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Graduate Play Analysis
March 17, 1999
One woman, one doll: How one woman elucidates the other in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House
Scene analysis of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Act I, scene II; the arrival of Kristine Linde. ... ; Ibsen translation by Otto Reinhart.
Scene Two in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House serves to introduce Kristine Linde into Nora’s world. Through interaction and most importantly contrast, the author shows us more of Nora’s curious system of thought and the severity of her self-delusion. ... Kristine’s arrival is a catalyst toward Nora’s eventual revelation of the truth. ... This example shows how far from real Nora’s life is, but it also forebodes the path the act of honesty will uncover. Examination of the play’s circumstances, structure, and characters will show the many ways Ibsen contrasts these women and uses each to further reveal qualities of the other.
The realm of this play is a woman’s world, the domestic front. ... All scenes in A Doll’s House take place in the living room of the Torvald home. ... Ibsen describes the room as “tastefully but not expensively furnished” with the adornments of several chairs, a sofa, both a stove and fireplace, “de luxe edition” books, figurines, a rug, a Christmas tree, copperplate etchings on the walls, and gifts for Christmas (though none are for Nora). The author’s mention of expense, even here in simple stage direction, seems to hint that money is an issue in this story.
Though outside it is a cold winter day, inside Nora’s room the hearth kindles, offering warmth, comfort, surety. ... With four doors and one window, all roads lead to and from this room, this hub of Nora’s environment. ... For the western world, Christmas is one of the richest and most exhilarating times of year, though rarely the least stressful.
Structurally, Ibsen is clear and simple. ... It’s why he keeps us in this room, in this static place from which we cannot escape.
Approximate Word count = 1618
Approximate Pages = 6.5
(250 words per page double spaced)
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