The Theme of the Individual vs Society in A Dolls House...

Individual vs Society in A Dolls House and Hedda Gabler George Brandes once insisted that the only way literature could be made into a vital and living piece of art would be by subjecting problems to debate Indeed, it was the `problem at the heart of Henrik Ibsens plays that caused most of the controversy that surrounded them. Whereas other theatrical productions of Ibsens time adhered to a standard plot and set of characters, Ibsen chose to break free of conventions by introducing topical issues into his drama, challenging contemporary assumptions about the role of women, the institution of marriage and the state of society. A close friend of George Brandes, Ibsen shared his view that only free†¦show more content†¦Just as she likes to spoil herself with the macaroons, she also longs to indulge in the freedom of her own personality. On one level, Nora is aware from the beginning that by conforming to the conventional roles she is living a lie. Her constant assertions that she is happy seem over-zealous, and suggest that she is trying too hard to convince others, and herself, that she is content; Oh God, oh God, isnt it marvellous to be alive, and to be happy, Kristine! Nora is an ideal expression of the fear of change that is intrinsic in human nature, as she realises that to be true to her own nature would mean jeopardizing her responsibility to her husband and children. Torvald, who repeatedly acts as the voice of society, would be unable to accept his wife as an equal, and Nora confirms this when she says, it would be terribly embarrassing and humiliating for him if he thought he owed anything to me... Ibsen suggests that one reason Nora - along with the other characters in the play - is so afraid of abandoning her position in society is the dread of being replaced and thereby forgotten. Dr. Rank explains that we leave behind nothing but an empty place to be filled by the first person that comes along We can see this same fear in Nora when she asks the nameless