ADH and ASND Comparisons Flashcards
Torvald Helmer and Stanley Kowalski’s hunger for power
Both these characters thrive on dominion over their wives, Nora and Stella. When these women are fed up and go to leave them, however, the men are broken and needy, begging them to stay and handing the power over to the women
Nora and Blanche: There’s good inside
Both blanche and Nora keep big secrets from their lovers. They make messes of things, but have genuine good intentions, although now they’re paying for their mistakes. Blanche loses her mind, while Nora seems to, briefly. Both have watched their loved ones die. They’re also both living in a fantasy, by choice. They’re dreamers, who face unfortunate realities in the end.
Theme: Finite love
Both stores concern how many aspects affect and get in the way of love. Blanche and mitch face Blanche’s past, Stella and Nora’s lovers are in it for the power and image, the nanny in ADH had to orphan her child to offer her a better life, Mrs. Linde left Krogstad to devote her time to taking care of her family, and Nora abandons her children in pursuit of self.
All dressed up with nowhere to go
The masquerade dress in ADH represents Nora’s false identity of a naïve, innocent plaything for Torvald. When masquerade ends, her secret is revealed. Blanche also implements costume and fake jewelry to convince herself that she is wealthy and desirable.
