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The document discusses the theme of expectations and responsibilities in Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House, focusing on the contrasting roles of Nora and Torvald. It highlights how Nora's avoidance of responsibility leads to issues in her marriage, while Torvald's need for control creates distrust. Ultimately, the document suggests that fulfilling one's societal role is essential for happiness.

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Kristian Kirby
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47 views3 pages

Report

The document discusses the theme of expectations and responsibilities in Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House, focusing on the contrasting roles of Nora and Torvald. It highlights how Nora's avoidance of responsibility leads to issues in her marriage, while Torvald's need for control creates distrust. Ultimately, the document suggests that fulfilling one's societal role is essential for happiness.

Uploaded by

Kristian Kirby
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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Krsitian Kirby

Alissa Cruz

Eng 112

31 March 2021

Expectations in a doll's house


Expectations weigh on everyone. The expectations to work, always look beautiful and

take care of the home are a lot to bear for women. On the contrary men are expected to

provide economically for the family, defend the family and to always be strong but not

tyrannical. Tolvald fails to be the type of man his wife can trust and is unable to provide

financially or emotionally. While Nora lives in a fairly land skirting responsibility whenever she

can. The story A Doll's House is based around this dichotomy of responsibilities between the

sexes and the consequences of not living up to these archetypal roles.

The 1890s was a time of past traditions and modern changes. Nora, an upper class

woman was freed from the requirements of work causing her to live in a doll’s world. Nora

doesn’t take care of the house, children or work. Because of this lack of purpose Nora is always

seeking quick pleasure, sweets, money etc. Isben may have wrote about this because his family

fell from economic affluence. Creating a character that may have been similar to his mother

during this time.

Tolvald is faced with equally important challenges as Nora. While, Nora doesn’t take

responsibility for anything, Tolvald is different. He takes control of everything, an equally

undesirable trait.Tolvalds control of everything mainly effects his marriage. Because he is

emotionally unstable his wife lies to him about eating sweets and money. Ironically because he
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a;ways seeks control he actually loses control of what he considers his specialty, finances. Again

this character may represent his father, who feel on hard financial times as well

The role of responsibility is one of the main themes of the poem A Doll's House. Both of

the main characters struggle with internal conflict because they do not take up responsibility.

Nora blissfully ignorant with no sense of responsibility. This causes her to create issues with

Tolvald by lying.And, Tolvald with his overbearing hand. This causes lack of trust between the

couple. The main message of A Dolls House is to fit your role if you want to be happy in life.

Works cited
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Michael Meyers. Henrik Ibsen, Chapter one.

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