Physical or Geographical surroundings Flashcards
In what ways do cultural, physical or geographical surroundings influence the characters in the two works you have studied? (Background + Purpose)
A doll’s house
1) Cultural Surroundings: Written in 1879, this play reflects the rigid societal norms of 19th-century Europe, where middle- and upper-class women were expected to conform to traditional roles as dutiful wives and mothers. These cultural expectations heavily influence Nora Helmer, the protagonist.
2) Physical Surroundings: The Helmer home acts as a physical representation of the “dollhouse” that traps Nora. Its neatness and confinement mirror her restricted existence.
3) Geographical Context: Set in Norway, the play reflects the bourgeois lifestyle common in Scandinavian societies of the time, where appearance and reputation dictated personal and family worth.
Mrs. Faust
1) Cultural Surroundings: This poem is set in a modern, consumerist society, where success is measured by wealth, materialism, and status. Mrs. Faust’s life revolves around appearances, showcasing a lack of deeper human connection or moral compass.
2) Physical Surroundings: Mrs. Faust lives in a world of privilege, characterized by luxury homes, high-status possessions, and social events, which reflect her emotional detachment and moral hollowness.
3) Geographical Context: The poem’s geographical setting is less defined but points to a Western, capitalist world, highlighting the universality of its critique of materialism and moral decay.
Purpose of A doll’s house (ibsen’s message)
Ibsen’s Message:
Ibsen critiques the stifling social norms that inhibit individuality and equality, particularly for women. Nora’s realization that her surroundings and societal role have shaped her identity leads her to reclaim her agency by leaving her family.
The play calls for societal change, emphasizing personal freedom and self-discovery over societal conformity.
Purpose of Mrs. Faust
Duffy critiques the emptiness of materialism and the moral compromises made in the pursuit of wealth and status. Mrs. Faust remains detached from her surroundings, highlighting how physical and cultural excess create an emotional void.
The poem serves as a modern cautionary tale, suggesting that geographical privilege and cultural affluence can lead to a loss of humanity and moral grounding.
