Mrs Linde (Up to P163)

Mrs Linde is the symbol of liberation of women. On one hand, Mrs Linde still long for the moments when she is rid of her independence and protected under the wings of her husband. ‘Poor mother’s gone, she doesn’t need me any longer. Nor do the boys – they’re working, they can look after themselves… just unspeakably empty – I’ve no one to live for any more.’ Though she may be ‘a lot older’, she is still vulnerable and is not accustomed to the way of life where she has nowhere to place her burdens, to place her struggles. Yet on the other hand, she cherishes her independence, she is proud of her work, that she has gained respect amongst her family who now does not need her anymore – ‘of course I’m proud – and glad – to know that I was able to make Mother’s last days a little easier.’ Without a husband, Mrs Linde naturally takes on a masculine role in the family, she displays some characteristics that are only present in males in the 1900s. At the start, she ‘[looked] down’ on Nora as she is seen as an inexperienced ‘baby’ who is controlled by her husband in every way possible. However as the plot progresses, Nora’s experience unfolds, Mrs Linde sees that she is far from vulnerable and inexperienced, admiration begin to form. Here, Ibsen hints that without the burden that society and men places on them – expecting they would do anything their ‘protector’ tells them to do, expecting that they are content in just having the responsibility of looking after a family, anything that may be damaging to their wellbeing are gotten rid off by their husbands; women will be able to escape their ‘cages’, experience the society, indulge in its ups and downs. This would allow women to gain respect, to rise up in the social hierarchy, to prove to men that they are able to achieve everything men are able to accomplish. And with that, equality will come, gender differences will soon be overcome and independence will be given to all, identities will not longer be forged by society, but rather by the individuals.

Relationship of Nora and Torvald (opening scene)

In the opening scene of the play ‘A Doll’s House’ by Henrik Ibsen, the relationship of Nora and Torvald is portrayed through the effective usage of stage directions and the use of dialogue.  Nora and Torvald’s relationship is illustrated as one of full of deception, of uneven balance in power, these has arisen because Nora is somewhat ‘afraid’ of Torvald’ and this is due to the differences in the social hierarchy as a result of gender differences. At the very beginning, Nora’s careless attitude towards money forms a stark contrast with that of her husband’s, ‘keep the change.’ It is almost as though Torvald focuses on building his status on the foundation of money and consequently is unable to be generous like Nora. In a society of today where women are liberated and are emancipated from the restrictions society  and especially men, places on them, Nora and Torvald’s relationship seems unusual, Torvald is the dictator of the family. It is not ‘husband and wife relationship’ but his references to Nora as ‘Miss Sweet Tooth’ conveys rather, a child/father relationship. The use of the possessive pronoun ‘my’ and the use of ‘little’ in the pet name Torvald has for Nora, ‘my sweet little skylark’ furthermore emphasises this idea of a child/father relationship. Nora understands her position in the family, she believes that Torvald wants to control her in such way that she is ‘caged’. In Tovald’s opion, Nora is submissive to him and that she never dares to ‘[go] against’ his wishes. However deception is soon apparent, conveyed by the incident of the macaroon. Torvald questions Nora through a number of playful accusations, this questioning is done in a manner that would indicate a child/father relationship. Torvald asks in an condescending tone ‘didn’t little sweet-tooth just look in at the confectioner’s?’, the diminutive ‘little sweet-tooth’ is used to emphasises a woman’s low status in society, that she must be controlled by her husband in order to survive in the world of unbalanced power, of injustice towards women and of their loss of independency. Though seemingly unbelievable in our modern society today, this is in fact a very conventional way of life in the 1900s. The repetition of ‘no’ in the Nora’s responses following Torvald’s degrading questions and remarks simply shows dishonesty. By doing this, Nora wants to please Helmer, who in return will offer her the independence she cherishes.

Research Project - Henrik Ibsen

A Doll's House Research by Emily and I:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zEinscfQ2xggDOZjGIXm4anm_eTIx8kX74HytzzyL9g/edit?hl=en&authkey=CM2FuOMC

Class Notes:

• One of his greatest plays.
• 3 distinct stages - romantic tools to make irony (satiric, mock), social affairs (realism) and symbolism
• Middle class is a representation of the middle section of society, this is able to portray the real world.
• The perspective of Ibsen through his childhood, present through the themes of misfortune - financial and sickness in a family, which relate to the themes of financial difficulties in his childhood experience.
• Descended from prominent Norwegian families.
• Ibsen's relationship with his father was strained, not as intimate as him with mother.
• Failure is a predominant theme.
•  He wrote 26 plays.
• Feminist theory.
• Marxist theory, class struggle, human behaviours.
• Psychoanalytic theory, trace behaviours.
• Ibsen - a moralist, commited his ethics, at odds with  conventional values (courage, bravery)
• Hints of nationalism.
• A Doll's House caused controversy.
• Demonstrates courage, they do not give in to common views of society.
• Ibsen was the leading voices that caused changes to feminism in society back then.
• He wrote with a biological influences.
• Feminist perspectives
• Liberation of individual
• Urban middle class society, education and importance of a job easing financial difficulties.
• Relationship people have with money. For a man, personal success is dependent on financial success.
• Individuality freedom - self determination
• Initially, Nora is blinded and can not see clearly. However the experience she has before the play of her forging signatures.
• One critic believed that the play was ‘founded on the believe...that women can and be raised to the dignity of man.’ 
• Ibsen was forced to leave school at the age 15.
• Character Dr. Rank illusion of death and life (conflicting images) and Nora starting a new independent life.
• Culture of Norway 1879, roles of family is completely isolated - husband works in 'study' whereas wife is not allowed in.
• Symbolic battle between two classes, individuality - what Nora is fighting for her own independency and her status in the family, she fears of upsetting her husband. Internal conflicts, 19 century society has construct the individuals. 
• Society has controlled our views, our perspectives - Nora, Torvald.
• Nora provides hope in the play - transformation, escape.
• Mrs Linde and Krogstad are also transformed by society.
• Initially, Nora is blinded but then she gains sight.
• Status in society, female liberation (liberation of individual).

Henrik Ibsen - Some thoughts after research

'It was as a dramatic innovator that Ibsen established his reputation, at a time when drama largely meant shallow romances, crude farces, and plays of intrigue with complicated and ludicrous plots. It was as a fierce critic of social norms and stifling hypocrisies that he was celebrated by his early admirers. But it is as the author of powerful dramas that portray universal human concerns, as the creator of complex characters who suffer and endure in their attempts to make sense of their lives, that he transcends merely historical importance and remains a writer whose best works can move and provoke us as much as they did their original audiences.'  - Neo English Systems.(November 6, 2010). "Henrik Ibsen Life and Career." Retrieved 15/02/2011 from http://neoenglishsystem.blogspot.com/2010/11/henrik-ibsen-life-and-career.html

Henrik Ibsen is the second most performed playwright in the world, his influences have revolutionised the European theatre. However, Ibsen did not live a calm, peaceful, wealthy life as would be expected from the large sums of grants he received and the fame he gained. In my opinion, I think  that he has lived a life of seeing the world from different angles, his perspectives that are presented through the various plays give the audience a very realistic view of society, they are formed through the various experiences of his past and the insights he gained while travelling. In various plays, particularly in A Doll's House, he portrays that the society is in fact a cruel place, a place where high status resulted from being a male and being wealthy is equivalent of great respect and the power to control the society with their doings.

Stage Directions - Opening Scene

What information does the stage directions convey to the audience?

Opening Scene

• Middle class, not very wealthy but not the very poor.
• Simplistic room furnished 'with taste', this shows that though the couple are not of extreme wealth, they are able to take everything to their advantage and do the best they could with them, make use of resources of what they control.
• Objective correlative - stage directions of the house symbolises both Nora and Torvald. Here, the room is furnished to Torvald's taste, this can possibly represent that he has power and control over the family.
• Conservatism - simplicity and inexpensively.
• The space in the house serves a number of functions, the piano suggests that they are cultured, have an interests in music/dance.
• Helmer's study indicated he is a professional, educated which is one advantage. In a house of relatively small size and is very confined, Torvald has his private space. This simply suggests the amount of power that a man has back then.
•  'Bookcase with handsomely bound books' - sophisticated educated, books not used much this may imply books are only a representation of status and to beautify the room.
• 'Handsomely' - investment into learning v.s. inexpensive furnishing. 'handsome' is a word that is used to describe males, this shows masculinity and that man controls education, learning,and he must do that away from the family.
• Microcosm society- class system in family based on gender
• Seasonal setting mid winter - Christmas Eve. Significance of Christmas tree - symbolises new life. Tension symbolically, stands during winter which represents death. Death v.s. Life.
• Ibsen is detailed and precise in terms of descriptions - modernist, realistic theatre dramatist, leaving no doubt in the minds of actor or directors, scenes are to be seen as pictographic. The world beyond the stage (audience) is able to relate. Leaving little room of artistic expression.
• Preoccupation of Ibsen - experienced loss of status during misfortune, his preoccupation was middle class, status in society is quite uncertain.
• Importance of the setting is portrayed through the stage directions.

Some quotes

'... Torvald has his pride - most men have -  he'd be terribly hurt and humiliated if he thought he owed anything to me.' Act one, P161 (After Nora has spoken to Mrs Linde about her desperate fight for money). These words spoken by Nora suggests that Torvald values his power associated with his position very highly, surpassing everything else. His pride has caused him to be a very 'sensitive' person who can not withstand criticism. It is as though that if one does not live up to the standard that Torvald possesses, he will immediately look down on the person, disregarding the position of the individual - whether he/she may be his wife. This simply shows that Torvald is a very narrow - minded person. That though on the surface, he shows great affection to his wife '"Now, now, my little song-bird mustn't be so crestfallen... Is the squirrel sulking?"', but deep down, he is just a person who is shallow, vain and proud.

'"Just think how a guilty man like that must have to lie and cheat and play the hypocrite with everyone. How he must wear a mask even with those neareset and dearest to him... an atmostphere of lies like that infects and poisons the whole life of a home... It's generally the fault of the mother... when I'm near people like that, I actually feel physically ill' Act 1, P179-180 (After Nora pleads Krogstad's case to Torvald). Torvald 'lectures' Nora about the importance of honesty. Here, he is portrayed almost as a father to Nora. Later in Act 2, the words '...you can see that being with Torvald is very like being with papa' confirms this , it is almost as though she does not love him as a husband, but rather believes that it is in her best interests to 'amuse' and 'entertain' him as he is a fatherly figure to her and that he is able to shield her from dangers. This not only shows a clear difference in status - that women are always lower in the hierarchy than men. But at the same time, it also emphasises his love for power, he clearly 'enjoys' the idea of guiding his wife through difficult times and protecting her from possible dangers that society poses. 'The fault of the mother' hints Nora's dishonesty, at the same time, it also foreshadows a possible barrier that will be formed between the 'loving' couple, this barrier may potentially result in irreversible consequences for Nora. The significance of Ibsen's use of diction "infects and poisons" is to portray that lies are contagious, they spread in a way that nothing is able to stop them, they will spread until no one is able to see the truth. They are like masks, covering up all the pain, joy and anything else associated with the truth. Thus in an environment where lies are predominant, the children will be brought up perceiving lying as the 'right' way of communication.

'"...that's such a petty reason"..."Your said my motives were petty, so I must be petty too. Petty! Very well, we'll settle this matter once and for all..."' Act 2, P189 (Torvald talks to Nora about the dismissal of Krogstad). This confirms my belief that Torvald is a shallow indivdual who can not stand criticism. He wants to be the absolute best and that no one should ever surpass him in terms of ability. As a person who holds a powerful position, it is natural that Nora's comment about his reasoning behind dismissing Krogstad would not upset him. However, here it is not the case, he seems to be hugely upset about Nora's single doubt about his ability. He wants to prove to her that it is not true, that he is a man with courage, a man that is able to carry out all of his plans and is not easily influences by the environment and the temptations that are associated with it. But this does nothing, except to illustrate Torvald's arrogance and the inferior qualities of him.

'"Whatever happens, when it comes to the point you can be quite sure that I shall have the necessary courage and strength. You'll see that I'm man enough to take it all on myself... then we shall share it as a man and wife..."' Act 2, P190 (After Torvald sends off the letter  outlining the dismissal of Krogstad. Torvald's words have left me feeling skeptical, it feels almost as though that his words are not to be trusted, but instead used to emphasise his vain love for his status and the power that he possesses. His eagerness to show his 'courage and strength' has an adverse affect on the readers, he now seems as a character who is childish, immature, weak and is not capable of supporting a family.

'"Helmer's too sensitive to be able to face anything ugly - I won't have him in my sick-room.' - Act 2, P191 (Dr Rank hints to Nora that his health is deteriorating). Torvald is described as 'sensitive' and unable to 'face anything ugly', this forms a stark contrast with the view that he has of himself, 'courageous' and 'strong' leading us to question his intentions - whether he is really a loving husband to Nora or whether he is only an insecure man who strives to present his strengths to the society and at the same time, mask his weaknesses. I believe that here 'ugly' is used to illustrate that the society is unable to accept anything apart from normality. It is almost as though that Torvald is a mere imitation of the society, his narrow-mindness is the key factor of him valuing his status highly, that he will disregard anything insignificant. Bringing it into a larger context, it demonstrates that in society, the demand placed on these people have reached an extent that they consider anything out of their zone of experience as abnormal, and thus 'ugly'. The society has placed an unnecessary amount of pressure on people that has led to them not being able to accept 'the invalid'.

Henrik Ibsen - Life & Career

Early life...

Henrik Johan Ibsen was born in Skien on 20 March 1828. His father, Knud, was a wealthy merchant and importer, and his mother, Marichen Altenburg, came from an affluent family. Skien is a coastal town in the province of Telemark; at the time of Ibsen's birth it was prospering from a boom in the shipping trade. Henrik was the oldest surviving child; his elder brother, Johan Altenburg Ibsen, died at the age of only one and a half years, three weeks before Henrik's birth. Knud and Marichen Ibsen had four more children in the next seven years: Johan Andreas in 1830, Hedvig Cathrine in 1831, Nicolai Alexander in 1834, and Ole Paus in 1835.

Initially, the Ibsen family lived in a spacious villa, well suited for a grand life and entertaining. This opulent life ceased when Knud Ibsen's failures in financial speculations led to bankruptcy. Henrik was seven when the villa was sold and the family was forced to move to the large farm they owned, Venstøp, several miles out of town. Henrik's mother turned to religious musings and pursuits; his father started to drink excessively; and the Ibsen children were isolated from their former milieu. Henrik, the sensitive, vulnerable oldest son, became increasingly introverted. Encouraged by his mother, he started to stage puppet theater. He also read widely, drew, and painted. He felt himself an outsider, and suffered from his family's reduction in wealth, lack of unity, loss of happiness, and pervading sense of sorrow.

Following on...

• 1844 Christmas, became an apothecary’s apprentice in anoter small town, Grimstad immersed himself in Shakespeare and Ludvig Holberg’s classics.
• Ibsen began to write, he met a girl called Clara Ebbel  whom he wrote his first love poems for.
• After a short duration, Ibsen broke up with Clara and began having a relationship with the apothecary’s servant woman, Else Sophie Jensdatter who, like Ibsen, had a family that ‘suffered financial reverses and adversity.’  In 1846, his first child was born – a boy named Hans Jacob Henriksen who later became a skilled blacksmith, but he died destute.
• 1848 – revolution to France and Europe  inspired Ibsen, he wrote his first play – a blank verse tragedy called Catilina which was published in 1850.
• Before moving to Christiania (now Oslo), he visited his family in Skien for the last time. He only kept in contact with his sister, Hedvig. The university entrance exams he took during that time caused him to fail in Greek and mathematics, and thus ‘[depriving] the world of a doctor, but decided the future path of the young playwright.’
• He began working as a journalist, devoting himself exclusively to his writing, this gave him many ‘valuable insights into the contemporary society as well as experiences he drew on his later writings.’
• 1850s, Ibsen wrote several new poems including ‘Bjergmanden (the miner)’, in this poem, ‘the hero hammers his way through the rock of the earth to reach the heart of Nature.’ Many critics believed that this was a metaphor for his vision of the work as literary artist, they have also made the link between this poem and the play of 1896 about a miner’s son, John.
• 1877, Ibsen received honorary degree from University of Uppsala.
• In 1899, Ibsen's authorship ended, statues to Ibsen and Bjørnson were erected ouseid the Norwegian National Theatre.
• In 1900, Ibsen suffered his first stroke. He never fully recovered, and several smaller strokes forced him to give up his writing and his daily walks. 
• Ibsen died on 23 May 1906. 

Final Words...
Henrik Ibsen is both a pathbreaking dramatist of supreme significance and his country's greatest literary artist. In addition to such poetic masterpieces as Brand and Peer Gynt, he authored the cycle of twelve plays, including Et Dukkehjem, Vildanden, and Hedda Gabler, that form the basis for his reputation in the English-speaking world, and, even more so, the foundation of modern European drama. Studied and performed on every continent and with far-flung artistic and social significance, Ibsen is a towering presence both in world literature and in the world of the theater. 

 

Sæther, Astrid. "Henrik Ibsen." Norwegian Writers, 1500 to 1900. Ed. Lanae H. Isaacson. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Dictionary of Literary Biography Vol. 354. Literature Resource Center. Retrieved 11/02/2011

A Doll's House - Act 1: Nora, First Impressions

The title - A Doll's House likens the family conveyed in this play to a doll's house. This suggests that the family of Nora seems superficial. Though on the surface, the family is presented as being calm, happy and affectionate of each other. It is in fact a family full of pretendence, full of lies and possibly full of hatred.

The protagonist, Nora is initially portrayed as a carefree being, self centred but considerate for others. Initially, she is treated by her husband Helmer as though she is a 'little' innocent girl who has not yet reached the stage of becoming a woman. This is shown through the various pet names her husband has for her, 'little sweet tooth', 'little squirrel' and 'little skylark'.The addition of 'little' in front of these names give the readers the impression that Nora is naive, 'silly' and lacks foresight.  The 'dancing and dressing up and reciting' which Nora does to impress her husband and to 'amuse' him, furthermore emphasises the idea. However, this forms a stark contrast with the personalities of Nora later in the act. The conversation between Nora and Mrs Linda is able to prove that the characteristics of Nora shown at the beginning of the act are in fact incorrect. Nora's strengths begin to appear, she is seen as a woman to be admired. Her fierce display of determination is evident through her account of her fight for money in order for her husband to be in better health conditions. Her ability of being able to use imagination to overcome hardship and extreme situations is equally admirable , she '[imagines] that a rich old gentleman had fallen in love with [her]... and that he died..."all my money is to go to the lovely Mrs Nora Helmer -cash down."' It is seems as though that Nora's wild imagination is able to push her to her maximum capacity, and in doing so, allowing her to finally accomplish her goals. And thus, depicting Nora as a worthy woman of great intentions, at the same time, ambitious.