Henrik Ibsen A Dolls House

Introduction

Henrik Ibsens play a dolls house is intriguing as it provides insight into love and relationships. The author uses several characters to depict various forms of relationships and how each is perceived in the society. From the play, major characters are Nora and Torvald Hermer, Christine Linde, Nils Krogstad and Dr. Rank.

Each character has a different opinion about love and relationship. Portrayal of love in the play reveals why the phenomenon is considered an illusion in the society. In this context lies, deceit, dishonesty and betrayal are common factors that determine the success of a relationship. Few characters in the play seem to understand true love or relationship.

Therefore, lack of understanding and respect affects how people interact when they are in love or marriage relationships.

Character analysis

Nora Helmer

Nora is portrayed as the wife of Torvald Helmer. The author depicts her as a childlike personality to evoke love and admiration from the reader. In addition, this can be evidenced from the childish qualities of Nora when she enjoys a Christmas shopping escapade. The character of Nora exemplifies the traditional matrimonial relationship where the wife is expected to love and be submissive to her husband. Nora playfully obeys her husband even when she is scolded.

In this context, Nora refers to herself as a doll wife (106). Her wit is evidenced when she cleverly forges her fathers signature to save Torvalds life. Such a gesture is portrayed with an utmost element of love. Nora is ready to take risks for the sake of her husband irrespective of the little respects she receives from him. Although, Nora brags about her marriage to her friends, especially to Mrs. Linde, she understands her husbands devotion is questionable.

In this regard, she is ready to commit suicide and save her husband from the embarrassment. Out of love, she does not want her husband to end up in prison. Ultimately, Nora feels betrayed when she realizes that her husbands love was artificial. She says, You have never loved me (105). In fact, Nora realizes the truth of being a child-wife or his doll (106).

In the end, Nora leaves Torvald and embarks on a journey of self-realization. The author uses Noras character to depict how love turns bitter and leaves people with false hopes and betrayal.

Torvald Helmer

Torvald is the husband of Nora and is depicted as a major character in the play. The author implies that any love or marriage relationship is guided and protected by a man. In this regard, the character of Torvald befits this manly role in marriage. In fact, Torvald embraces this role by treating his wife as a child. Apparently, the author sees Torvald as a moral character. The character makes moralistic statements like A home that depends on loans and debts is not beautiful because it is not free (103).

Although such sentiments seem to imply love for the wife they contradict the characters behavior. For example, Torvald goes into the trouble of acting the figure of father for Nora by teaching her how to dance at a costume party. The author depicts Torvalds love for his wife in a bizarre manner. Torvald is insecure about his relationship with Nora to a point of envisioning himself as a savior to his wife.

After the costume party, he says, do you know that I have often wished you were facing some terrible dangers so that I could risk life and limb, risk everything for your sake? (98). Torvalds perception of love is wicked and childish. He is an insecure character who portrays naivety by craving for love from his wife and the society. Indeed, Torvald is a selfish man and betrays his wifes love by asserting how Nora ruined his life.

Christine Linde

The author depicts Mrs. Linde as Noras best friend. Mrs. Lindes character is admirable and attractive considering a sensible worldview she has about life. Besides being a humble woman, Mrs. Linde provides Nora with good advice. Mrs. Lindes love for parents is incomparable with her love for Nora. A sense of responsibility is noticed when Mrs. Linde assumes the obligations to take care of her sick parents. She says, My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless (18).

The author depicts Mrs. Linde as a true heroine who foregoes her right to love. She says I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I was justified in refusing his offer (18). In this context, Mrs. Linde marries for financial security irrespective of her opinion about relationships. The honesty about love is expressed through Mrs. Lindes opinion that suffering and compromise are essential in restoring a broken relationship or marriage.

Nils Krogstad

The author presents Krogstad as an antagonist in the play. Krogstad is dishonest and exemplifies an immoral villain. Krogstad is a selfish individual and this is revealed when he allows Nora to suffer under his watch. The reason Krogstad wants to keep his job is based on a false sense of love. In fact, his love for his children and their future welfare are due to family affection. When responding to Nora about his children welfare, he says, Have you and your husband thought of mine (70).

Krogstads despicable character is driven by Mrs. Linde and societys rejection. According to him, his moral decadence was initiated by a Mrs. Linde love for money. Therefore, Krogstad is a victim of circumstances. However, this man is not entirely a villain without human feelings. The character sympathizes with Noras situation and says even moneylenders, hacks, well, a man like me, can have a little of what you call feeling, you know (70).

Dr. Rank

The author uses the character of Dr. Rank as a symbolic tool in the play. Although Dr. Rank is a friend of Torvald, he seems to be not concerned about others. Dr. Ranks role in portraying love is neutral considering that he is sensitive about his personal life. He says, It is no use lying to ones self (62). In this regard, Dr. Rank takes part in revealing the characters of other individuals in the play.

For example, he says that Mrs. Linde will assume his place in the house. He says, She will be my successor in the house (64). In addition, Dr. Ranks neutrality about love is revealed through his attitude to both Nora and Torvald. Dr. Rank is loved and admired by every person in the society. His honesty and intellectuality are admired by both Nora and Torvald.

Conclusion

The authors themes revolve around love and relationship. From the authors perspective, it is evident that true love does not exist. Portrayal of love in the forms of familial, paternal, maternal and fraternal is intriguing to the reader. Portrayal of romantic love ends up as an illusion to the reader. Noras decision to leave her husband and children is evidence of how love ends in pain.

It is clear that love sometimes is marred with lies, dishonesty, deceit, selfishness and betrayal. In addition, the author seems to acknowledge that a true relationship must involve a commitment of equals. The authors message is that an imbalance due to lack of understanding and respect becomes the bedrock of relationship breakups.