Documented essay on "A Doll's House"

Henrik Ibsen, author of "A Doll's House," portrays women holding a sacrificial role in a man's society in all economic classes. In an exceedingly patriarchal society, men thought status, reputation, and income extremely important to be uphold. They needed to be seen as leading figures in their homes and in the community. Women, constrained by society, were at a distant second, thought to be merely possessions, "marital chattel," (Archer 223), William Archer, a Scottish dramatist and …

…roles in society as Kristine, a widower, had worked most of her life.<Tab/><Tab/> <Tab/>Nora's development from 'doll' to human being demonstrates changing beliefs in regard to gender and class equality. Torvald's inability to change leaves him constrained, and controlled by society. His thoughts of status and reputation will keep his life sheltered and restricted to the society of his time.