Doll's House-Historical Analysis
During Ibsen’s time, there existed a great disparity between the rights of men and women. From 1850 to 1880, there was an awakening consciousness about gender equality, which became a prominent topic in Europe. With the “first wave” of feminism, writers engaged in literary portrayal of gender issues to make society further reflect upon the matter. Upon analyzing the historical context of “A Doll’s House”, we see that Ibsen, like others, started to question traditional gender roles because of certain events that occurred back then.
The French Revolution in 1789 altered society’s view of a woman’s role and identity. Women participated in riots, fought for their right to education, and proved that their capabilities exceeded society’s expectations. At first, these riots and demands for certain rights had minimal effect, but their eventual amplification left indelible marks. Ibsen portrays a similar process when Nora shuts the door behind her in the end of the play, marking the start of something that has a great potential to affect others.
Another significant event that influenced the question of traditional gender roles, as well as “A Doll’s House”, was the Industrial Revolution. From 1750 to 1850, the development of machines and better technology allowed workers to take on better-paying jobs. Class divisions in society were formed. Most people belonged in the middle class and fussed over appearance and reputation. This idea is bolstered by the middle class characters in “A Doll’s House”. For example: the character Torvald Helmer is a banker who values his reputation amongst his friends and acquaintances. Men believed that a “good appearance” consisted of the husband working while the wife solely doing house chores. Thus, women were restrained from what they wanted to do. In the play, Nora could not earn or borrow money because she was a woman, no matter what kind of situation she was in.
When Ibsen wrote “A Doll’s House”, social Darwinism was a
The French Revolution in 1789 altered society’s view of a woman’s role and identity. Women participated in riots, fought for their right to education, and proved that their capabilities exceeded society’s expectations. At first, these riots and demands for certain rights had minimal effect, but their eventual amplification left indelible marks. Ibsen portrays a similar process when Nora shuts the door behind her in the end of the play, marking the start of something that has a great potential to affect others.
Another significant event that influenced the question of traditional gender roles, as well as “A Doll’s House”, was the Industrial Revolution. From 1750 to 1850, the development of machines and better technology allowed workers to take on better-paying jobs. Class divisions in society were formed. Most people belonged in the middle class and fussed over appearance and reputation. This idea is bolstered by the middle class characters in “A Doll’s House”. For example: the character Torvald Helmer is a banker who values his reputation amongst his friends and acquaintances. Men believed that a “good appearance” consisted of the husband working while the wife solely doing house chores. Thus, women were restrained from what they wanted to do. In the play, Nora could not earn or borrow money because she was a woman, no matter what kind of situation she was in.
When Ibsen wrote “A Doll’s House”, social Darwinism was a