The features of the subplot are shown via the main plot, this is to show a variety of problems that are going on throughout the play. This airs the contrast of characters between Mrs Linde and Nora in ways of; marriage and the materialistic views of each other highlighting yet more topics. In addition to this as the play goes on Nora and Mrs Linde are slowly reversing lifestyles and by the end of the play the lifestyles are completely reversed. What’s more if Ibsen had just the main plot without the subplot the play would not be as powerful as it is and would probably miss out both sides of the argument. As the Methvan Student Notes express
“While two plots are linked through a series of parallels, the subplot detracts attention away from the main plot”.
As I keep going on about Nora developing over the acts I think, I should describe what happens in each acts. Well firstly the play is based on 3 acts (giving a total of 60 hours) which is unusual for a play in those days, they were usually set on 6 acts which makes the play stand out and is significant to how Nora’s life has changed over a short period of time. It also creates a higher impact, short, precise, hard-hitting and keeps the audiences attention.
Act 1
In act one we see Nora’s life and how she feels about her surroundings. We also get introduced to the characters and are eased into the play. But mainly we are given a good insight to their lifestyle and what it was like in the 1800’s. This shows that the male was more dominant in the relationships as Nora obeys Torvald and is perhaps given the hint that Nora is not happy in the relationship. This is as Torvald is always calling Nora
“My little songbird”
but I do not recall Nora ever saying anything sweet back to Torvald.
Act 2
In act two Nora gets Mrs Linde a job down at the bank with Torvald now that he has been promoted. But by doing this forces Krogstad out of the business, with Nora warning Torvald what he is capable of doing to his business now he has been sacked (perhaps this is a clue to the future of the play). Then Krogstad comes by the house later blackmailing Mrs Linde by telling her that he is going to tell Torvald that she was the one who paid for Torvald’s holiday abroad to Italy, this was simply not done in them days. We also see that Nora is becoming more and more unhappy in her relation with Torvald.
Act 3
Act three is where it all happens its the big turn around for Nora, she shows that no matter how much Torvald pity’s Nora she still has a life of her own and is capable of doing her own things. Ibsen also shows the audience that Nora is just as powerful as Torvald and has a mind of her own. What’s more this is where the role reversal between Nora and Mrs Linde is complete. In the act Torvald realizes that he probably needs Nora as much as she needs him. In the end Nora gets her way and leaves the Torvald but ends up living with them still as from the outside they would still look like a happy couple, as if there were any singles around they were looked down upon an seen as a lesbian.
“You never loved me you only found it pleasant to be in love with me”
(Nora)
Because of the ending to the play in Germany Ibsen had to re-write the play with an alternate ending, as they did not want to show that women can be more powerful than men. The ending was that Nora broke down in tears and stayed after Torvald forcing her to see her children. The normal ending was described as an act of barbarous violence.
Through researching and thoroughly studying the play act by act I have learnt that not only was the subplot just as important as the main plot but how they were run through each other and the impact it had. I also gathered more information on what life was like during the 1800’s and how controlling the male was over the female during them times. The play also gave a great insight to how widowed and/or single adults were treated back in them days. So if you ever read the play I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and get a good understanding of all the key issues.
