Henrik Ibsen s A Doll s House - 1447 Words

In the modern drama, A Doll’s House, Norwegian author, Henrik Ibsen, place emphasis on the societal expectations, and the character’s response to them. He uses Torvald, and Nora, along with Krogstad, and Kristine, both as couples and as individuals to help showcase this through literary devices. Ibsen’s use of juxtaposition both between the couples, and between the individuals highlight societal norms emphasis on gender roles and appearances in order to show that only social outcast can overcome societal rules to achieve true happiness. One example of this, can be seen between the characters of Nora, and Mrs. Linde. In the beginning, the characters seem to be advocating conformation to social norms, due to Nora’s description as a married†¦show more content†¦Nora, on the others hand, outwardly appears to conform to societal standards unlike Mrs. Linde, yet grows unhappy due to the pressures of hiding what society considers her deviant behavior. Th e combination of trying to maintain her status in society, and trying to protect her children from the corrupting influence of a â€Å"deceitful mother† (Ibsen 27), who Torvald has unknowingly dubbed her, has caused her to have suicidal thoughts. Her conformity in traditional motherly role and her maintainace of her position in society contributes to her depressive state. Finally, toward the end both women switch roles. Nora has an epiphany, becomes unconcerned about her social status, and focus more in depth on intellectual questions, like â€Å"if what the clergyman said is true† about religion and â€Å"who is right, the world or [her]† (Ibsen 68-69). She decides to leave Torvald and her children, in order to pursue self-realization, which was an unheard of act for a woman at the time whose duties were believed to be located at home with her husband. The juxtaposition between the two women is especially prominent here, since as Nora leaves her family, as Mrs. Linde becomes integrated with Krogstad’s. Although, it seems Mrs. Linde is conforming to society, looks are deceiving. She only looks for a partnership, and not a marriage, which allows her to maintain her freedom, both legally, and of societal