Examining Themes in a Doll S House

Examining themes in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

You will be producing a series of notes on the themes represented in A Doll’s House. Look at the model on the next page (on the theme of morality) to guide you.

Relevance Consider the different characters and their involvement with the theme you have been given. What is their role? How is the theme relevant to them and their position in the play?

Imagery Consider the prevalent images in the text and how they link with the theme and the characters.

Language Consider the language used to represent the theme, particularly the language style of the characters involved. You don’t need to give examples at this stage.

Proxemics Movement and positioning in the stage is particularly significant in Ibsen’s plays. Consider this when examining your theme.

Quotations Give full, relevant quotations and make sure you page reference the example.

Themes:

power freedom truth social convention heredity illusions

© 2008 www.teachit.co.uk 10993 Page 1 of 3 Examining themes in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen Has she done Morality: Relevance to the text anything immoral? Does his reaction to the Different characters have different views of morality. Marrying out of a sense truth conflict with his of duty to her family views on morality? Krogstad: Considered very immoral by Mrs Linde: Considers herself to be a rather than love, making No. He condemns Nora others and himself. Aware of the need to moral character in that she gave her life up Krogstad bitter in the the way he condemns change but his methods are ‘immoral’. for others. She can become a little process. Krogstad. Ends with a real sense of enlightenment. pompous because of this especially towards Nora. Yes. He only cares about Torvald: Considers himself one of the Nora: Where does she fit? She is moral in Dr Rank: his own status when he most moral characters, reflected in his her reasons but would have been judged Makes many comments on swore that he would attitudes and views. Based on a selfish as immoral because of her actions. She people who are morally always support his wife. view of his status/position. Ibsen uses him begins to see herself as immoral. Her rotten. Although he’s a moral as a comment on society’s views in this morality is judged by all the other character he is paying for his period. characters. father’s immorality.

Imagery Language Proxemics Inheritance: morality can be passed on from Nora: mixture of wheedling and assertiveness. Impression of Krogstad appearing imposing parents to children Torvald: sense of his own importance. Lots (‘coming a pace nearer’). Disguise: Nora appears a truly moral character at of references to duty. Nora often moves to the table when doing the start of the play, then her ‘true’ face is revealed. Krogstad: exhibits a degree of self contempt. something she shouldn’t. Ibsen is challenging ideas of morality. Rank: lots of references to people’s morals. She puts physical distance between herself and Games: sexual morality reflected in Nora’s teasing Mrs Linde: open and direct. Self-righteous in Torvald when he talks of morals (‘draws her Dr Rank – their relationship pushes the boundaries her morality. hands away and moves to the other side of the between friendship/affair. Christmas tree’). Quotations/references Torvald: Nora, you know how I feel about this. No debts! Never borrow! (p25) Nora: Being a lawyer is so uncertain … especially if one isn’t prepared to touch any case that isn’t—well—quite nice. And of course Torvald’s been very firm about that—and I’m absolutely with him. (p30) Mrs Linde: I am both proud and happy that I was able to make my mother’s last months on earth comparatively easy. (p34) Nora: Is it foolish to save one’s husband’s life? (She feels she is morally justified.) (p35) Dr Rank: It is the same … with people who are morally sick. There’s a moral cripple in with Helmer at this very moment. (p39) Krogstad: I must try to regain what respectability I can. (p46) The law does not concern itself with motives. (p49) If I get thrown into the gutter for a second time, I shall take you with me. (p50) Torvald: Krogstad didn’t do that [take his punishment]. He chose to try and trick his way out of it. And that is what has morally destroyed him. An atmosphere of lies contaminates and poisons every corner of the home. Every breath that the children draw in such a house contains the germs of evil. (p53) Dr Rank: And all this to atone for someone else’s sin? And in every single family, in one way or another, the same merciless law of retribution is at work. (p65) Nora: I’m telling you, no-one knows anything about this. I did it entirely on my own. (Prepared to accept responsibility.) (p74) Torvald: … for 8 whole years—she who was my joy and pride—a hypocrite, a liar—worse, worse—a criminal! Oh, the hideousness of it! All © 2008 www.teachit.co.ukyour father’s recklessness and instability he has handed on to you!10993 No religion, no morals, no sense of duty. I am condemned toPage humiliation 2 of 3 and ruin simply for the weakness of a woman. (p93) Examining themes in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen Theme: Relevance to the text

Imagery Language Proxemics

Quotations / references