Ibsen, quoteless 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.
Ibsen was 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.
