The Release Of The Puppet From The Puppet Master
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Henrik Isbens play A Dolls House, takes place during the late 1870s where the gender roles were much different from what they currently are. Ibsen paints an uninviting picture of the sacrificial role held by women of all economic classes in this time period. Torvalds view on gender roles is distorted; he believes that a mans role in marriage is to protect and guide his wife. His view on gender roles is molded by societys view on gender roles. Back during the 1870s, the wifes role in the marriage is to provide moral support for husband. Therefore Noras role in the relationship is like one of an accessory. Torvald treats Nora like a doll and at some points a child. He manipulates her emotions by either giving her money to make her happy or dehumanizing her by calling her his “little skylark” or “my squirrel”. He enjoys the idea that Nora needs his guidance, but by the end of the play, Torvalds actions are the reasons for Noras rebellion, and ultimately the reason why Nora leaves Torvald to seek her independence.
The relationship between Nora and Torvald is a frail one to start with. Their relationship is one built off secrets and deception. The tension between the two is so great that Nora has to lie to Torvald about things as insignificant as eating a macaroon. So when it comes to a more significant issue like the loan that was granted to Nora and how she really received it, it is understandable why she keeps it a secret. Since Torvald is against borrowing money, Nora tells him that she raised the money herself. In actuality, Nora forges her fathers signature on the promissory note. This demonstrates that Nora is
able to make the correct decision involving money, something that Torvald thinks Nora is incapable of because of her gender.
Noras action spoke volumes about her dedication to Torvald. Even though she had to lie about it, it was understandable because Torvald could never accept the idea that his wife had helped save his life. Furthermore, she must work in secret to pay off her loan because it was illegal for a woman to obtain a loan without her husbands permission. That was why Nora was constantly asking Torvald for money. Torvald thought that she was going to use the money on herself and her own material needs but in actuality she was paying back the loan. That demonstrates that she understands the business details related to the debt she incurred to preserve Torvalds health, her actions indicate that she is intelligent and possesses capacities beyond the traditional roles of a housewife.
Krogstads blackmail and the