A Doll's House Act 1 Analysis PDF

Summary

This document analyzes Act 1 of Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House." It explores Nora's struggles with guilt and her limited power within a patriarchal society and contrasts this with Torvald's superficiality. It highlights themes of social corruption, repressed women, and the play's underlying criticisms of societal norms and expectations.

Full Transcript

# A Doll's House - Analysis (Act 1) ## Nora's Struggles in Act 1 - Nora wrestles with new problems of fear, guilt, and wrongdoing. - She takes pride in her independent actions, even though they are few. - Nora is proud of her influence on her husband, boasting to Krogstad about it. - Her boasts re...

# A Doll's House - Analysis (Act 1) ## Nora's Struggles in Act 1 - Nora wrestles with new problems of fear, guilt, and wrongdoing. - She takes pride in her independent actions, even though they are few. - Nora is proud of her influence on her husband, boasting to Krogstad about it. - Her boasts reveal her desire to feel useful and important. ## Nora's Limited Power - Although Nora has some influence over Torvald, her power is limited. - When Krogstad asks her to influence Torvald on his behalf, she perceives it as an insult to her husband. - This implies that Torvald fails to conform to the societal belief that the husband should be responsible for all financial and business matters. - Nora sees it as an insult to Torvald for not being a proper husband. ## Torvald's Preoccupation with Appearances - Krogstad wants to become reputable again but shows that he is only interested in reforming his appearance, not his inner self. - Torvald is preoccupied with appearances, something Nora understands and uses to her advantage. - She knows that she can put her husband in a good mood by mentioning the costume she will wear at the dance. - The thought of Nora dressed up and looking beautiful placates Torvald, who takes great pleasure in her beauty. ## The Irony of Torvald's Condemnation - Torvald expresses deep contempt for the moral corruption of Krogstad's sort. - However, he and Nora have committed the same crime - forgery.

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