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A Doll's House Analytical Essay

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Several prominent characters are present in the play "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen. However, only one of them has such a profound effect on the play and its dynamics: Torvald Helmer. He changes throughout the story, becoming less friendly and more profound in his views on women and his wife. As a whole, Torvald can be noted as an antagonist and misogynist who has fallen victim to the societal norms of his time. Torvald is easily distinguishable as the antagonist of the story even when compared to the nefarious foil character, Krogstad. At first, he seems to be a kind husband, much like any other. In some instances, he is even playful like this: "Nora! [Goes over and playfully takes her by the ear.] Are your scatterbrains off again?" (Ibsen 785). As the play's conflict develops, he is shown to be more egocentric than originally portrayed. "You'll go right on living in this house, of course. But you can't be allowed to bring up the children; I don't dare trust you with them" (Ibsen 836). When Nora, the protagonist of the play, gets put …show more content…

"Besides—Torvald, with all his masculine pride—how painfully humiliating for him if he ever found he was in debt to me," (Ibsen 794). This excerpt shows that Torvald holds his masculinity as one of his top concerns. However, in the 1800's, such circumstances were far more common than they are today. Men were expected to be able to provide for the family and be in charge of all financial decisions. Due to this, women were not seen as equals and were expected to submit to the authority of their spouses. Because of these norms set by society at the time, Torvald appeared to have the impression that he needed to control everything. Consequently, his actions towards Nora were influenced so heavily by norms that his actions may be viewed as obsolete and offensive by today's

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