A Doll House

Jarrod Hall

Mr. Martin

English 102 M/W

3 December 2014

A Doll House

In the play A Doll House, author Henrik Ibsen uses diction, symbolism, and imagery to advance his theme of how it is important for people to treat each other with respect and honesty to make a positive lasting relationship. A Doll House was written in the time when women received little to no respect from men but in turn the women are supposed to cater to their spouse. As everyone knows relationships in present society no longer work like this. Women have become just as independent as men, thus transforming relationships into an equal partnership.

The choice of words is pertinent to the techniques an author uses to articulate their message. The diction that Henrik Ibsen uses in this play is an important element in describing the internal conflicts causing complications in the Helmer’s relationship.

Throughout the whole play Ibsen uses many techniques that try to get Nora caught in one of her many lies. The honesty that Nora and Torvald share is nonexistent even when it comes to the smallest things. Ibsen explains its intensity by writing:

N: No, I assure you, Torvald-

H: Hasn’t nibbled some pastry?

N: No, not at all.

H: Nor even munched on a macaroon or two?

N: No, Torvald, I assure you, really-

Hall - 2

H: There, there now. Of course I’m only joking.

N(going to the table, right): You know I could never think of going against you.

H: No, I understand that; and you have given me your word. (Going over to her) Well, you keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, Nora darling. I expect they’ll come to light this evening, when the tree is lit. (1669)

Critic Joan Templeton writes:

Even Nora’s sweet tooth is evidence of her unworthiness, as we see her “surreptitiously devouring the forbidden (by her husband) macaroons,” even “brazenly offering macaroons to Doctor Rank, and finally lying in her denial that the macaroons are hers”; eating macaroons in secret suggests that...