Examining themes in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
You will be producing a series of notes on the themes represented in A Doll’s House. Look at the model on the
next page (on the theme of morality) to guide you.
Relevance
Consider the different characters and their involvement with the theme you have been given. What is their
role? How is the theme relevant to them and their position in the play?
Imagery
Consider the prevalent images in the text and how they link with the theme and the characters.
Language
Consider the language used to represent the theme, particularly the language style of the characters involved.
You don’t need to give examples at this stage.
Proxemics
Movement and positioning in the stage is particularly significant in Ibsen’s plays. Consider this when
examining your theme.
Quotations
Give full, relevant quotations and make sure you page reference the example.
Themes:
power
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freedom
truth
social convention
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heredity
illusions
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Examining themes in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
Morality: Relevance to the text
Does his reaction to the
truth conflict with his
views on morality?
 No. He condemns Nora
the way he condemns
Krogstad.
 Yes. He only cares about
his own status when he
swore that he would
always support his wife.
Different characters have different views of morality.
Krogstad: Considered very immoral by
others and himself. Aware of the need to
change but his methods are ‘immoral’. Ends
with a real sense of enlightenment.
Mrs Linde: Considers herself to be a moral
character in that she gave her life up for
others. She can become a little pompous
because of this especially towards Nora.
Torvald: Considers himself one of the most
moral characters, reflected in his attitudes and
views. Based on a selfish view of his
status/position. Ibsen uses him as a comment
on society’s views in this period.
Nora: Where does she fit? She is moral in
her reasons but would have been judged as
immoral because of her actions. She begins to
see herself as immoral. Her morality is judged
by all the other characters.
Imagery
Inheritance: morality can be passed on from parents
to children
Disguise: Nora appears a truly moral character at the
start of the play, then her ‘true’ face is revealed. Ibsen is
challenging ideas of morality.
Games: sexual morality reflected in Nora’s teasing Dr
Rank – their relationship pushes the boundaries
between friendship/affair.
Torvald:
Nora:
Mrs Linde:
Nora:
Dr Rank:
Krogstad:
Torvald:
Dr Rank:
Nora:
Torvald:
Language
Nora: mixture of wheedling and assertiveness.
Torvald: sense of his own importance. Lots of
references to duty.
Krogstad: exhibits a degree of self contempt.
Rank: lots of references to people’s morals.
Mrs Linde: open and direct. Self-righteous in
her morality.
Has she done
anything immoral?
Marrying out of a sense of
duty to her family rather
than love, making
Krogstad bitter in the
process.
Dr Rank:
Makes many comments on
people who are morally rotten.
Although he’s a moral
character he is paying for his
father’s immorality.
Proxemics
 Impression of Krogstad appearing imposing
(‘coming a pace nearer’).
 Nora often moves to the table when doing
something she shouldn’t.
 She puts physical distance between herself and
Torvald when he talks of morals (‘draws her
hands away and moves to the other side of the
Christmas tree’).
Quotations/references
Nora, you know how I feel about this. No debts! Never borrow! (p25)
Being a lawyer is so uncertain … especially if one isn’t prepared to touch any case that isn’t—well—quite nice. And of course Torvald’s been very firm
about that—and I’m absolutely with him. (p30)
I am both proud and happy that I was able to make my mother’s last months on earth comparatively easy. (p34)
Is it foolish to save one’s husband’s life? (She feels she is morally justified.) (p35)
It is the same … with people who are morally sick. There’s a moral cripple in with Helmer at this very moment. (p39)
I must try to regain what respectability I can. (p46) The law does not concern itself with motives. (p49) If I get thrown into the gutter for a second
time, I shall take you with me. (p50)
Krogstad didn’t do that [take his punishment]. He chose to try and trick his way out of it. And that is what has morally destroyed him.
An atmosphere of lies contaminates and poisons every corner of the home. Every breath that the children draw in such a house contains the germs of
evil. (p53)
And all this to atone for someone else’s sin? And in every single family, in one way or another, the same merciless law of retribution is at work. (p65)
I’m telling you, no-one knows anything about this. I did it entirely on my own. (Prepared to accept responsibility.) (p74)
… for 8 whole years—she who was my joy and pride—a hypocrite, a liar—worse, worse—a criminal! Oh, the hideousness of it! All your father’s
recklessness and instability he has handed on to you! No religion, no morals, no sense of duty. I am condemned to humiliation and ruin simply for the
weakness of a woman. (p93)
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Examining themes in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
Theme:
Relevance to the text
Imagery
Language
Proxemics
Quotations / references
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