Keyword Guide · book-summary
This A Doll's House summary gives a clear overview of Henrik Ibsen’s play for quick study and review. It highlights the plot, key characters, and major ideas commonly tested in literature classes.
A Doll's House is a realistic drama that focuses on marriage, identity, and personal freedom. The story centers on Nora Helmer, a wife and mother living in a seemingly comfortable middle-class home. As secrets from the past emerge, the play questions traditional gender roles and social expectations.
Nora once secretly borrowed money to save her husband Torvald’s life, forging a signature to do so. Years later, the lender, Krogstad, threatens to expose her unless she helps him keep his job. When Torvald discovers the truth, he reacts with anger and concern for his reputation rather than gratitude. After seeing how little independence she has in her marriage, Nora makes a life-changing decision to leave and seek self-understanding.
Nora Helmer begins as playful and obedient but grows into a more self-aware individual. Torvald Helmer values social respectability and control, often treating Nora as a child. Krogstad represents the fear of social disgrace, while Mrs. Linde offers a contrast to Nora by showing the challenges of independence and self-reliance.
Major themes include individual freedom, gender roles, and the conflict between appearance and reality. The play suggests that a true identity cannot exist without honesty and independence. For essays, focus on how Nora’s development drives the play’s message and why the ending was considered controversial.
It is about a woman who realizes her marriage and life are based on control and illusion, leading her to seek independence.
The ending shows Nora choosing personal growth over social expectations, which challenges traditional views of marriage and gender roles.
Review the plot structure, track Nora’s character development, and connect key scenes to major themes like freedom and identity.
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