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A Doll's House Analytical Essay

Decent Essays

Nora tells Torvald, “You and [me] I both would transform ourselves to the point that…I have stopped believing in miracles” (Kirszner and Mandell). Henrik Ibsen’s ending for his play, “A Doll House” must stay the same, or many integral parts of Nora’s story would not have any intrinsic value. Although the description of Nora’s character at the beginning of Act I as an irresponsible spender and her husband calls her “my squirrel” (Ibsen 6). The conclusion of the play showed that people can grow and how the character of Nora Torvald developed through Ibsen’s writing. What eventually bewildered Nora’s friends and family was her abrupt exit from their lives. The play illustrated her personal growth even though others did not understand leaving was the next phase in her maturation process. The ending of the play represents …show more content…

Later in the play, Helmer had received a follow-up note, explaining how Krogstad’s life has changed for the better, and he no longer felt the inclination to disclose Nora’s fraud to the authorities (Ibsen 246). With the risk of exposure diminishing, Helmer exclaims, “Yes, yes, it’s true. I’m saved” (Ibsen 245). His elation that he is no longer subject to Krogstad’s blackmail causes an immediate response of joy, yet he never sincerely considered the toll that the blackmail had wrought on Nora’s well-being. After Helmer’s obvious exclusion of Nora in his celebration, she replies to his discourtesy: Yes, but you were so very right. I’m not up to the job [raising children]. There’s another job I have to do first. I have to try to educate myself. You can’t help me with that. I’ve got to do it alone. And that’s why I’m leaving you now. (295) Nora had finally made the decision to determine her fate; distancing herself from the idyllic life her husband had foreseen for

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