Analysis Of A Doll's House By Henrik Isben
Justin Fortner
Mrs. Nishioka
Honors 10A English Period 4
15 April 2013
The Life of a Doll
In “A Doll’s House”, written by Henrik Isben, translated by Michael Meyer, Nora, wife to Trovald, is constantly being treated like a helpless creature and called names like, “squirrel”, “skylark”, and “squander-bird.” Trovald refers to Nora only by names, such as those you give to a pet or a doll. Nora is not allowed to do anything on her own free will and her only job is to entertain and obey every whim of Trovald. She also describes that she has a similar situation with her father, who also treats her like a doll. The symbolic meaning of the title “A Doll’s House” written by Henrik Isben and translated by Michael Meyer refers to Nora who is treated …show more content…
In particular, Nora comes home from shopping for gifts for her family when Trovlad begins to talk down to her like she is a doll and he says to her, “you [can not] deny it, Nora dear. The squander bird’s a pretty little creature, but she [spends] an awful lot of money. [It is] incredible what an expensive pet she is for a man to keep” (1074). Trovald refers to Nora as a squander-bird, a creature, and a pet. Trovald has no respect for Nora and treats her less than a normal human. Furthermore, Nora asks for more money and Trovald turns her down he says, “now, now! My little songbird [must not] droop her wings. [What is] this? Is little squirrel sulking?” (1074). Again, Trovald refers to Nora as something sub-human. He is speaking to her in a tone reserved to animals and creatures. Trovald treats nora like an animal and he has no respect for her or the decisions she …show more content…
For example, as Nora describes the instances she would tell Trovald about the secret loan she took in order to save the life of her husband, to Mrs. Linde she says, “one day I might, yes. Many years from now, when [Nora loses her] looks a little. [Do not] laugh. I mean, of course a time will come when Trovald is not as devoted to [Nora], not quite so happy when [Nora dances] for him, and [dresses] for him, and play with him” (1080). Trovald is only devoted to Nora because she dances, dresses, and plays with him just like a doll would. If Nora were not a doll in Trovald’s house he would lose intrest in her and abandon her. Also, Trovald and Nora are discussing their marriage she realizes the truth of their marriage and says to Trovald, “I [perform] tricks for you, and you [give] me food and drink. But that [is] how you [want us to live]” (1120). Nora performs for Trovlad in the manner that a doll did. However, she does this not out of her own free will, but rather because this is the will of Trovald, her controller. In addition, as she continues to realize the truth of her marriage she says to Trovald, “our home [is nothing] but a playroom. [I have] been your doll-wife, just as I used to be Papa’s doll-child… [That is] all our marriage [is] Trovald” (1120-1121). Throughout her life Nora is nothing but a doll in a doll house. Her father and husband control her and make her
Mrs. Nishioka
Honors 10A English Period 4
15 April 2013
The Life of a Doll
In “A Doll’s House”, written by Henrik Isben, translated by Michael Meyer, Nora, wife to Trovald, is constantly being treated like a helpless creature and called names like, “squirrel”, “skylark”, and “squander-bird.” Trovald refers to Nora only by names, such as those you give to a pet or a doll. Nora is not allowed to do anything on her own free will and her only job is to entertain and obey every whim of Trovald. She also describes that she has a similar situation with her father, who also treats her like a doll. The symbolic meaning of the title “A Doll’s House” written by Henrik Isben and translated by Michael Meyer refers to Nora who is treated …show more content…
In particular, Nora comes home from shopping for gifts for her family when Trovlad begins to talk down to her like she is a doll and he says to her, “you [can not] deny it, Nora dear. The squander bird’s a pretty little creature, but she [spends] an awful lot of money. [It is] incredible what an expensive pet she is for a man to keep” (1074). Trovald refers to Nora as a squander-bird, a creature, and a pet. Trovald has no respect for Nora and treats her less than a normal human. Furthermore, Nora asks for more money and Trovald turns her down he says, “now, now! My little songbird [must not] droop her wings. [What is] this? Is little squirrel sulking?” (1074). Again, Trovald refers to Nora as something sub-human. He is speaking to her in a tone reserved to animals and creatures. Trovald treats nora like an animal and he has no respect for her or the decisions she …show more content…
For example, as Nora describes the instances she would tell Trovald about the secret loan she took in order to save the life of her husband, to Mrs. Linde she says, “one day I might, yes. Many years from now, when [Nora loses her] looks a little. [Do not] laugh. I mean, of course a time will come when Trovald is not as devoted to [Nora], not quite so happy when [Nora dances] for him, and [dresses] for him, and play with him” (1080). Trovald is only devoted to Nora because she dances, dresses, and plays with him just like a doll would. If Nora were not a doll in Trovald’s house he would lose intrest in her and abandon her. Also, Trovald and Nora are discussing their marriage she realizes the truth of their marriage and says to Trovald, “I [perform] tricks for you, and you [give] me food and drink. But that [is] how you [want us to live]” (1120). Nora performs for Trovlad in the manner that a doll did. However, she does this not out of her own free will, but rather because this is the will of Trovald, her controller. In addition, as she continues to realize the truth of her marriage she says to Trovald, “our home [is nothing] but a playroom. [I have] been your doll-wife, just as I used to be Papa’s doll-child… [That is] all our marriage [is] Trovald” (1120-1121). Throughout her life Nora is nothing but a doll in a doll house. Her father and husband control her and make her