Unreliability of Appearances in A Dolls House Essay

Over the course of Henrik Ibens A Dolls House, appearances prove to be misleading, which, in turn lead to the revelation of the reality of the plays characters and situations. The first impressions of Nora, Torvald, and Krogstadt are all eventually undercut. Nora initially seems to be a silly, childish woman, but as the play goes on, we see that she is intelligent, motivated, and, in the end, a strong-willed, independent thinker. Torvald plays the role of the strong benevolent husband, but later reveals himself to be cowardly, petty and selfish when he thinks that Krogstadt might expose him to scandal. And once Krogstadt situation is explained, he evolves from a villainous character to more of a sympathetic one. Ibsen does a†¦show more content†¦Other minor characters, such as Mrs. Linde and Dr. Rank, are also given initial characterizations. Mrs. Linde appears to dislike Krogstadt, while Dr. Rank is originally led on to be Noras creditor, but as we would later find, neither was the case. There are several factors that contribute to each characters evolution. The change in Nora is sparked when she, without Torvalds knowledge, illegally borrows money to pay for their trip to Italy. She is dishonest with him and says the money came from her father. This is the first of many lies that Nora tells to her husband, before it all comes to a head. The deliberate dishonesty marks the first of many changes in her. Torvalds change in character may have been more of a suppression of traits, rather that a change of nature. He is a very proud man and he doesnt take well to humiliation. This hadnt been expressed very frequently due to the lack of embarrassment that he had endured in his life to date. But once there is a slight sign that his pride is in jeopardy or he is being made a mockery of, he reacts uneasily and negatively. At one point in the play, he fears that Krogstadt would make him a laughing stock before the entire staff. And toward the end of the play, he says his chief concern is saving the appearance of he and Noras household. When his image is in anyShow MoreRelatedHenrik Ibsen s A Doll s House1247 Words   |  5 PagesHenrik Ibsen’s â€Å"A Doll’s House,† at first take, is often seen as what he suggest by naming it as such. But, by reading carefully or watching, as it is a play, there are certain things to pick up that really help the play come together as so much more. Through his use of symbols, motifs, and reoccurring â€Å"women-based† themes, Henrik Ibsen effectively presents his characters, and the play as a whole, as a wonderful work of art and a great â€Å"problem play.† It is in the first line, that the season inRead MoreA Doll House by Henrik Ibsen7379 Words   |  30 PagesMa. Jennifer S. Yap Dr. Sherwin Perlas World Literature January 14, 2012 A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen Translated by Rolf Fjelde I. Introduction During the late nineteenth century, women were enslaved in their gender roles and certain restrictions were enforced on them by a male dominant culture. Every woman was raised believing that they had neither self-control nor self-government but that they must yield to the control of a stronger gender. John Stuart Mill wrote in his essay, â€Å"The Subjection