Noras Decision in A Doll's House
Ibsen wrote the play 'A Doll's House' in the late 1800's when women's rights was a very controversial subject and the male dominated society was not yet ready to acknowledge women as equal counterparts.The antagonist of the play,'Nora' abandoned her husband and children without so much as a second thought.The literal sound of it may make one think it was selfish of her but if one reads between the lines one realizes that her decision was the outcome of years of built up frustration because of being under appreciated and oppressed.Nora's decision,though rash was completely justified and I would agree with her. The play starts with Nora instructing to her maid to hide the Christmas tree away before the kids come and her husband enters and fondly calls her names like 'squirrel' and 'sky-lark'.The first few paragraphs show how Nora's role in her own house was scarcely more than taking care of her children and pleasing her husband like he were her lord.The names Trovald calls Nora though cute are actually quite demeaning,in fact throught the play he disrespects her lovingly but consistently.I could go to the extent of saying that Trovald's attitude toward Nora was such that one may think she was nothing more than a possession,a prize or maybe even a glorified domestic pet for her husband.Nora in Trovald's life was as a slave would be,bearing and taking care of his children in return for food and shelter.Trovald also teases Nora about her buying the Christmas ornaments and shows her little respect by saying to her things like "Don't disturb me."(pg 1681) and also in Act 3 when he says."Have a good long sleep; you know you are safe and sound under my wing.He also doesn't consider her as an equal in the household matters.He bars her from taking any responsibility in the household beyond dealing with the children. She is treated, by him, like a child herself.Moreover,Torvald also expects that Nora will agree with him on all matters of importance. His opinions are to be