A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen: Late 19th century Middle-Class values

A Doll’s House

late 19th century middle-class values

"A Doll's House" is a play by Henrik Ibsen, first performed in 1879, and is widely considered a landmark work in the development of modern drama. The play's central theme is the critique of late 19th-century middle-class values, particularly those relating to gender roles and marriage.

In "A Doll's House," Ibsen presents a scathing critique of the traditional middle-class notion of marriage as a social and economic contract rather than a union based on mutual love and respect. The play's protagonist, Nora, is initially presented as a dutiful wife and mother, who has spent her entire life fulfilling the expectations of her husband and society. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that Nora is deeply unhappy and unfulfilled in her role as a wife and mother.

One of the main ways that Ibsen critiques late 19th-century middle-class values is through his portrayal of gender roles. In the play, Nora's husband, Torvald, expects her to be a submissive and obedient wife, and Nora initially accepts this role. However, as the play progresses, Nora begins to rebel against this expectation and asserts her own identity and desires. She ultimately decides to leave her husband and children in order to pursue her own dreams and ambitions, which is a direct challenge to the patriarchal values of the time.

Ibsen also critiques middle-class values through his portrayal of the importance of wealth and social status. Throughout the play, characters are concerned with maintaining their social standing and financial security, often at the expense of personal relationships and emotional fulfillment. For example, Torvald is more concerned with maintaining his reputation and social status than with Nora's well-being, which ultimately leads to the breakdown of their marriage.

Another way that "A Doll's House" critiques late 19th-century middle-class values is through its examination of the institution of marriage. In the play, Ibsen portrays marriage as a social and economic contract rather than a union based on love and mutual respect. Nora's decision to leave her husband and children is a direct challenge to this idea, as she refuses to continue living in a loveless and unfulfilling marriage.

Moreover, the play also critiques the way that societal expectations and gender roles can be used to manipulate and control individuals. Nora is constantly pressured to conform to the expectations of her husband and society, which ultimately leads to her feeling trapped and powerless. Through Nora's struggles, Ibsen exposes the damaging effects of social norms and expectations, and the ways in which they can be used to oppress individuals, particularly women.

In addition, "A Doll's House" also critiques the idea of "respectability" and the pressure to conform to social norms. Throughout the play, characters are concerned with maintaining appearances and upholding the status quo, even when doing so comes at a great personal cost. This focus on respectability is contrasted with Nora's desire to live an authentic life, free from the constraints of societal expectations.

Another way in which "A Doll's House" critiques late 19th-century middle-class values is by exposing the hypocrisy and double standards of the society at the time. For example, while Nora is criticized and ostracized for her actions, Torvald is forgiven and his reputation remains intact. This highlights the ways in which women were held to different standards than men, and how societal expectations often perpetuated inequality and injustice.

The play also critiques the idea of women's domesticity and the limitations it imposed on their lives. Nora is expected to be a devoted wife and mother, and her desire for independence is viewed as a threat to the traditional order. Ibsen challenges this idea by portraying Nora as a complex and multifaceted character, who has her own desires, ambitions, and motivations.

Furthermore, "A Doll's House" critiques the middle-class obsession with appearances and the pressure to conform to social norms. Throughout the play, characters are more concerned with maintaining appearances than with genuine human connections and emotional fulfillment. This focus on outward appearances is contrasted with Nora's desire for authenticity and genuine human connection.

Overall, "A Doll's House" offers a powerful critique of late 19th-century middle-class values, challenging the way that gender roles, marriage, societal expectations, and the pursuit of wealth and status were viewed at the time. Through his portrayal of Nora's struggle for autonomy and self-determination, Ibsen paved the way for a new era of drama that would explore similar themes and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in theater.

*****

Also Read: 😀

👉 'Chotti Munda and His Arrow’ by Mahasweta Devi is the voice of tribal consciousness

👉 A Doll’s House as a Feminist Play

👉 Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett as an Absurd Drama

👉 Vladimir's character in Beckett’s play, Waiting for Godot

👉 Estragon’s character in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot

👉 Tonight I can write the saddest lines… by Pablo Neruda (Summary)

👉 Nora’s Character - A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

👉 The Good Woman of Setzuan - The role of Gods

👉 Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco - Theater of the Absurd

👉 Revolving Days by David Malouf - poem of memories of a past love