Themes, Metaphors and Symbols in A Doll’s House: Analysis
Mrs. Jacobson
Name_________________________________
Themes
1. Appearance vs. reality
Nora appears:
Nora really is:
Torvald appears:
Torvald really is:
Their marriage appears:
Their marriage really is:
2. Letters:
What role do letters play in A Doll’s House? Why are letters used so much?
3. Role of Society: How is society seen as a negative force?
4. Money. How does the use of money reflect inequality between the sexes?
5. Inheritance. Where do we see examples of inheritance being discussed in the play?
Why is this important?
6. Deception
Nora deceives Torvald:
Torvald deceives Nora:
7. The Role of Women:
Sacrifices women had to make:
Nora:
Anne-Marie (nanny):
Mrs. Linde:
What women were not allowed to do:
View of Divorce:
Metaphors
1. “Doll’s House”—how are the main characters like dolls? What is Ibsen (the
playwright) saying about appearances versus reality?
2. Animal Imagery—what images are used? What is especially notable these types of
animals? Why does Torvald refer to Nora as these animals?
3. Dr. Rank’s big black hat is a metaphor for:
Symbols
1. Nora’s fancy costume is a symbol for:
2. The Tarantella is a symbol for:
3. Light symbolizes (in this play)
4. Christmas and New Years Day symbolize: