Discuss the means by which Ibsen uses language to convey the nature of Helmer and Nora and the relationship between th

                                                 A Dolls House

Discuss the means by which Ibsen uses language to convey the nature of Helmer and Nora and the relationship between them.

Ibsens use of language helps us see the characters nature and to find out their personality and structure of the characters relationships. Each character has their own unique use of language. This helps us to see the difference between the characters and their relationships. As we read through the play A Dolls House this becomes clear when we learn about Nora and Torvalds relationship and how it changes throughout the play.

As we read throughout the play, the language used by Torvald gives us an invaluable insight into his character, He never seems to be stuck on what to say and his language remains confident and constant throughout the majority of A Dolls House. Torvald see’s himself as above Nora, he is a controlling and dominating person, he contantly uses imperative language and interrogatatives to overrule the conversation. He uses sarcastic language such as “Do I have to tell you”. He is shocked that Nora doesn’t already know because he expects everyone to have the same views as he does. Helmer sees himself as above Nora, this wasn’t unheard of in this era, Men went to work whilst women stayed at home and looked after the children. We can tell that Torvald see’s himself as superior to Nora, he thinks shes not going to succeed in being independent “Aha! So little miss independent is in trouble and needs a man to  rescue her, does she?”. He uses the word little to undermine her and patronize her. He often does this throughout the play, for example “Little miss obstinate” and “Little silly”, hes talking to her like a child and like he’s her father and he takes upon a father role to dominate her, he also uses pet names such as “spend thrift” and “skylark”, he often uses this when he is trying to make a point and uses pet names to try and win her over or add effect to his speech. He is also backing up his role as the dominant male. He see’s Nora as his possession. “Its incredible what an expensive pet she is for a man to keep” and “What, not look at my most treasures possession?”. These quotes show us that he see’s her as his pet, something he owns and this provides us with an invalueable insight into the way Torvald see’s her. Torvald believes everyone should have the same views and morals as him.