6.10.2009
Feminism
This work addresses the idea that women are naïve and they cannot do anything on their own. This play helped ignite the spark of the feminist movement which led to women asking for more respect and equality between the sexes. This work clearly shows how men and women are not equal by illustrating the assumed roles of men and women. As the man of the house, Torvald is the typical male figure who works to support the family and keep it together. It is assumed that men have all of the authority and say in the family and it is up to him to make sure that the family name remains pure. They seem very proud of their accomplishments which can vary from promotions, wealth, and even their wife’s beauty. However, women in this work portrayed more negatively as little playthings for men instead of a companion or equal. To a man, his wife was more of a trophy to walk around with as can be seen when Torvald expects Nora to show off her dancing skills at the holiday party.
Misogyny
We see light examples of misogyny from Torvald who does not necessarily dislike women, but instead expects nothing of them. He does not necessarily think that women are capable of accomplishing much except spending money and worrying about looking pretty for their husband. We can also sense some discomfort in Mrs. Linde’s visit because she is taking charge of her own life, which is rare for the given time period. In a way she demands more authority with her presence compared to Nora, whom he has wrapped around his finger for his own enjoyment. Mrs. Linde, because she was widowed, has had to endure more hardships than Nora which adds to her maturity level. Torvald obviously treats them differently because he grants Mrs. Linde a job while he is busy teasing and even babying his wife Nora, even though the two women are about the same age.
