How Nora develops in "A Dollss House".

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The play, A Dolls’s House, opens with Nora Helmer entering “humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in out-door dress and carries a number of parcels” (Ibsen 3) This Nora at the beginning of the play is drastically different from the Nora who closes the door on her home at the end of the play. Nora changes from being a naïve pampered wife to an honest assertive individual. Through her change, she realizes that she no longer believes in her marriage and she leaves her home.

In Act 1 of the play, Nora is portrayed as a naïve yet deceptive character. Her first line is telling Helen to hide the Christmas tree for the children must “not see it till this evening, when it is dressed” (Ibsen 3) Nora's secretiveness in wanting to hide the tree until is has been decorated, extends further to represent her relationship with Torvald. Following Torvald's light- hearted interrogation to whether or not she has eaten macaroons, Nora lies to him and says “No, I assure you, Torvald—…No, Torvald, I assure you really” (Ibsen 6) This conversation is representative of their whole relationship. Whenever Torvald and Nora talk, is clear that Torvald is the one in power. He plays with her like a child and treats her like a possession that must be taken care of.

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NORA. (moving towards the stove). As you please Torvald.

HELMER. (following her). Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings, What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? (taking out his purse.) Nora, what do you think I have got here?

NORA. (turning round quickly). Money!

HELMER. There you are. (gives her money.)

Nora realizes that she is being treated as a child but she doesn’t mind so because it is all she has ever known. She behaves playfully yet obediently in his presence, always coaxing favors from him instead of communicating as equals. “Playing with his ...

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