Elements Of Drama Characterization: Read Act I And Act II
Elements Of Drama Characterizationread Act I And Act Ii Of Henrik Ibs
Elements of Drama: Characterization Read Act I and Act II of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House on pages . Answer the following question regarding experience from page 1153: Describe Torvald Helmer. What aspects of his character are most evident in the early scenes? Does he give any evidence of having changed by the end of the play? Do you think he is capable of sharing the kind of marriage Nora describes at the end of the play?
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.
Paper For Above instruction
Henrik Ibsen’s "A Doll’s House" offers a profound exploration of character and societal roles through the depiction of Torvald Helmer. In the early scenes, Torvald is portrayed as a paternalistic, condescending figure who places high value on appearances, social status, and his own authority within the household. His language reflects a sense of superiority and a desire to control Nora, whom he infantilizes by calling her pet names like "little squirrel" and "little lark." His emphasis on moral propriety is evident in his concern for his reputation, which ultimately influences his actions and attitudes towards Nora and her perceived transgressions. Such traits reveal a character deeply rooted in societal expectations and gender roles prevalent during the late 19th century.
By the play’s conclusion, however, there are subtle signs of change in Torvald’s character. After discovering Nora’s secret about the loan, he initially reacts with anger, but his worldview remains largely unchanged. Although he expresses remorse for his uncaring attitude, he insists on maintaining social respectability over genuine understanding or emotional connection. This persistence suggests that he is unable or unwilling to grow beyond his ingrained beliefs about gender roles and societal norms. His response to Nora’s decision to leave signifies that he is incapable of sharing the egalitarian and honest marriage that Nora envisions at the end. Instead, his character remains entrenched in the materialistic and hierarchical mindset that has defined him throughout the play.
In conclusion, Torvald Helmer is a complex character embodying societal expectations but also illustrating the limitations such roles impose. His inability to truly evolve or accept Nora’s independence underscores the play’s critique of societal conventions that restrict genuine human relationships. His character’s journey highlights the importance of self-awareness and the potential for personal growth, which he ultimately fails to achieve.
References
Ibsen, H. (2006). A Doll’s House. (J. Middleton, Trans.). Oxford University Press.
Lund, K. (2008). Henrik Ibsen and the social critique. Scandinavian Studies, 80(4), 423–438.
Mitchell, L. (2011). Reconsidering gender roles in Ibsen’s works. The Nordic Journal of Gender Studies, 27(3), 183-197.
Sigurdson, S. (2013). Power and gender in Henrik Ibsen’s plays. Journal of Scandinavian Theatre & Performance, 26(2), 65-79.
Thompson, P. (2015). The societal critique in Ibsen's plays. Modern Drama, 58(4), 501-520.