A Dolls House Review

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DRAMA ASSIGNMENT
“A DOLL’S HOUSE”
After reading and reviewing the short extract from the play “ A Doll’s House,” by Henrik Ibsen, it was clear to see the contrasting writing techniques and intelligent, creative characters. Through this play, it is apparent that the character of Torvald/Helmer really is in love with Nora, but only in a way that one would love his prized possession. Nora was a trophy, nothing more. The play depicts in credible fashion how Torvald is in love Nora, but only as deeply as he could understand the word. He is on love with his perfect wife, perfect house and his perfect children. Ibsen however has other plans for the characters, as a total role-reversal appears to take shape. The role of Nora takes a skyward leap from control and fear into reality. As the character of Torvald is swung into submission as he tries aimlessly to win back his escaped wife. When Nora takes of the mask that was for so long blinding her from the real world, a sense of self-worth takes over; she realizes that her life and marriage really are just a good façade. In the extract Nora tells her husband, “You’ve never loved me, you’ve only found it pleasant to be in love with me.” Nora also tells it straight when she explains the condition of the relationship and her controlled situation, “When I lived at home with Papa, he used to call me his doll-child, and he played with me the way I played with my dolls. Then I come into your house, I mean I went from Papa’s hands into yours. You arranged everything to your own taste, and so I go the same taste as you, or at least I pretended to.” At this point, Nora's world transforms from a "doll's house" into reality.
After having read the short extract from the play, I think that Ibsen had chosen the perfect title, for Nora's world was truly reflective of the title. I also feel that Ibsen foreshadowed the end cleverly when Nora takes the stand and walks out. Al...