Ibsen "A Doll House" Thesis using prompt Money and Marriage

Full Answer Section

Throughout the play, Ibsen uses the themes of money and marriage to highlight the gender inequality and social constructs that can oppress women. Nora's financial dependence on Torvald gives him complete control over her life, and her inability to earn her own money leaves her vulnerable to his abuse. Ibsen also uses the motif of the dollhouse to symbolize the false and artificial nature of Nora's marriage.

In this paper, I will argue that money and marriage play a central role in Ibsen's A Doll House. I will analyze specific examples from the text to show how these themes are used to explore the gender dynamics and social realities of the time. I will also discuss how Ibsen's play remains relevant today, as it continues to raise important questions about the nature of marriage and the role of money in our society.

Body Paragraph 1:

One of the most striking examples of how money corrupts the Helmers' marriage is Torvald's reaction to Nora's secret debt. When Torvald discovers that Nora has forged his signature on a loan, he is enraged. He sees her actions as a betrayal of his trust and a threat to his authority. Torvald's reaction reveals his deep-seated belief that he is superior to Nora and that she is not capable of making her own decisions.

Torvald's financial control over Nora is also evident in the way he treats her allowance. He gives her a small amount of money each month and expects her to account for every penny she spends. This treatment is infantilizing and demeaning, and it further reinforces Nora's dependence on her husband.

Body Paragraph 2:

The theme of money is also used to highlight the social constructs that oppress women in the play. In Ibsen's time, women were not allowed to own property or hold jobs. This meant that they were financially dependent on their husbands or fathers. This financial dependence made women vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

Nora's situation is a perfect example of how these social constructs can trap women in harmful relationships. When Nora's father dies, she is left with no means of support. She is forced to marry Torvald, even though she does not love him, in order to secure her financial future.

Body Paragraph 3:

The motif of the dollhouse is used to symbolize the artificial and false nature of the Helmers' marriage. Nora is often referred to as "Torvald's little doll" throughout the play. This nickname highlights her role as a decorative object that Torvald can control and manipulate.

The dollhouse also represents the social expectations placed on women in Ibsen's time. Women were expected to be subservient to their husbands and to fulfill their roles as wives and mothers. Nora's rebellion against these expectations is what leads to the downfall of her marriage.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, money and marriage play a central role in Ibsen's A Doll House. These themes are used to explore the gender dynamics and social realities of the time, as well as the ways in which money and marriage can corrupt and destroy a relationship. Ibsen's play is still relevant today, as it continues to raise important questions about the nature of marriage and the role of money in our society.

Citations:

Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll's House. Translated by Peter Watts. Penguin Books, 2002.

Quotation:

"No, Torvald, I can't go on living here with you like this. I must leave, and that at once." (Ibsen 83)

This quotation is from the final scene of the play, when Nora leaves Torvald. It shows how her financial dependence on him has made it impossible for her to stay in the marriage. Nora realizes that she must be financially independent in order to be truly free.

I hope this thesis and paper outline are helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sample Answer

Thesis:

Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll House explores the ways in which money and marriage can corrupt and destroy a relationship. By using the character of Nora Helmer as a lens, Ibsen exposes the financial inequalities and social constructs that can trap women in harmful and unfulfilling relationships.

Introduction:

Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll House is a powerful exploration of the ways in which money and marriage can corrupt and destroy a relationship. The play's protagonist, Nora Helmer, is a seemingly perfect housewife who is trapped in a loveless marriage to her controlling husband, Torvald. When Nora's secret debt is threatened to be exposed, the Helmers' carefully constructed world begins to unravel, and the dark truths of their relationship are revealed.