DOLLS.

Role play seems to be the name of the game in Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House. The
main characters in the play pretend to be someone who others would like them to
be, instead of being their true selves. The person that stands out the most as a
character whose role play is almost impeccable to the point where it seems she
leads two different lives is Nora. She is Torvalds loving and childish wife, and
unknowingly, a strong, independent woman. As the play progresses, Noras persona
shifts from that of the everyday playful, trophy wife seen by Torvald and friends, to
that of a self-empowering, willing woman.
Noras first impression on the audience is of an obedient, money-loving, childish
wife. In the first act, Nora seems to just want money from her husband Torvald. In
the first encounter with Torvald after showing him what she just bought for their kids,
she doesnt delay herself in asking for money. Even when asked what she would like
for Christmas, money is her answer. It is impressive how Torvald addresses Nora as
she was just a little girl, or even a pet, my little lark mustnt droop her wings like that.
What? Is my squirrel in the sulks? (Ibsen 842). It seems as if he is talking to a little
child. And he says that as he is giving her money, which makes their interaction
seem almost of a grown grandparent giving money to his precious, favorite young
granddaughter. All of which makes Nora seem more like a prized possession than an
equal partner in marriage. This is how Ibsen first introduces Nora to the audience, as
a simple minded, obedient trophy-wife. Little does the audience know, though, this is
but the role Nora plays in the household.
As the play progresses, the audience comes to learn that due to a sickness
Torvald had in the past, Nora in order to pay for a trip needed to save Torvalds life
was forced to take a loan from a rich man known as Mr. Krogstad. There is a little
subtlety, Nora not only got this loan behind Torvalds back, but in the legal process of
obtaining it, she was forced, due to the circumstances, to forge a signature so that
she could get the money in time to save her husbands life. It is impressive that Nora
was able to get the loan as Noras friend, Mrs. Linden, remarks a wife cant borrow
[money] without her husbands consent (Ibsen 848). This implies Nora is not
completely a money loving fiend who just follows every instruction given by her
husband, but she is a willing and determined individual who does what is needed for
the best of her loved ones.
The plot of the play becomes increasingly interesting when the audience finds out
that now Krogstad is one of the employees of Torvald, and Torvald plans on firing
Krogstad. Krogstad knowing now of the forgery, blackmails Nora on the condition
that if she doesnt persuade Torvald to not fire him, Krogstad would tell Torvald and
everyone else that she forged that signature; in which case it would have legal
consequences for Nora. Yet most significant to Nora, knowing Torvalds abhorrence
towards dishonesty and debt is her fear of ruining her familys image. The revelation
of this secret to the audience completely changes the perception of who Nora truly
is, or at least leaves the audience in a state of momentary confusion without knowing
how to label Nora. This secret shows the strength of her character to carry with a
burden she shouldnt have had to carry on her own. Not only is she paying back for a
debt that shouldnt be hers, but she has been paying back by saving half the money
she is given for clothes and by doing a heap of copying (Ibsen 849) books. It is
admirable what is now known of Nora. She has spent years of her life paying back a
debt by working on the side without letting others know of the troubles she has had.
Specially the fact that the money she got she didnt use for clothes or drinks; the
money was used to save her husbands life. Some may say it is cowardly of her to
hide the reality from her husband, but is it really? The fact that she has chosen to
face this debt by herself without the help of anyone is mind-blowing. Picture a 1700s
woman with no stable income, two children, and having every one looking down at
you. Instead of asking for help to pay it back and telling Torvald it was money used
on him and for him, she takes the hard road by choosing to work what little she can
by earning whatever she can. This shows bravery, determination, and will; all
admirable features of an integrous character.
Finally, when Torvald finds out of the debt and Noras forgery, he rages on at
Nora for what she has done. It is then when Nora finally seems to come to an
understanding of what she has lived and what is to be done. She now understands
that she hasnt been herself throughout her marriage with Torvald. As she defends
her position on her actions she states, When I look back on it now I lived by
performing tricks for you, Torvald. But you would have it so (Ibsen 885). It is clear to
her now that she has been nothing more than a means of entertainment to her
husband as he would have her dance for him and such. And Torvald, as much as he
might have critiqued her in the end for her childish behavior, Nora points out that it is
for performing those tricks he loved of her.
Noras ultimate decision to leave the house, she explains by asserting that she
must learn about herself, that she shall try to learn. I [Nora] must make up my mind
which is right - society or I (Ibsen 886). Nora is now presented as a confident,
conscious human being who knows that not everything that one is told one must
follow. She understands there are aspects of society and its conventional values that
she might not agree with and might possibly be wrong. Torvald then offers to teach
her and she rejects him because she is conscious that she has to educate herself or
at least away from him. She also points out that they never spoke of serious things,
which could be the reason why she believes he isnt right to teach her; along with the
fact that he has been looking down on her since theyve met.
In the end, Nora comes out as a strong willed, independent woman who knows
what she wants. Nora is not only Ibsens vessel to show womens strong character,
but serves the purpose of showing women as equal human beings. Nora also helps
point out that there might some aspects of society which might be incorrect besides
the perception of women as the less sharp sex; the law of those days for example.
All of these are shown with Noras possession of a secret life. In the surface she
appears as a beautiful, fun toy to her husband, father, and even to her friend Mrs.
Linden, but it is only when they find out of her secret life when they start to
appreciate her for more than a beautiful girl that she is. That second life of hers
allows Nora to show that she can work, that she can withstand enormous amounts of
pressure, and that she is capable to do things when she is determined. It is this
secret life that eventually leads to her being freed from that doll house, as she calls
it, and ultimately allows her to leave without being afraid to study and learn about
herself and society.