dollshouse

The expectations imposed upon Nora were created by society and her husband. In the nineteenth century women had few alternatives to marriage; they were not expected to step beyond their roles as housewife and mother. Females were confined in every way imaginable. Women were limited by their identities as it relates to society and their husband’s expectations. On page 1571, Mrs. Linde says to Nora ‘A wife can’t borrow money without her husband’s …

…house, just as I’m doing, then the law frees him from all responsibility. In any case I’m freeing you from being responsible. Torvald and society’s expectations of women in the nineteenth century were very limited and binding. Women were not expected to have opinions or be able to think for themselves. Oppressed and confused by the belief in authority, she loses faith in her ability, right, and obligation to rear her children.