Free Essay - Nora in Act 1 in Ibsens A Dolls House :: Dolls House essays

The Character of Nora in Act 1 of A Dolls House The character of Nora, of Isbens A Dolls House, is particularly difficult to interpret. Her character is constructed by the combination of a number of varying traits. Throughout Act 1 her ambiguity is particularly prominent. Her frivolous, playful moments ar readily followed by moments of practicality and astuteness. It is not surprising that Nora is such a changeable character for she is constantly interchanging between three main roles a supporting wife, rudimentary mother and sexual being. Ibsen uses the metaphor of a doll inside a doll house to portray Noras attempt to become an individual while limit inside a male dominated world. Her wish to become self motivated is obstructed by Torvalds power over her. Noras home is the realization of national bliss, preserved and presented like A Dolls House. Lacking experience of life in the real world and oblivious to the outdoor hardships, Nora is vulnerable. She enters muffled in protec tion from the outside, portray symbolically through her coat, scarf etc. Immediately, Nora appears childlike and coquettish. She orders Helene in an excitable tone to hide the Christmas tree as the children mustnt see it till tonight. Noras secretiveness in wanting to hide the tree, extends further, and is a constant theme. Following Torvalds light- hearted interrogation with regard to whether she has had any macaroons, she becomes nervous and lies, No Torvald, I promise...No No...Torvald I swear. Of course, this is particularly important as the entire play rotates around Noras big secret. With the entrance of Krogstad, Noras sense of fun abandons her. Her attempt to enforce her social superiority over him is genuinely intimidated. In her enterprising attempt to be superior she states one isnt without influence. However, within moments she is forced into pleading Mr. Krogstad, I dont have any influence. Noras stereotyped roll as a doll confined to a dolls house constantly being fa thered by Torvald encourages her childlike manner. However an entirely different contradicting side to Noras character is revealed when Nora explains exactly what she did for Helmer. Although Nora is a woman who shirks or is probably unaware of her responsibilities (particularly with regard to her children who are under permanent care of Ann- Marie) here she has, apparently, fulfilled something of her duty as a wife. Her ain attitude to her action, which in her mind saved Torvalds life is very childlike.