The Subjection of Women by Mill went by similar morals that Ibsen wanted to spread. It states that women should be able to vote and should be equal in marriage. Both these men wanted to change women’s naturalization of typical household duties. Mills stated that people naturalized things to make them feel better, knowing it is unjust, including issues of slavery. “Men do not want solely the obedience of women, they want their sentiments.” Ibsen showed that this wasn’t always the case, as although Nora was obedient, she wanted something different. Many women would have been in this situation and the play gave them the courage to say it. Women of this time were only educated in how to be attractive to men and to be ladylike. By not having the same opportunities to men, women found out they were not reaching their full potential and didn’t feel complete, like Ibsen’s Nora. “What is now called the nature of women is an eminently artificial thing-the result of forced repression in some directions, unnatural stimulation in others.” The idea of being intellectual was suppressed and men took their dominance as second nature. Torvald was a typical example where he was controlling and degrading. “Nora, Nora, how like a woman!...you know what I think about that.” (p44).
Ibsen made Nora and Mrs Linde a role model in which the women of his society could look up to. He shocked audiences by making Nora’s character strong and independent, which was how he hoped other women would start to act. “I believe that before all else, I’m a human being, no less than you-or anyway, I ought to try an become one.”(p111) This is as though he is urging women to stand up for themselves like Nora did. He showed them that there was another way they could live and that it is okay to put themselves first. Ibsen’s goal was to show audiences that they didn’t have to be scared to be different. “In spite of Nora's uncertain future prospects - facing the problems a divorced woman without means would face in nineteenth century society - she has served and serves as a symbol throughout the world, for women fighting for liberation and equality.” All of the female characters in the play had to sacrifice themselves and their own will in order to be accepted by society or survive. Nora’s rejection of marriage and motherhood shocked audiences and was seen as scandalous. “Henrik Ibsen sent Nora Helmer in A Doll House out into the world with a demand that a woman too must have the freedom to develop as an adult, independent, and responsible person.” Even though Ibsen didn’t start a huge movement toward women’s rights, his mission was to bring up issues he didn’t find morally correct. “Ibsen does not suggest solutions to what was called “the women question,” his aim being rather to shine a spotlight on problems that few were willing to talk about. He left the task of finding answers to others.” Mrs Linde’s character showed women that it was still possible to be successful and independent. If they were not happy in their relationships, Ibsen revealed that it wasn’t too late to live a better, more fulfilling life. Ibsen achieved his goal for he was a great inspiration to many people. It was said that a young German actress who played Nora “opened the door to a whole new world for German women.” This would be the case worldwide.
Henrik Ibsen wrote many plays, which were controversial, as they dealt with issues many people were too scared to talk about. He achieved his goal of inspiring people to search for freedom and individuality to some extent, especially in woman’s rights. A Doll House is known worldwide and has made an impact on a lot of people. Characters such as Nora and Mrs Linde were role models for women in that time as they were strong and willing to stand up for themselves. They were unlike the stereotype in which women were made into and took responsibility for their actions. The play would make people think and discuss these roles of men and women and even question the values of society. Ibsen hoped he would make women realise they deserve a choice as to whether they want to marry and to be equal with men.
Bibliography
Mills, John Stuart 1860, The Subjection of Women, Prometheus Books, New York
“Ibsen- woman’s rights” 2005 , 24/04/05
“A Doll House- Ibsen” 2005 http://www.novelguide.com/ADoll'sHouse/themeanalysis.html 24/04/05
“Woman’s right and roles” 2005 . 24/04/05
“Woman’s Liberation, Ibsen” 2005 24/04/05
