Noras Symbolism in Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House Essay

Noras Symbolism in Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House In every society power is the bringer of fortune and influence. In his play A Dolls House, Henrik Ibsen portrays, through the character of Nora, the power women are gaining in patriarchal societies. Nora, who symbolizes all women, exercises her power throughout the entire play. She cleverly manipulates the men around her while, to them, she seems to be staying in her subordinate role. In all three acts of the play Nora controls many situations and yields the most power. Act I, along with the introduction of Ibsens tone and style, brought the introduction of power. It seems that since the Helmer household is symbolizing patriarchal European society that male†¦show more content†¦Krogstad feels threatened by her influence because she can be the pivotal deciding factor in whether or not he keeps his job. Nevertheless, Krogstad tries to turn her influence to benefit himself by threatening to reveal her crime if she does not help him to keep his job. This backfires on Krogstad when two women, Nora and Mrs. Linde, manipulate Krogstad into feeling obstinate and therefore he promises never to tell anyone of what Nora has done. Noras power helped her to remain protected throughout the entire play. Torvald, Noras husband, feels powerful by referring to Nora as different types of feeble animals. Nora realizes this and uses it to her advantage. During act II she wants a favor from Torvald so she manipulates him by calling herself the animal names that make Torvald feel dominant. She says, Nora: If your little squirrel were to ask for something very, very prettily--? Torvald: What then? Nora: Would you do it? Torvald: I should like to here what it is first. Nora: Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you would be nice, and do what she wants. Torvald: Speak plainly. Nora: Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song rising and falling- (33) By saying all these things Nora is seemingly proving to Torvald that he has power over her. Luckily, Torvald is not incredulous and feels that Nora is beingShow MoreRelatedRights of Women in the Nineteenth Century and in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House1103 Words   |  5 PagesHenrik Ibsen, who was born in Norway but made his name internationally, was a painter as well as the one of most famous playwrights during the period of Realism. Ibsen’s plays are well-known by the themes of domestic and political issues and conflict in nineteenth century. Scholars call it â€Å"Ibsen’s problems play† (Henrik Ibsen, 650). In addition, in Ibsen’s plays, the general topics that are usually discussed are hypocrisy of the society, restriction of women, and the self-sacrifice. Under theRead MoreAnalysis of A Dolls House Essay1108 Words   |  5 Pageshistorical reality has on an audience. 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