A Dolls House, by Henry Ibsen Essay -- Henry Ibsen, A Doll House

I find the metaphorical meanings in particular, quite supplementary to the overall plot, as well as the irony that sets us up for tense situations in which any drama should do. Directly after the title of the drama, we are immediately primed with the social standards of the time as the first character is listed: â€Å"Torvald Helmer - a lawyer,† and underneath his name: â€Å"Nora - his wife.† She above all else is first a wife and a mother; these titles assume her primary duties and responsibilities. Nora however is not much more than a â€Å"trophy wife† to Mr. Helmer and a playmate to her children. Torvald refers to her with what seem to be degrading nick nding, "thousands of women have" (875). This statement allows for Nora to realize her many accomplishments and her worthiness of a larger award than what she has ever been given. Torvald stops referring to her using bird metaphors, he now sees her strengths that far exceed his own. Instead of her relying on him, he is dependent upon her to keep his beloved public image. Nora no longer relies on his claims of "wide wings to shelter you with," (871) she breaks free and uses her own recently discovered wings to escape Torvald’s sheltering. One throughout the play is almost hoping for the â€Å"greatest miracle,† but can see Nora’s struggle to break free of her caged prison. Nora has set herself free to fly just as birds were created to do, and the sound of a door slamming shut emphasizes her gained strength. Works Cited Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll House. 1983. Print.