Literary Analysis of "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen
In the play “A Doll’s House” Henrik Ibsen introduces us to Nora Helmer and shows us how spontanesly her design of the ideal life can change when a secret of her is revealed. Nora’s husbands promotion to Manager of the town Bank, leaves her convince she will be living a wonderful life; stress and worry free. However, Nora’s idea of a wonderful life is completely changed when her long-kept secret is revealed.
It is Christmas time when the play begins and with a larger income starting after the New Year, Nora is excited for a arrival of a new life. Yet, this ideal life for her begins to change when an old friend by the name of Mrs. Linde pays a visit to the Helmer household. Mrs. Linde, looking for a job has come to Nora looking for help through her husband; this excitement has Nora believing “He must Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject very cleverly- I will think of something that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to be you” (677). Although, Torvald is happy to offer Mrs. Linde a job, Nora is unaware is has taken one step closer to her secret being reveal.
As the story unfolds Nora begins to realize her husband’s ability to give Mrs. Linde’s new job, means Mr. Krogstand the man holding her secret is left unemployed; causing Nora to realize the cons of helping Mrs. Linde. “By matters of business- such as business as you and I have had together-do you think I don’t understand that? Very Well. Do as you please. But let me tell you this- If I lose my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me” (688). Mr. Krogstand uses the powers he has over Nora, to try and keep his job. He explains to her, that if he loses his place at the bank to Mrs. Lindke, he will be sure to tell Nora’s secret to her family. Realizing what this would do to the wonderful life to come after the New Year, she begs Torvald to find a place for Mr. Krogstand. However, Torvald opts not to find a position for him and with Mr.
It is Christmas time when the play begins and with a larger income starting after the New Year, Nora is excited for a arrival of a new life. Yet, this ideal life for her begins to change when an old friend by the name of Mrs. Linde pays a visit to the Helmer household. Mrs. Linde, looking for a job has come to Nora looking for help through her husband; this excitement has Nora believing “He must Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject very cleverly- I will think of something that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to be you” (677). Although, Torvald is happy to offer Mrs. Linde a job, Nora is unaware is has taken one step closer to her secret being reveal.
As the story unfolds Nora begins to realize her husband’s ability to give Mrs. Linde’s new job, means Mr. Krogstand the man holding her secret is left unemployed; causing Nora to realize the cons of helping Mrs. Linde. “By matters of business- such as business as you and I have had together-do you think I don’t understand that? Very Well. Do as you please. But let me tell you this- If I lose my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me” (688). Mr. Krogstand uses the powers he has over Nora, to try and keep his job. He explains to her, that if he loses his place at the bank to Mrs. Lindke, he will be sure to tell Nora’s secret to her family. Realizing what this would do to the wonderful life to come after the New Year, she begs Torvald to find a place for Mr. Krogstand. However, Torvald opts not to find a position for him and with Mr.