A Doll's House: 5 Elements

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A Dolls House 5 Elements

Introduction

Henrik Ibsen was born on the 20th March 1828

Plot

Form and Structure

Visual, Spacial and Aural

Ibsen once said, “ A prop is worth a thousand words” it is proved that he thoroughly believed this in the design of his set and use of props in his plays.

In “A Dolls House” the set itself has been designed so that the cosy environment that surrounds Nora has been arranged to suit her husband’s tastes, making it seem as if she’s trapped within. She rarely settles but paces the floor as if in the confines of a cage. The two doors (one leading into Helmer’s study and one into the street) symbolise the choice that Nora has to make. Either she stays trapped in her present life or she leaves.

Throughout the play there are 40 references to doors being open and closed this represents different decisions.

Certain parts of the set are used in the play for symbolic purposes such as the stove that Nora often retreats to. She does this to comfort herself when she feels threatened, and the warmth represents the security she so urgently craves. An example of this is on page 68 when Nora goes over to the stove saying, “Oh, dear, Dr.Rank, this was really horrid of you”. Thus Ibsen uses an apparently naturalist method to clearly establish the emotional life of the characters.

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Another example of this is at the beginning of the play when Nora brings a Christmas tree home, which is a symbol of a festival concentrating upon the renewal of life and family happiness. This is decorated and in the centre of the room and Nora’s attention until the mood of the play changes and the tree is placed in the corner stripped and candles burnt to their sockets. This represents how Nora dresses up her marriage like she dressed the tree up but eventually all is revealed.

The sweet macaroon biscuits that Nora conceals from Helmer reveal ...

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