Ibsen Flashcards
Context
Ibsen wanted to highlight the anomalous position of women in a prevailingly male-dominated society
His plays (ADH and Ghosts) sent profound cultural reverberations through Europe and the world
New term ‘naturalism’ used to describe the play
“Exploded like a bomb into contemporary life” - Koht
Ibsen has been described as a proto-feminist
Economic industrial revolution and growing middle class
How was the play received in Scandinavia?
Arguments raged all over Scandinavia as to whether Nora was right to leave at the end of the play
In Copenhagen, many complained that Nora was unrealistic and that any real wife would “throw herself into her husband’s arms”
How was the play received in England?
First performed in 1889
Barker - “It was the most dramatic event of the decade”
Widespread hostility but also a measure of influential support
What was the alternate German ending?
Actress cast for the role of Nora refused to play the part of such a monster unless the ending was altered
Ibsens forced to write “happy ending” also in Britain and USA
Ibsen’s life
Was ostracised from society due to family’s loss of money
Was never a sociable child and paid schoolmates to avoid him
Theme of financial ruin is evident in the play
Key symbols in the play
Macaroons - Nora’s disobedience and deceit, foreshadows her later rebellion against Torvald
Doll’s House - symbol of entrapment/played with like a doll, she is only valuable to Torvald as attractive /amusing
Tarantella - Nora’s growing sense of passion and a desire to live life on her own terms
Many doors - secrecy and lies
Christmas tree - Nora’s position in her household as a plaything who is pleasing to look at and adds charm to the home
Birds - lack of freedom
Key moments in the play
Bell rings - needs to be let into her own home
Mrs Linde enters - more mature contrasts Nora’s infantilization, has to provide for herself
Nora had borrowed money from Krogstad for an ill Torvald but forged her father’s signature like Krogstad had previously forged
Christmas tree stripped of ornaments
Nora finds some sort of freedom by dancing wildly dancing the tarantella
Mrs Linde and Krogstad have established intellectual equality/equal partnership
Torvald finds letter
Nora leaves
