A Doll House A Doll s House Author

A Doll House/ A Doll’s House • Author: Henrik Ibsen (1828 -1906) - written in 1879 - Takes place in Norway during the Victorian Era - The public found the play “unacceptable”

Overview of the story • This is the story of Nora Helmer, an upper middle class woman, who is married with three children. Her husband, Torvald, has just gotten a job as bank manager that will start after Christmas.

• As was typical Nora does not work and stays at home. The Helmers have a maid (Helene), and a nanny, Anne-Marie, who cares for the three children.

• Dr. Rank is a good friend of Torvald’s who visits the Helmers daily. • He is suffering from a fatal disease, but is keeping the severity of the disease from the Helmers.

As the play opens… • It is just before Christmas and all seems well in the Helmer household. • An old friend of Nora’s, Kristine Linde, appears at her door. • It is soon revealed that Nora has a big secret she has been keeping from her husband, but she believes the secret will disappear after Christmas.

But then… • As in keeping with a tragedy, things do not go as planned and her situation goes from bad to worse. • Nora (like other main character’s of tragedies) is a tragic heroine and she has a tragic flaw.

Problem Plays • Serious dramas in which society’s expectations created problems in people’s lives and were presented on stage realistically and in detail • Ibsen play does not include a “neat” ending which left people debating the choices made by characters and what the “correct” ending should be.

Modern Realistic Prose Drama 1. Reflects ordinary language; written in prose not verse 2. Depicts characters and situations as they really are 3. Addresses controversial issues and society’s assumptions

Henrik Ibsen • … was the creator of the Modern Realistic Prose Drama • … used theatre as a way to give social commentary on socially unacceptable issues • … father went bankrupt and family was socially rejected • … also went bankrupt early in his career

Major Conflicts • Nora vs. self • Nora vs. Torvald

Major Topics • • The role of women Families & parenthood Truth vs. deception Appearances vs. reality