Complex Relationships Between Characters in A Dollhouse by...

Complex Relationships Between Characters in A Dollhouse by Henrik Ibsen A Dollhouse by Henrik Ibsen is the story of one woman’s struggle to free herself from a world of guilt and false livelihood. The story is based on the author’s own account of a fellow friend and journalist named Laura Peterson Kieler who was burdened with a hidden crime just as Nora, the main character, is(Ibsen, 1785). According to Ibsen, Kieler illegally borrowed money with the help of a bank associate by forging the signature of her wealthy father. The money was used to pay for her ailing husband’s medical needs. Ibsen’s storyline in A Dollhouse is an exact replica of the events of Kieler’s conflicts, but the character of Nora is based on another†¦show more content†¦The titled â€Å"dollhouse† is created because of the way they act toward each other. Nora, being Torvald’s baby and unmovable attachment, and Torvald being the domineering master of the household. Their entire relationship is based on a false sense of reality created by their baby-like banter and the nievity in which they carry out the day to day actions of their lives. For example, Torvald calls Nora his â€Å"little lark†(Ibsen, 1668) and â€Å"little squirrel†(Ibsen, 1668). Although this simple name-calling may be considered romantic and loving, there is a hidden side to both characters that is concealed in these childish actions. Helmer grows accustom to being the father figure to Nora and in essence begins to believe in its false meaning. Their relationship is need-based not only from a financial standpoint but from the need for future respect as well. The author states â€Å"Nora is happy because she sees the future in wholly economic terms.†(Hemmer, 1790) Nora has to keep her doll-like image to ensure her future and also to keep her secrets and true identity from being revealed.(Ibsen, 71) She believes that if her strong independent side is shown to her husband he will find out all the things she is hiding including her criminal relationship with Krogstad. Torvald keeps his place in the acting dollhouse because he has hidden feelings like Nora’s that will ruin his â€Å"good-guy† reputation if out in the open.Show MoreRelatedNora Helmer s A Doll s House2548 Words   |  11 Pagessomeone else is trying to rewrite yours? Although Nora Helmer is a part of Torvald’s dollhouse she begins to realize that she has given up her desires, ambition, and dignity just to play the role in his life. When the door slams at the end of â€Å"A Doll’s House† by Henry Ibsen, No one would not believe the woman walking out of her house is the same one who appeared at the beginning of the play. The main character in this play is Nora. Nora goes through a complete transformation, changing from a childRead Moreâ€Å"a Doll’s Trifles† a Essay Comparing the Plays â€Å"Trifles† and â€Å"Dollhouse.†1937 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"A Doll’s Trifles† A essay comparing the plays â€Å"Trifles† and â€Å"Dollhouse.† Joshua Long English 102 Amy Lannon