Casa de Muñecas

Por Henrik Ibsen

Este ebook presenta "Casa de muñecas", con un índice dinámico y detallado. Casa de muñecas es una obra dramática de Henrik Ibsen. Su obra teatral se estrenó en 1879 en el Det Kongelige Teater de Copenhague. El ambiente de esta obra de teatro es clásico: una familia feliz con tres hijos que triunfa socialmente; sin embargo, la protagonista tiene un secreto: ha falsificado la firma de su padre para pedir un préstamo. Con ese dinero pagó un viaje de un año a Italia con su marido para que éste se curase de una enfermedad. La llegada de una amiga de la infancia, Cristina, hace que Nora la confíe su secreto y éste se descubra. Su marido, Helmer, al saberlo decide quitarla la educación de sus hijos, pero no el divorcio por la apariencia exterior. Nora había sido educada para ser la muñeca primero de su padre y después de su marido. Siempre había llevado una venda en los ojos, pero la llegada Cristina, hace que esta venda se caiga y ella por primera vez en su vida tenga personalidad propia, y comience a ser alguien, diciendo a su marido que se marcha cuando el estaba dispuesto a olvidar el delito de su mujer simplemente porque ya no había pruebas públicas que la pudiesen acusar, pues Krostag decide que no la va a denunciar.

Henrik Johan Ibsen (1828 - 1906) fue un dramaturgo y poeta noruego. Es considerado el más importante dramaturgo noruego y uno de los autores que más han influido en la dramaturgia moderna, padre del drama realista moderno y antecedente del teatro simbólico.

• Idioma: Español
• Editorial: e-artnow
• Fecha de lanzamiento: 31 jul 2013
• ISBN: 9788074842801

Henrik Ibsen

Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright who thrived during the late nineteenth century. He began his professional career at age 15 as a pharmacist’s apprentice. He would spend his free time writing plays, publishing his first work Catilina in 1850, followed by The Burial Mound that same year. He eventually earned a position as a theatre director and began producing his own material. Ibsen’s prolific catalogue is noted for depicting modern and real topics. His major titles include Brand, Peer Gynt and Hedda Gabler.

Vista previa del libro

TERCERO

PERSONAJES

Helmer, abogado.

Nora, su esposa.

El doctor Rank.

Krogstad, procurador.

Señora Linde, amiga de Nora.

Ana María, su niñera.

Elena, doncella de los Helmer.

Los Tres Niños del matrimonio Helmer.

Un Mozo de cuerda.

La acción, en Noruega, en casa de los Helmer.

ACTO PRIMERO

Sala acogedora, amueblada con gusto, pero sin lujo. En el fondo, a la derecha, una puerta conduce a la antesala, y a la izquierda, otra al despacho de Helmer. Entre ambas, un piano. En el centro del lateral izquierdo, otra puerta, y más allá, una ventana. Cerca de la ventana, mesa redonda, con un sofá y varias sillas alrededor. En el lateral derecho, junto al foro, otra puerta, y en primer término, una estufa de azulejos, con un par de sillones y una mecedora enfrente. Entre la estufa y la puerta lateral, una mesita. Grabados en las paredes. Repisa con figuritas de porcelana y otros menudos objetos de arte. Una pequeña librería con libros encuadernados primorosamente. Alfombra. La estufa está encendida. Día de invierno.

En la antesala suena una campanilla; momentos más tarde, se oye abrir la puerta. Nora entra en la sala tarareando alegremente, vestida de calle y cargada de paquetes, que deja sobre la mesita de la derecha. Por la puerta abierta de la antesala, se ve un Mozo con un árbol de Navidad y un cesto, todo lo cual entrega a la doncella que ha abierto.

NORA: Esconde bien el árbol, Elena. No deben verlo los niños de ninguna manera hasta esta noche, cuando esté arreglado. (Dirigiéndose al Mozo, mientras saca el portamonedas.) ¿Cuánto es?

EL MOZO: Cincuenta ore ...

NORA: Tenga: una corona. No, no; quédese con la vuelta. (El Mozo da las gracias y se va. Nora cierra la puerta. Continúa sonriendo mientras se quita el abrigo y el sombrero. Luego saca del bolsillo un cucurucho de almendras y come un par de ellas. Después se acerca cautelosamente a la puerta del despacho de su marido.) Sí, está en casa. (Se pone a tararear otra vez según se dirige a la mesita de la derecha.)

HELMER: (Desde su despacho.) ¿Es mi alondra la que está gorjeando ahí fuera?

NORA: (A tiempo que abre unos paquetes.) Sí, es ella.

HELMER: ¿Es mi ardilla la que está enredando?

NORA: ¡Sí!

HELMER: ¿Hace mucho que ha llegado mi ardilla?

NORA: Ahora mismo. (Guarda el cucurucho en el bolsillo y se limpia la boca.) Ven aquí, mira lo que he comprado.

HELMER: ¡No me interrumpas por el momento! (Al poco rato abre la puerta y se asoma con la pluma en la mano.) ¿Has dicho comprado? ¿Todo eso? ¿Aún se ha atrevido el pajarito cantor a tirar el dinero?

NORA: Torvaldo, este año podemos excedernos un poco. Es la primera Navidad que no tenemos que andar con apuros.

HELMER: Sí, sí, aunque tampoco podemos derrochar, ¿sabes?

NORA: Un poquito sí que podremos, ¿verdad? Un poquitín, nada más. Ahora que vas a tener un buen sueldo, y a ganar muchísimo dinero...

HELMER: Sí, a partir de Año Nuevo. Pero habrá de pasar un trimestre antes que cobre nada.

NORA: ¿Y qué importa eso? Entre tanto, podemos pedir prestado.

HELMER: ¡Nora! (Se acerca a ella, y bromeando, le tira de una oreja.) ¿Reincides en tu ligereza de siempre?... Suponte que hoy pido prestadas mil coronas, que tú te las gastas durante la semana de Navidad, que la Noche Vieja me cae una teja en la cabeza, y me quedo en el sitio...

NORA: ¡Qué horror! No digas esas cosas.

HELMER: Bueno; pero suponte que ocurriera. Entonces, ¿qué?

NORA: Si sucediera semejante cosa, me sería de todo punto igual tener deudas que no tenerlas.

HELMER: ¿Y a los que me hubiesen prestado el dinero?

NORA: ¡Quién piensa en ellos! Son personas extrañas.

HELMER: ¡Nora, Nora! Eres una verdadera mujer. En serio, Nora, ya sabes lo que pienso de todo esto. Nada de deudas, nada de préstamos. En el hogar fundado sobre préstamos y deudas se respira una atmósfera de esclavitud, un no sé qué de inquietante y fatídico que no puede presagiar sino males. Hasta hoy nos hemos sostenido con suficiente entereza. Y así seguiremos el poco tiempo que nos queda de lucha.

NORA: En fin, como gustes, Torvaldo.

HELMER: (Que va tras ella.) Bien, bien; no quiero ver a mi alondra con las alas caídas. ¿Qué, acaba por enfurruñarse mi ardilla? (Saca su billetero.) Nora, adivina lo que tengo aquí.

NORA: (Volviéndose rápidamente.) ¡Dinero!

HELMER: Toma, mira. (Entregándole algunos billetes.) ¡Vaya, si sabré yo lo que hay que gastar en una casa cuando se acercan las Navidades!

NORA: (Contando.) Diez, veinte, treinta, cuarenta... ¡Muchas gracias, Torvaldo! Con esto tengo para bastante tiempo.

HELMER: Así lo espero.

NORA: Sí, sí; ya verás. Pero ven ya, porque voy a enseñarte todo lo que he comprado. Y además, baratísimo. Fíjate... aquí hay un sable y un traje nuevo, para Ivar; aquí, un caballo y una trompeta, para Bob, y aquí, una muñeca con su camita, para Emmy. Es de lo más ordinario: como en seguida lo rompe... Mira: aquí, unos cortes de vestidos y pañuelos, para las muchachas. La vieja Ana María se merecía mucho más...

HELMER: Y en ese paquete, ¿qué hay?

NORA: (Gritando.) ¡No, eso no, Torvaldo! ¡No lo verás hasta esta noche!

HELMER: Conforme. Pero ahora dime, manirrota: ¿has deseado algo para ti?

NORA: ¿Para mí? ¡Qué importa! Yo no quiero nada.

HELMER: ¡No faltaba más! Anda, dime algo que te apetezca, algo razonable.

NORA: No sé... francamente. Aunque sí...

HELMER: ¿Qué?

NORA: (Juguetea con los botones de la chaqueta de su marido, sin mirarle.) Si insistes en regalarme algo, podrías... Podrías...

HELMER: Vamos, dilo.

NORA: (De un tirón.) Podrías darme dinero, Torvaldo. Nada, lo que buenamente quieras, y un día de éstos compraré una cosa.

HELMER: Pero, Nora...

NORA: Sí, Torvaldo; oye, vas a hacerme ese favor. Colgaré del árbol dinero envuelto en un papel dorado, ¿te parece bien?

HELMER: ¿Cómo se llama ese pájaro que siempre está despilfarrando?

NORA: Ya, ya; el estornino; lo sé. Pero vamos a hacer lo que te he dicho, ¿eh, Torvaldo? Así tendré tiempo de pensar lo que necesite antes. ¿No crees que es lo más acertado?

HELMER: (Sonriendo) Por supuesto, si verdaderamente guardaras el dinero que te doy y compraras algo para ti. Pero luego resulta que vas a gastártelo en la casa o en cualquier cosa inútil, y después tendré que desembolsar otra vez...

HELMER: ¡Qué idea, Torvaldo!...

HELMER: Querida Nora: no puedes negarlo. (Rodeándole la cintura.) El estornino es encantador, pero gasta tanto... ¡Es increíble lo que cuesta a un hombre mantener un estornino!

NORA: ¡Qué exageración! ¿Por qué dices eso? Si yo ahorro todo lo que puedo.

HELMER: (Riendo.) Eso sí es verdad. Todo lo que puedes; pero lo que pasa es que no puedes nada.

NORA: (Canturrea y sonríe alegremente.) ¡Si tú supieras lo que tenemos que gastar las alondras y las

Comentarios para Casa de Muñecas

[marquis784-1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I haven't read a play in some time so this was a nice break from a traditional novel.
I enjoyed the story which did drag a bit in Act II but almost necessary for the play to explain the circumstances contributing to the ultimate finale. I found the conclusion had me wondering how it would end and I was pleasantly surprised! From a historical standpoint, the story was brilliant!

[hantsuki_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I could not believe two things after I read this play. I could not believe that a 19th century male playwright wrote this play with the kind of ending he did and that this play is actually based on a true story. This just confirms that nothing is original (and nothing really is original; when you pick a pen and start using language to communicate your thoughts, you're not being original because other people have used that word before, but I digress). That is not to say I did not enjoy this play. I actually enjoyed it during my second read during my sophomore year of college as opposed to my first year when I had nearly no background on analyzing literature because I can hardly give credit to my English teachers in high school for teaching me how to analyze literature. (Who actually learns anything in high school anyway? But I digress again.)Ibsen wrote this play and various other plays to criticize the Norwegian middle class people who were hypocrites. He addressed social issues, such as women's role in society, as well as Darwin's theories about the passing of genetics from parents to children. This play covers those theories a lot, as you can see with Dr. Rank who genetically inherited a disease from his father because of his own sinful nature. That sub-plot emphasizes Nora's decision to leave her children for fear of them inheriting her bad nature, which is completely understandable.One thing that needs to be understood here is Ibsen was not a feminist, but a realist. Just because he ended the play with Nora leaving her husband, her duty to her husband, and her duty to her children behind does not mean he thought every woman should behave as such if they do not get what they want. Ibsen was also observing social issues of men and women in general, which is why I like that guy. This play sparked so much controversy, and it remains one of his highly known plays, but I think more people should start analyzing other things besides the feminist issues that are obviously noted in this play.

[mblaze_6 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Nora, a stereotypical housewife, is faced with her past secrets being exposed. This forces her to choose between living her same sheltered life, or growing up and becoming strong and independent. Henrik Ibsen's play is full of metaphors that describe Nora's marriage. He uses a variety of characters to contrast the relationship between Nora and her husband. He also does an excellent job of raising moral questions for the reader to contemplate. This book would be well used in a high school English class, because it is simple to read and understand, but it raises a very important debate on gender roles and marriage.

[thatsfresh_1 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

short, deals with inner questioning vs. outward conformity. understandable how hugely controversial this was when it was released. still enjoyable today.

[t1bnotown · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

We read this sophomore year of high school, and I very much enjoyed it. We had a debate over whether Nora was good or bad in my class- all the girls sided with her, and all the boys but one against. I'm with her! I felt like she wasn't really a person while she was with her husband and she had to leave to become one. Never stay with a man who won't let you eat cookies!

[heidilove_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

one of the first plays that ever really spoke to me as a modern person. a master work.

[ltw_2 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

One of the best-known, most frequently performed of modern plays, displaying Ibsen’s genius for realistic prose drama. A classic expression of women’s rights, the play builds to a climax in which the central character, Nora, rejects a smothering marriage and life in "a doll’s house."

[cinesnail88 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I'm currently working my way through a good deal of the theatrical canon and this play was up next. An intriguing study, still at times rooted in the melodramatic. I wasn't too impressed with the character of Nora, even after extensive discussion. She confused and baffled me the majority of the time, and not in a particularly good way.

[391_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I really, really enjoyed this play. Though it does border on the melodramatic at times (understandable, given that the world was just beginning to move out of the romantic period and realism still hadn't fully taken off), the heartbreaking realizations Nora makes and her ultimate decision regarding her future mark a change in the Western canon from the generic 'wife/mother' archetype to living, breathing, viable characters. Her journey from inactive doll to a decisive thinker is just startling, even when read now without the proper repressive context.

[justagirlwithabook · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

 This book was alright. I had to read this while studying English for undergrad. It was a required text for my American Lit class that I hated more than anything that year. I was happy that it was short (ha!) and that it was soon over. We got the point that the main character was a spendthrift and after that, I was bored and ready for it to all end.

[wellreadcatlady · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

It's a pretty good play, I totally get the mixed feelings people get from this play, the people who tend to dislike it are the ones who felt Norah didn't grow in the play, that the ending was a cop-out and she was still being immature. While the people who liked it tend to see that she grew and was able to leave. Either way I think because the ending is so open and not told completely it leaves room for a lot of interpretation and to me that's a good play because it makes you think. It's well written and very dynamic, but not in a obvious way.

[ariesblue · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Nora a woman who comes to understand that her marriage wasnt as she supposed it to be , an illusion, and that her husband is a very different person from she once believed him to be..when he cant undergo one of the hardships in their life for her sake ....

She leaves her husband and her children because she feels it is for their benefit..
her husband accused her of being a "child-wife"she feels that he was right, that she is a child who knows nothing of the world. Since she knows so little about herself or society, she feels that she is an inadequate mother and wife.....

her last words was that they could become a man and wife once again, but only if a miracle occurred.......

i liked the last scene....

[hadriantheblind · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

A good play, fun to imagine as a play instead of how I usually handle books.

[leslie398 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Maybe 3½... I found the second act dragged a bit, but the third and final act was amazing. Nora's revolt was tremendously satisfying to me, in particular after Torvald goes into his self-righteous rant.

[sgemmell-1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Ibsen's novel is a critique of the 19th century marriage norms. Nora lives to serve her husband, Helmer, however, she resorts to deceit in order to help him and then lives in fear of Torvald's negative judgment of her actions. Torvald controls every aspect of Nora's life; what she eats, what she buys, how she raises the children, what she thinks, and what she does. Nora dutifully complies and denies her own desires. Torvald uses demeaning nicknames for his wife, and treats her as if she were a child. Nora seems disinterested in her children who are cared for by a nanny. Through the characterization and dramatic action, Ibsen creates a picture of the Helmer household as one of dolls in a doll's house. Torvald views his wife and children as possessions that serve to elevate his ego and reputation. Christine serves as a foil for Nora and Christine becomes Nora's model modern woman. Throughout the drama, Nora is blackmailed by Krogstad so that she will convince Torvald to keep Krogstad employed at the bank. When Krogstad is fired, he reveals that he will send Torvald a letter that explains the loan that Nora took out in order to pay for a trip to Italy. Eventually, Torvald reads the letter and harshly admonishes Nora. Nora prepares to leave the house and Torvald immediately forgives her and explains that a man forgives when he truly loves a woman. Nora maintains her resolve to leave and find out her own identity. Torvald and some readers cannot fathom why Nora would not take her children along with her. This resolution makes the drama controversial in Ibsen's day and still in modern society. Nora can be compared and contrasted to Chopin's characters Mrs. Summers in "A Pair of Silk Stockings" and Mrs. Mallard in "The Story of an Hour." I also like to discuss how a marital relationship can confining for men. Both Rip Van Winkle and Walter Mitty are husbands who have much in common with Nora Helmer.

[jms001 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

A play better worth seeing.

This was one of those books/plays that I was told was on a top 100 list, and so I decided to finally give it a try this time. Plus, it's been so long since I read a play, I figured, "Why not?" It's a short read, and I probably would have been finished with it in less than a day if I had the time. The characters are easily introduced, and the plot speeds along and thickens at a moment's pace. Needless to say, you'll go through the whole roller coaster of emotions that the characters go through at a much quicker pace than them.

Plays sometimes read well, but I felt that this one could have been much more enjoyable if I were to watch a stage adaptation of it. There are many more nuances that can be expressed by the actor, and simple stage directions simply don't do it for me when reading. I'll try to add my own artistic interpretations of what the actors would do in my head, but then I'm preoccupied with that instead of focusing on the story at hand. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.

There are great themes within the play, but the most obvious was the focus on feminism and our character's struggle for identity, and the disillusionment of marriage on both parties. Should I desire, I could write a lot more about the themes, provide some quotes, and have an essay ready for a future class. But instead I will end my review here.

An easy yet in-depth read, best for lovers of plays.

[ithilwyn · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

This is a very interesting drama about the needs of the individual versus the needs of society or family.

[ashdwyer · Calificación: 1 de 5 estrellas]

The only redeeming quality about this book is that it is short. I really didnt enjoy the writing style, the characters, or the plot. It was one of those books that you are forced to read, and simply suffer through it while never feeling like you could connect with it. I cant stand it when people assume that just because something is popular or old, it has to be good. This book just wasnt good.

[truncoxx · Calificación: 1 de 5 estrellas]

I really did not enjoy this book. Most probably because I am not a fan of reading plays or easily predictable stories/plots. I thought the story was very simple, easy to predict and a little boring. However, it is a good classic to read and especially if you enjoy plays. I would not recommend it to those who are not very dedicated readers.

[cmbohn · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

When I was a student at BYU in my last semester I took an American Lit class. Looking back, I should have taken almost any other class available. I was a newlywed when the semester started, and by the end I was expecting my first baby. So what did we study that would go along with my life's lessons I was learning at the time? Kate Chopin's The Awakening. Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper. Edith Wharton. Sarah Orne Jewett. Just about any depressing story written by American women, we read it. That class was not a lot of laughs.The play, A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, would have fit right in with those writers if only he had been American. It's got all the right elements. Restricted setting - check. Slice of middle class family life - check. Deceptively innocuous beginning - check. Desperate woman struggling with her own identity against a tightly ordered society and family life - double check. The difference is that for me, 18 years after the first class, is that now instead of making me depressed, it made me angry to read this. Angry with Nora, and the way it took her so long to protest the way she was treated. Angry with Helmet, for treating his wife as an inferior creature he had to humor. Angry with Christine, for putting up with years of unhappiness just so she could devote her entire self to taking care of someone. And then going after what she really wanted only because she was helping her friend, and further, because she set up the expectation that she would again be 'taking care' of someone. Most of all, angry with society, that this was accepted as normal. I read that when this play was first performed, the audience was shocked. But not because of any of the reasons I mentioned. No, because women were generally supposed to be perfectly content to be treated in such a way.Looking back at that class, I am not a bit surprised that I found it so troubling. There I was, just barely started on this marriage thing and shortly about to take on motherhood. And what did I get to read about? Any healthy models of what family life could be like? No. Literally, everything we read that dealt with marriage or motherhood was telling me how restrictive it was, how demanding, how degrading to my personhood, how I would have to sacrifice my very self to be successful in my new roles. No wonder I had a hard time!So a little perspective is valuable now that I read this play. I know from my own experience that marriage does not have to be like that, and that motherhood is a source of great joy and fulfillment, as well as a challenge. Yes, I know that society was different 100 years ago, but I have to believe that even then, not every marriage was one of dominant/submissive. There must, even then, have been relationships that were based on a more equal footing. There must have been women who ENJOYED being a wife and a mother, and didn't just do it because they needed security.And maybe I'm just a little spoiled, because I am living in the 21st century, when women are busy in so many different things. Maybe. But to say that I can't judge people from that era means that I'm supposed to accept that they are not as capable as I am of fixing things that don't work, and that they are not as bright at seeing what makes them unhappy. I don't believe that. Yes, it must have been more difficult for women of that time to express their true selves, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't get angry when I read about a woman who is a doormat, and ask myself why she put up with that.What did I think of this play? I can't say I loved it. But it sure brought out a strong reaction in me. On that basis alone, I have to give it 5 stars. I think that every couple ought to read this play, or even better, see it together. And so should every therapist or clergyman. Single people too should read this and learn from it to set up some solid boundaries before they form a partnership.I think that so far this year, this is the book that got me the most emotionally involved with what I was reading. So I have to give it 5 stars. However, read or see this with the knowledge I didn't have as a newlywed. Not every relationship demands this self sacrifice from the woman. This is how it is NOT supposed to be. Once you know that, you can ask yourself if you need to adjust anything in your relationships so this doesn't happen.

[readingover50 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Somehow, I never read this when I was in school. It seems the sort of book that teachers make you read.

All of the characters in the play are flawed. The way Helmer is so quick to condemn Nora, and then a few minutes later tells her he forgives her. Why would he think she would forgive him for saying so many horrible things? And for so much of the play, Nora seems to delight as being seen as a silly, flighty woman. This makes her speech at the end a little confusing. If she resents being treated that way, why act that way?

This was a quick read. I read it all in about one hour. I enjoyed reading it. The play gave me a lot to think about.

[writestuff_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

A Doll’s House is a play written by Henrik Ibsen and published in 1879. The play is written in three acts, and takes place in the home of Torvald and Nora Helmer. It is Christmastime and the household is getting ready for the holiday. In Act I, the reader learns that Nora has committed a crime: a year before, with Torvald ill and needing a trip to Southern Italy to heal, Nora procured a loan without her husband’s knowledge and by forging her father’s signature. She has been faithfully paying off the loan, even working a bit in order to raise the funds to do so. Now, it appears that she will be out from under this financial burden and no one will be the wiser. But, as the play continues, there is a turn of events. A loan officer threatens to reveal Nora’s crime to her husband, perhaps even to seek legal action against her. Nora seeks assistance from her friend, Christine, and the two attempt to use their womanly wiles to get out of the difficult situation. The end of the play proves to be scandalous for the times -and I won’t reveal it here. Suffice it to say, that Ibsen’s play caused an uproar in Victorian society and many performances of it were changed to reveal a more conservative ending.I found this to be an interesting book. It is very short (less than 100 pages) and certainly reflects the writing style and sensibilities of the times. Torvald is quite demeaning and paternalistic towards Nora, calling her cutesy names such as “sweet little skylark” and insults her ability to handle money by referring to her as “featherhead.” He is controlling – dictating what she can and cannot eat, and what she should wear to a party. Initially, Nora plays along with all of this. She appears to be a bit of an airhead and does not seem to have an ounce of sense about her. But, gradually her character is revealed to be someone who is much stronger willed and intelligent than she first appears.A Doll’s House is considered to be classic feminist literature. Written at a time when women were still considered to be the property of their husbands, having no money of their own and prohibited from dealing in business without the consent of their husbands – the play takes a liberal stance on the role of women in society. Specifically, it looks at the emancipation of women from the control of men.Money is one means by which power is obtained – and in Ibsen’s play, that idea becomes central. Nora appears to be completely under the control of her husband who stands to become very wealthy when he is promoted to a top position in a bank. Ibsen allows Nora to regain some of her autonomy through her ruse to obtain a loan – and then further empowers her by giving her the means to pay back the money. By putting money into Nora’s hands, Ibsen turns the table on tradition and allows a woman character to enjoy her own independence. In 1879, this would be a revolutionary idea.Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian poet, playwright, and theater director. His plays were controversial, often placing women characters in a position to question Victorian society’s moral dictates. Many critics have considered Ibsen the greatest playwright since Shakespeare.I read this play for A Year of Feminist Classics project which is discussing the play this month. To join in the discussion or learn more about Ibsen and A Doll’s House, visit the dedicated blog for the project.Readers who are interested in feminist literature will want to add this classic to their reading list.

[mickyfine · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

In this audio version of Ibsen's classic play, Nora must face down the consequences of a choice she made years ago and the ramifications it has for her marriage and domestic life.Callista Flockhart sparkles as Nora and the other cast members set her off to advantage. I studied this play in high school English but I'd forgotten most of the details so the turn in the final act was wonderful to experience again. Recommended.

[libraian_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I read quickly through the Project Gutenberg e-copy of this play to help my son with his upcoming English exam. It is a three act play, originally written in Norwegian in 1879 with all three acts set in the Helmer family's front living room.The play is set just before Christmas one year and Nora (Mrs Helmer) is happy that soon her husband is to be promoted and they won't have to scrimp and save so much. Torvald (Mr. Helmer) scolds her for being a spendthrift while at the same time he is unable to refuse her requests for money. Act I is a scene of domestic bliss even if the family is not very well off. Nora seems to be quite flighty, without a care in the world despite their three young children - but she has a secret she hasn't told her husband which comes back to haunt her at the end of the first act. Apparently this was quite a controversial play when it first came out because it showed that far from being pampered and talked down to by their husbands and treated like dolls who have no self-purpose, as Nora is by Torvald, women of that time could think and act for themselves although limited by the constraints of society and the law.Nora. What do you consider my most sacred duties?Helmer. Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your husband and your children?Nora. I have other duties just as sacred.Helmer. That you have not. What duties could those be?Nora. Duties to myself.Helmer. Before all else, you are a wife and a mother.One aspect of the play is the way Torvald and Nora have put each other up on the pedestals of what they imagine the other is but, as Nora points out, they have not really communicated with each other in all their eight years of marriage. The play (while especially driving home the way Torvald treats Nora like a child or a doll for him to spoil) is the build up to the revelation of Nora's secret and how they deal with discovering that those pedestals are not real.Helmer. I would gladly work night and day for you, Nora--bear sorrow and want for your sake. But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he loves.Nora. It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done.Helmer. Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child. Honestly! It's hardly surprising that Nora reacts the way she does at the end of the play.Although she knows that what she did was illegal, Nora is proud that she could do something to save her family and it was not wrong of itself. Her secret, when there was little chance of it being discovered, has buoyed her up and kept her the happy heart of the family but Torvald tears that down with a few sentences that show (although he is not told - and doesn't bother to check - the necessity and circumstances that drove her to do what she did) that he doesn't understand his wife.I'm happy to see there is redemption for a couple of the other characters; I think it is partly because they do decide to confess to each other whereas I thought Nora and Torvald could have talked things through more. Of course, that would have spoiled the drama and thus the impact of Ibsen's play. But there is a glimmer of hope for them in the closing line.Ibsen based the idea for this play on something that happened to a friend of his; Laura Kieler was in financial difficulties and asked for his help which he refused and consequently she ended up in legal trouble. Ibsen felt guilty about this and wrote the play but Kieler, who went on to become a successful novelist, was not happy that he used her life story for it.4****

[bookworm12_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

A woman, Nora, borrows money to save her husband's life without his knowledge. Later, the man she borrowed from blackmails her and she is terrified that her husband will discover what she's done. Nora is a fascinating character. She is clever and resourceful and at the same time she seems desperate to please her husband, no matter what it takes. She hides her unhappiness from everyone, even herself. She likes to encourage his believe that's she's a frivolous creature. Her husband, Helmer, is condescending and pious. He has fury inducing lines like, "I should not be a man if this womanly helplessness did not just give you a double attractiveness in my eyes." There marriage is more a playful charade than a partnership. When circumstances push her to step out of her comfort one she finds a strength she didn't realize she had.

[markbstephenson · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I read this with interest as a bachelor. After 22 years of marriage rereading it convinces me that it is an inspired masterpiece. I hope my children will read it at some point- preferably before they marry!

[crazyjster · Calificación: 1 de 5 estrellas]

The good thing was...it was VERY quick to read, other than that...who cares about the story. It was lame. I can't believe people paid money to sit through that on Broadway. There was no excitement what so ever. It was like watching what goes on in many households on stage. Evidently the big deal was that it happened in an earlier time period when it was less socially exceptable...big deal.

[sealford_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This is, in my opinion, one of the most important women's rights books ever written. I am by no means a modern feminist, but I really did enjoy this book back when I read it in high school. I liked the ending climax, though it was quite a bit bittersweet.

[ctpress_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

A very subtle, complex play that begins with ordinary everyday events, but slowly secrets are revealed from the past that turns out to threaten the marriage between Thorvald and Nora Helmer. This play have been endlessly analysed and discussed and one can understand why. It challenges the norms and roles of marriage (at least in that day and age) - there are no easy “solutions” and no heroes or villains in this story. Who is right and who is wrong.The main character Nora is “trapped” in a marriage with a husband who doesn’t love and support her the way he should. Yet, Nora herself is a problematic character - her secretive and thoughtless forgery of the signature - the way she pretends all the time - what should we say about her role as a mother? She doesn’t seem to be that connected to her children. How can she leave them - and yet, how can she stay? What will/should Nora do? And are Thorvald really beyond reach? Can we detect a change in him in the last part of the play?

[jonfaith · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Our home has been nothing but a playroom.


What a wonderful surprise! I didn't expect to be so moved. The honesty is scalding. My reading as of late has focused on language: an exploration of poetics and the resonance of such. Ibsen acted as a sort of antithesis to that approach and the experience was all the more satisfying. Remarkably modern, We find Nora a wife and mother—who out of interest for her husband she has blurred the lines of propriety. This incident bobs to the surface the trials involved afford her an unexpected perspective.