A Doll's House

Title: A Doll’s house

Author: Henrik Ibsen

Publisher: Dover Publications

Genre: Plays

Summary: After a challenge from a student last year I had the opportunity to read A Doll’s House.  This fantastic book is a Realistic Dramatic play centered around money.  Money is a central theme and the plot revolves around it.  The main characters are a married couple Torvold and Nora Helmer.  The couple and their kids are now accustomed to living a comfortable life.  An irony occurs because her husband Torvold despises debt but Nora a secret that could destroy their family.  One secret that is seemingly under control soon becomes more than a secret.  It appears the perfect storm arises as creditor works for the debtors spouse and is fired.  A family friend is dying and professes their love.  What better scene for things to transpire than a costume party?  What will years of betrayal and lies lead to?  How can trust be restored?  Is it ever restored?  

This play is timeless as it speaks to issues surrounding marriages, trust, betrayal and if possible forgiveness?

My Reaction: After reading and analyzing this play I realized that it was very broad and over the top. Once I finished reading the play as a whole the tile “A Doll’s House” became more vivid to me in its meaning. In the play Nora was very hard to understand and sometimes even came off as being fake or unreal. Nora reminded me of a Barbie doll living under someone else’s ( Her husband) circumstances. In the scenes of the play it was obvious that Nora was not being herself but she was being who her husband wanted her to be.

Application:  This work can easily be used in a literature class to understand the dynamics of marriage and trust.  It can also be used in a theater class to help students discover how to portray underlying emotions.  The play is packed with emotion and intrigue from the characters that can only be portrayed through the actors actions.  I can also this piece being used in social studies to help students understand the family unit, distresses and issues of that time.  

Who might use this book: Middle and High School Students