Usage of Objects and Relations in depicting the theme of “A Doll's House”

Usage of Objects and Relations in depicting the theme of “A Doll's House”

Introduction

Henrik Ibsen's “A Doll's House” is a simple play that presented the era of 19th century and their customs. This plays deals with the rights of women which were being neglected at that time. This play was written during the movement of Naturalism that certainly reflected over the attributes of society. The author was aware with the fact that the role of the woman in the 19th century was to calmly stay at home, look after their husbands and children. It is important to glance that how objects reflects the conventions of society and era.

Discussion Analysis

Significance of Living Room

It has been noticed that the entire action of the play takes place in the Nora and Torvald Helmer's open living room. People are walking in and out, and having access to both the studio and staircase from this middle room. It is difficult to find out the significance of this living room in a first glance, but later on, it seems attractive as a room in a house of Doll. The books which suggest literature, the engravings which highlight arts and the piano which proposes music are also the symbols of defining cultural interest. On the other hand, it has been also found that there is a disagreement between the spectator and the reader. However, when we glance over the play, the style and settings shows key significant role in the plot of the play. We could find that the living room is the expression of Helmer rather of Nora's taste. He is the one who rules the house and explicit voice for his aesthetic interest (McFarlane, 1994). On the other hand, Helmer reveals himself as a man who hides behind the social faultless façade, which brought another quality of the living room. The belongings, which were considered as a symbols of pure cultural interests are now seems to be merely social icons and silent objects. Like the twist in the play, the settings are also fixed with a hidden depreciatory meaning. It can be also said that the entire action goes on in the same room, which signifies that Nora is captivated in a Doll's house. However, the doors had no fewer doors than four, which leaded to fifth and sixth entrance.

The role of 19th century in Doll's House Representation

Ibsen's Doll's House is plotted under the time of transition from historical and mythical dramas to plays. Nora is the leading character of the play and also the middle class wife of 19th century of Torvald Helmer. Nora was purely devoted to her family and husband and in the ending part of the play, she made an epiphany by realizing the means she adopted and how her husband really took it. The sufferings of Nora could be ascribed to her upbringing, the views of society about the role of woman should be and also how her ...