A dolls House/ Analysis By Kristel Encarnacion

"A dolls House" By  Henrik Ibsen

At the beginning of this act we meet a woman named Nora, she has come home apparently after spending a day shopping. We are told that she owes the porter money and although that bit of information may seem insignificant, I believe that is the first show of how money will be a big topic in the play. Nora arrives home where we are introduced to Torvald, Nora tells him that she wants to show him all she has bought and in a jokingly matter he calls her a "spendthrift". Although he called her a "spendthrift " in a jokingly matter we may ask ourselves whether there was an underlying message. As the play progresses Torvald begins to complain a little about her spending habits and she replies that now that he is being promoted they can afford to splurge. From the beginning money seems to be taking one of the major roles in the play. Torvald even makes reference to her gender and that being the reason behind her ignorance towards money managing, "Nora, my Nora, that is just like a woman"(ibsen).  In a sense I can see how the word doll could fit in this play, Torvald treats Nora like a doll at times, a piece of property that is meant to beautify his home. Despite Torvald disagreeing with his wives money managing  he gives her more when she pouts only to see her happy resembling a parent to child relationship. It is an interesting play and we will have to read on to see where the first act leads.