Essay: Analysis of A Dolls House (500 wds-750wds)
You will write a formal essay on Henrik Ibsens play, A Dolls House. Your essay should be approximately 500-750 words in length and contain evidence in the form of quotations. You will write a formal essay (ex. introduction w/ thesis statement, body paragraphs, conclusion and works cited page). At least ONE secondary source should be used in this essay. Secondary sources include the following: dictionaries, encyclopedias, online journal articles, informative websites, newspapers, movie or book reviews, critical essays, etc.). I’ve provided two secondary sources, which you have the option of using in your essay.
A Dolls House essay prompts (pick only ONE prompt to answer in your essay).
Is A Doll’s House a feminist play? In what ways does Nora embody the ideas of feminism?
In what ways do Nora and Helmer embody traditional gender roles? In what ways do either of them defy traditional gender roles?
Identify and discuss symbolism in A Dolls House? (Pick one or more symbols to discuss: The Christmas tree, bird/animal pet names, costume party, tarantella dance, title of the play, etc.). Try to connect symbols to a cohesive theme or a specific character.
Is Helmer and Nora’s marriage “a real marriage”? Why/why not.
Explain Nora’s awakening. What does she discover about herself, her marriage, and her husband?
Explain how there is an imbalance of gender and money in the play? How does gender relate to one’s access to money in this historical period?
Discuss the meaning of the play’s title. Find evidence to support your reading of Nora as a “doll” like character. How does she break free from her “doll” persona?
Compare and contrast any two characters (ex. Nora vs. Helmer) or any two couples: Helmer/Nora vs. Krogstad/Kristine.
Research and discuss how the ending of the play has been received by audiences. What makes the ending so controversial?
Discuss one of the following themes, finding examples and supporting evidence to develop your discussion:
appearance vs. reality,
money & power,
Immorality,
family inheritance
patriarchy,
gender roles,
women’s autonomy/freedom.
Adding Quotations from a dramatic work:
Plays written in prose are cited using the page number, in the same way you would cite any prose literature.
Dialogue between characters should be quoted as follows:
Much is revealed about the relationship between Torvald and Nora Helmer in the opening lines of A Doll House:
HELMER. (From the study.) Is that my little lark twittering out there?
NORA. (Busy opening some packages.) Yes, it is.
HELMER. Is that my squirrel rummaging around?
NORA. Just now. (Putting the macaroon bag in her pocket and wiping
her mouth.) Do come in, Torvald, and see what Ive bought.
HELMER. Cant be disturbed. (601)
