Overview
Synopsis
Ibsen's A Doll's House is a revolutionary classic. The play was integral in establishing realism as a theatrical form, and continues to be a provocative portrayal of a woman suffering in a man's world. Nora and Torvald Helmer have a seemingly traditional, settled nineteenth-century marriage. Torvald adores his wife, although he patronizes her and belittles her comprehension of the world. However, Nora has lived with a secret for several years. She forged her father’s signature in order to borrow money to take her husband to Italy for recuperation after an illness. Her husband, Torvald, is now in a senior position working at the bank and Nora has been paying off the loan in installments. Yet her secret is about to be revealed when Torvald threatens to fire Nils Krogstad, the man Nora borrowed the money from. Nora’s friend, Kristine Linde, offers to help Nora, revealing that she and Krogstad used to be in a relationship and she still loves him deeply. However, when Krogstad reveals Nora’s actions in a letter, Torvald dismisses her sacrifice, worrying only about his own reputation. Although Torvald forgives his wife when he discovers that Krogstad will not publicly reveal her indiscretion, Nora realizes that Torvald does not value or truly know her as an individual. Nora decides to leave her husband and her children in an attempt to discover herself.
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Context
Show Origins
In 1872, Laura Kieler (then unmarried) visited Henrik Ibsen and his wife. They had become acquaintances years earlier after the young woman wrote Brand’s Daughters, Kieler’s response to Ibsen’s 1866 play Brand. She showed promise as a young novelist, and the Ibsens encouraged her endeavors. A year later, Laura married Victor Kieler, and they soon started a family. This marriage and Laura’s actions became the inspiration for Nora Helmer and A Doll’s House. Like Nora,
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Act One
It is Christmastime, and Nora Helmer enters her sitting room, carrying packages and telling the deliveryman where to place the Christmas tree. Her husband Torvald Helmer, working in his study, calls out to her, playful referring to Nora as a “lark” and “little squirrel.” More importantly, he chides her for spending so much money on Christmas gifts, but Nora is determined to have a beautiful holiday for their children. Because Torvald was recently promoted at the bank, she believes
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Character Portrayals
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Monologues
Scenes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Money and Corruption
Like many dramas of the period, A Doll’s House explores both the benefits and the consequences of money. Torvald’s new position and raise will allow the family to live more comfortably, but he also uses the idea of money and finances to further infantilize Nora. His treatment and perception of Nora is the root of their marital strife, only revealed in the moments before Nora decides to leave. As a product of his time, Torvald believes that women (and
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You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it has gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; for indeed it is true that you can inherit these things, Nora.
[Torvald Helmer, Act One]
Context: Nora asks her husband for just a bit more money, claiming that she’ll save it and buy herself a Christmas gift later.
Analysis:
to read our analysis of select quotes from A Doll's House and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Key Terms
A written statement declaring the artistic or political intentions of a theatrical movement or company.
Naturalism is a theatrical style that seeks to depict life with accuracy, focusing on everyday speech, behavior, and settings. It often highlights ordinary people in realistic environments, emphasizing authenticity over theatricality. Emerging in the late 19th century, naturalism remains influential in contemporary drama.
A theatrical movement that strives to depict everyday life and authentic behavior on stage. It often focuses on domestic settings and psychological depth.
A philosophical underpinning of Naturalism in theatre, asserting that behavior is shaped by heredity and environment.
A neoclassical principle dictating unity of time, place, and action, influencing dramatic structure in theatre history.
The appearance of being true or real in a dramatic context, central to Realist and Naturalist traditions.
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher