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.