A Doll's House Act 1 Essay

Words: 739
Pages: 3

In Henrik Ibsen’s drama, A Doll House, Act 1 displays a dynamic relationship between Nora and Torvald. Nora is the wife of Torvald and is seen as inferior in the eyes of her husband. Throughout Act 1, it is apparent that he does not take her seriously nor does he believe in her ability to make wise decisions regarding money. Nora’s actions support her husband’s beliefs as she agrees with everything he tells her to accomplish. Torvald views her as nothing but a doll to him instead of an equal. Ibsen’s use of controversial gender roles in Act 1 sheds light on how women are viewed in society by men. Also, he reflects on how the use of money can cause a drift in a relationship. In the beginning, Ibsen utilizes tone between the characters. Nora and Torvald make the reader believe that their relationship is built purely on gender roles and finances. Nora shows excitement about Christmas and has a desire to decorate the house with brand new items. Instantly, Torvald believes her willingness to buy Christmas decorations stem from her being a woman. He automatically assumes that she is not financially responsible with money because she is a female. As the two debates over borrowing money, Torvald exclaims, “Nora, …show more content…
Nora’s conversation shifts from her catching up with Mrs. Linde to her speaking about what she is going through personally. The audience soon realizes Nora has borrowed money without the consent of her husband. It is revealed that she is not as trustworthy as she seemed to be before and Torvald does not have total control over her actions. Although Torvald specifically told Nora to never borrow money, she did it anyway, which causes irony through the drama in Act 1. Torvald may believe that his overbearing nature is impacting Nora’s actions, but in reality it makes her not communicate with him. Nora confides in telling Mrs. Linde her problems with communication, she states the