Symbolism of the Christmas Tree in Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House".

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Symbolism of the Christmas Tree in Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”

The Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is minor object/props of the play; it does not have any direct link to the plot of the play. However, the presence of the Christmas tree within the play is used by Ibsen as an instrument to symbolically express an intense personal experience, which cannot be expressed directly.

The Christmas tree itself is a decorative object that is linked to the traditional idea of Christmas. Its characteristic is parallel to Nora’s, whom is seen in the household as the (according to the traditional idea of) a mother, but in reality is only a plaything (for Helmer) who is pleasing to look at and adds superficial festivity to the home.

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Nora’s notion of the Christmas tree—to “hide it…the children mustn’t see it till this evening when it has been decorated,” reflects her initial childish-secretive tendencies: she does not allow anyone to see her in her dress until the evening of her tarantella dance.   As Nora pointed out ironically, “We shall have a lovely tree—I’ll do all the things you like, Torvald, I’ll sing and dance,” the idea of the Christmas tree being lovely is corresponds with the idea of Nora obeying Helmer’s instruction & her being the entertainment for the house. Also as Nora instructs the maid to put the tree ...

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