Abbey He 9496

A Dolls House Reflective Statement

The interactive orals gave background to Henrik Ibsens A Dolls
house by providing background knowledge on the author and the
time period during which is was performed. Each presentation gave
insight to a different topic such as Ibsens life and works and 20th
century Norway society.
As a modern audience member, it is difficult to perceive the amount
of shock that those observing the play during the 20th century had
experienced. When I first read the play, I did not take into
consideration the social limitations in Norway at the time, which
meant I did not view the actions of Nora with particularly strong
emotions. It was irresponsible for Nora to be leaving her children but
considering the oppression and bigotry she experienced throughout
the play, I personally thought it was hardly impossible for her to feel
the need to escape.
After the interactive orals however, I learnt that in 20th century
Norway, women had a much lower social status than men meaning
they had little rights and control over themselves and their family.
They were expected to dedicate their whole lives to household
duties, catering to their husbands every demand. Keeping this in
mind, it is understandable that the 20th century audience had such a
disproving reaction to the last scene where Nora leaves her family
for personal discovery. This was such a shock that not only was the
audience outraged but the actress portraying Nora refused to take
on the role unless Ibsen changed the ending to one where Nora
gives Torvald a chance and stays.
Critics today have many different views on the play. Some say it is
outdated and cannot evoke the same emotions from the audience
as it did during Ibsens time. The only shock factor would most likely
be Nora walking out on her children and not the fact that she
societys expectation for her as a woman. Others argue that the play
still remains iconic, especially in countries still striving for womens
suffrage. Strangely enough, the play received positive reception in
China, a country that is still relatively male chauvinistic. The female
audience in China felt empowered by the message conveyed
through Ibsens play, leading to a Chinese remake focusing more the
aspect of arranged marriage.
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