Analysis of Women's Position in "A dolls house" and " Uncle Vanya".

Authors Avatar by arielsaal (student)

“A Doll´s House” by Henrik Ibsen and Women Position during the 20th Century

Topic

My name is Olivia and in this research  I will investigate the relationship between women´s social and economic position in Russian and Norwegian society at the turn of the 19th and  20th century represented in two drama plays: “A  Doll´s House” by Henrik Ibsen and “Uncle Vanya” by Antoine Chekhov. With a critical view of the situation and the women status in those times and how theatre reflects this issues. To analyse deeply the argument of “A Doll´s House” I will interview Jeanne Sòula, a retired Argentinian actress who had the experience of representing Nora- protagonic character-the women of the house.

Apart from the drama plays I will work with the help of three books: “ Studying Plays” by Mick Wallis & Simon Shepard, since by the examination of it I will emphasise the specific dramatic qualities of the plays, treating them as distinct from merely literary work, and concludes by setting drama in its historical context, with reference to the significance of specific location and actors. Secondly “The Idea Of Theatre” which give me an idea about the modernism and realism in Ibsen and Chekhov´s plays. Finally, through a sociology book, I will inestigate in depth de women position, the public and private patriarchy ; women, men and  family  responsabilities and domestic ties; and self-made women.

Introduction of “A Doll´s House”

 In 1879, while living in Italy, Ibsen published his masterpiece, A Doll’s House. A Doll’s House was written in prose. It is widely considered a landmark in the development of what soon became a highly prevalent genre of theater—realism, which strives to portray life accurately and shuns idealized visions of it. In A Doll’s House, Ibsen employs the themes and structures of classical tragedy while writing in prose about everyday, unexceptional people. A Doll’s House also manifests Ibsen’s concern for women’s rights, and for human rights in general.

Now I will focus on the individual characteristics of each character in the play, starting with Nora, the protagonist. This will help to understand the women position by that time, and the male view towards the family and his wife; meaning the structure of the household by the 19th or 20th century.

Nora -  The protagonist of the play and the wife of Torvald Helmer. Nora initially seems like a playful, naïve child who lacks knowledge of the world outside her home. She does have some worldly experience, however, and the small acts of rebellion in which she engages indicate that she is not as innocent or happy as she appears. She comes to see her position in her marriage with increasing clarity and finds the strength to free herself from her oppressive situation.

Torvald Helmer -  Nora’s husband. Torvald delights in his new position at the bank, just as he delights in his position of authority as a husband. He treats Nora like a child, in a manner that is both kind and patronizing. He does not view Nora as an equal but rather as a plaything or doll to be teased and admired. In general, Torvald is overly concerned with his place and status in society, and he allows his emotions to be swayed heavily by the prospect of society’s respect and the fear of society’s scorn.

Krogstad -  A lawyer who went to school with Torvald and holds a subordinate position at Torvald’s bank. Krogstad’s character is contradictory: though his bad deeds seem to stem from a desire to protect his children from scorn, he is perfectly willing to use unethical tactics to achieve his goals. His willingness to allow Nora to suffer is despicable, but his claims to feel sympathy for her and the hard circumstances of his own life compel us to sympathize with him to some degree.

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Mrs. Linde -  Nora’s childhood friend. Kristine Linde is a practical, down-to-earth woman, and her sensible worldview highlights Nora’s somewhat childlike outlook on life. Mrs. Linde’s account of her life of poverty underscores the privileged nature of the life that Nora leads. Also, we learn that Mrs. Linde took responsibility for her sick parent, whereas Nora abandoned her father when he was ill.

Dr. Rank -  Torvald’s best friend. Dr. Rank stands out as the one character in the play who is by and large unconcerned with what others think of him. He is also notable for his stoic acceptance of his ...

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