A Doll s House Feminism Vs Humanism Essay - 1068 Words

A Doll’s House: Feminism vs Humanism A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen was originally considered by critics and scholars as a play about feminism. This is a believable idea as the play’s protagonist, Nora, goes through a personal journey where she realises that she is an independent woman and that she does not need a husband, especially like Torvald, to live. Nevertheless, many people believe that the play is more humanist than feminist. According to Ibsen, he wrote the story with a humanist eye. This point can be challenged by saying he certainly thought he was writing in a humanist eye, while instead, he was actually focussing on feminism, which is often considered a form of humanism. It is clear because he is solely focussing on the feminist aspects of humanism, rather than incorporate ideas of race, age or religion. Therefore, the play is surely feminist. This idea can be highlighted by talking about how Nora slowly acts more and more out of her gender role, how Mrs. Linde lives her life and how Nora has a complicated relationship with her children. Nora starts off the play essentially as Torvalds toy. She is obedient, she is cute, she rarely goes against his wishes, and she is nothing without her â€Å"owner†, Torvald. The reader, however, discovers early on that all is not what it seems to be. Nora is actually a very rebellious woman who enjoys going against Torvald’s wishes. There are scenarios where she does this out of the sheer enjoyment she gets. Nora loves macaroons.