmer's living room. The play shows truth, hypocrisy, and freedom. Its message is about women’s rights, false marriage, and the need for self-discovery.

Women’s Rights and Independence: The play gives a message about women’s condition in society. Nora Helmer is treated as a doll by Torvald. He calls her “my little lark” and “my squirrel.” She has no legal right to borrow money. She must forge her father’s name to save Torvald’s life. Her final decision to leave her husband and children shows the need for women’s freedom. The message is clear: women must be equal, not dolls.

False Marriage and Social Hypocrisy: The play also shows the false nature of middle-class marriage. Torvald Helmer values honour more than love. He cries, 

“You have destroyed all my happiness.” 

He forgives Nora only after his reputation is safe. This shows hypocrisy. Marriage becomes a game inside a doll’s house. Ibsen’s message is that society must stop using lies and respect real love.

Self-Discovery and Truth: The strongest message is Nora’s self-discovery. She realizes the truth about Torvald and says to him, 

“You have never loved me. You have only thought it pleasant to be in love with me.” 

She says she must educate herself. The final door slam is the symbol of truth and freedom. The message is that individuals must find themselves, even if it means breaking social rules.

The message of “A Doll’s House” is universal. It teaches women’s rights, exposes social hypocrisy, and highlights self-discovery. Nora’s loan, Torvald’s hypocrisy, and the door slam together prove Ibsen’s message: life should not be a doll’s house, but a house of freedom.

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Henrik Ibsen
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