“In creating characters in drama one may begin with stereotypes but must end with individuals” Discuss how far such a rule is demonstrated or not in Dolls House.”
Stereotypes can be defined as a pre-conceived idea which can sometimes be associated to prejudices. It isn’t easy to develop a character without falling into stereotypes since there are so many of them: heroes, villains, romantic lovers etc. However it is possible to argue that even though some characters are stereotypical, each one of them is different from each other making them individuals. In this essay I will analyze Henrik Ibsen’s play “A Doll’s House” and discuss to what extent it fits the rule.
“A Dolls House” is a relatively short play, with few characters. The two main characters are: Torvald Helmer, a successful lawyer, and his wife Nora. In the first dialogue of the play between the couple, Torvald uses nicknames to talk to Nora “Is that my little skylark twittering out there?” This usage of nicknames is constantly used throughout the play, it conveys to the reader a feeling that Nora is inferior and silly. Further on, Helmer mentions to Nora the fact that she is spending lots of money. This begging of the play sends an impacting image to the reader, a rich privileged family and a housewife that is spoilt and futile. On contrast with that, Nora eats the macaroons disobeying her husband’s orders. This is her first act which shows the audience that she isn’t the conventional foolish woman.
