A Doll’s House
Henrik Ibsen
LO: To be introduced to Ibsen
and consider the setting and
props used in the play
Ibsen and Skein
Skein, where Ibsen
was born
Henrik Ibsen and Drama
• Central ideas of Ibsen’s drama:
– Tragedy should present recognisable
human beings
– Symbolism should be integral rather
than overt
A Doll’s House
• A Doll’s House shocked audiences when first shown in
1879 with its radical insights into the social roles of
husband and wife and how marriage can limit women.
• His portrayal of the flawed heroine Nora is viewed as one
of the most striking dramatic depictions of women in the
19th century.
• The play follows many of the conventions of a ‘well made
play’ – i.e. plenty of suspense created by meticulous
planning, tightly and logically constructed with logical
solution that was favourable to the protagonist.
• Ibsen wanted to create a more naturalistic drama;
presenting human relationships and characters of real
psychological depth.
Opening Stage Directions
• Read the stage directions carefully:
– What do they suggest about the play?
– What can we tell about the home
described?
Draw the Set
• Label with quotations
Plenary
• What expectations do you have from
the opening stage directions?
• What possible meanings might the title
‘A Doll’s House’ have?
Homework
MUST: Continue drafting your
Extended
Essay coursework.
COULD: Read the opening of A Doll’s
House
MIGHT: Make some notes on the
first impressions you have of
characters