A Doll's House

Definition

A Doll's House is a groundbreaking play written by Henrik Ibsen in 1879, which centers on the life of Nora Helmer and her struggles within a patriarchal society. This play marked a significant shift in modern drama by highlighting the themes of gender roles, marriage, and individual freedom, thus contributing to discussions about social critique and realism in theatre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A Doll's House was one of the first plays to portray a woman's struggle against the limitations imposed by societal expectations, particularly within marriage.
2. The play's ending, where Nora decides to leave her husband and children to find her own identity, was highly controversial and sparked intense debates about gender equality and women's rights.
3. Ibsen's use of realism in A Doll's House marked a departure from the melodrama prevalent in earlier theatre, paving the way for more authentic storytelling in modern plays.
4. The character of Nora Helmer has become a symbol of female emancipation, representing the fight for self-discovery and personal freedom against oppressive societal norms.
5. A Doll's House challenged traditional theatrical conventions by emphasizing psychological depth and character development over plot-driven narratives.

Review Questions

• How does A Doll's House exemplify Ibsen's contribution to the principles of realism in theatre?
  • A Doll's House exemplifies Ibsen's contribution to realism through its focus on authentic characters facing real-life challenges. The play's portrayal of Nora Helmer’s internal conflict and her struggle against societal expectations demonstrates how Ibsen moved away from the sensationalism of earlier drama. By presenting relatable situations and complex emotional experiences, Ibsen established a foundation for future playwrights to explore themes that resonate with audiences on a personal level.
• In what ways does A Doll's House adhere to the structure of the Well-Made Play while also subverting its conventions?
  • A Doll's House follows the structure of the Well-Made Play through its careful arrangement of exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution. However, it subverts conventions by introducing an unexpected climax—the protagonist’s decision to leave her family—contradicting the traditional expectation of resolution through reconciliation. This choice emphasizes Ibsen’s critique of societal norms and the constraints placed on women, illustrating how he adapted existing theatrical structures to convey his progressive ideas.
• Evaluate the impact of A Doll's House on contemporary discussions around gender roles and social critique in modern theatre.
  • A Doll's House has had a profound impact on contemporary discussions surrounding gender roles and social critique by challenging audiences to reconsider traditional views on marriage and family dynamics. The play’s bold conclusion ignited conversations about women's independence and rights, influencing later feminist movements and inspiring playwrights to address social issues through their work. Its legacy continues to resonate today as it prompts critical reflection on ongoing inequalities and advocates for personal autonomy within restrictive societal frameworks.

Related terms

Realism: A movement in art and literature that seeks to represent everyday life and society without idealization, focusing on relatable characters and situations.

Well-Made Play: A dramatic structure characterized by a careful arrangement of plot, with a focus on cause-and-effect relationships, including elements like exposition, climax, and resolution.

Gender Roles: Socially constructed roles that dictate how individuals should behave based on their sex, often resulting in inequality and limited opportunities for women.