Cultural Contexts In 'A Doll's House And Juno'

‘Various social groups, large and small, are influenced or shaped by the cultural contexts in texts’ Discuss
The three texts I have studied are the novel ‘The Story of Lucy Gault’ (LG) by William Trevor, the play ‘A Doll’s House’ (ADH) by Henrik Ibsen, and the film ‘Juno’ directed by Jason Reitman. All three are substantially concerned with the struggles of each of the female protagonists. LG is set in 1921 Ireland and follows an upper class Anglo-Irish family living in Lahardane, Co. Waterford. This was a time when there was a distinct social class divide and the fight for equality of the sexes was non-existent. Similarly ADH is set in 1880s, Norway where a class divide was also prominent and women were inferior citizens of society. Contrastingly
In ADH, Torvald plays no part in looking after the children, as it is the woman’s role, this adheres to the archaic cultural context of their time. Nora treats them as doll children and playthings, just like she was brought up. She shelters them and gives them a unrealistic experience of life, as her father gave her. However the disintegration of the family unit is shocking and flies in the face of social convention. She walks out on them, abandoning her duty as a mother. This is not influenced by the cultural context of the time, as the norm would be the complete opposite of her actions. This familial instability contrasts starkly with ’Juno’. The MacGuffs stick together through adversity and offer unwavering support. Brenda describes Juno as “a little Viking” while Mac offers his support as he says, “I don’t want you to get ripped off by baby-starved wing nuts”. Despite the comedic nature of this, the support offered is incredible and highlights their strong bond. This is offered in a time of adversity when Juno has gone against social norms, falling pregnant age 16, but unlike ADH the family remains strong in times of crisis. Similarly in LG the family is “a trinity sustained by affection”, their bond is incredibly strong and when broken leaves all of the family in a horrendous state, causing them all to shut down emotionally. The horrific separation of 8 year old Lucy
In ADH, the Helmers belong to the upper middle class while Krogstad, a bank clerk, and Christine Linde, a secretary, belong to the lower middle class. Torvald sees himself as a pillar of society and looks down on those who are less well-off. He denounces Krogstad as “morally destroyed” and feels “physically ill” in his presence. He cannot tolerate being called by his first name at work as he sees this as disrespectful. This highlights the apparent class divide of the time, which is indicative of the cultural context. Similarly in LG there is a clear class divide between the landed class Gault family and the native Irish peasants. However, contrasting with Torvald’s pompous nature, the Gaults treat their servants with great respect and they are almost a part of the family. Everard took no issue with engaging in menial tasks with the servants such as sweeping the house chimneys with Henry whom looks after the farm. They even go as far as allowing them to farm the land and remain in the gate lodge when they leave Lahardane. This is an extraordinary act of kindness, atypical of Irish society at the time. Similarly there is a clear division of social class in ‘Juno’. The MacGuffs are part of the lower middle class while the Lorings are upper middle class. The MagGuffs house is cluttered, untidy and a jumbled mess of various paraphernalia. Driving a old, battered Previa to the Loring house in “Glacial Valley” we see the