A Doll’s House Group

Question:

mjwatson
mjwatson
Student
College - Sophomore

What is the role of Dr. Rank in this play? 

What is the purpose of his character? 

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Posted by mjwatson on Wednesday November 28, 2007 at 6:59 PM and tagged with a doll's house, a doll’s house, characters, dr rank, nora.

Answers:


  1. renelane Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Dr. Rank's purpose is to show the contrast to Torvald's treatment of Nora. Both men love Nora, although Dr. Rank does not try to make this public. Nora has great affection for Dr. Rank, but does not feel the same way that he does. The difference is that Dr. Rank illustrates all the characteristics that a loving partner should exhibit.

    Dr. Rank listens when Nora talks, as Torvald does not. He also treats her with respect and dignity, which is a sharp contrast to the chiding and condescending attitude that Torvald frequently uses when speaking with his wife. Dr. Rank does not act as if women are inferior, as Torvald is guilty of doing.

    The truly pitiful aspect, however, is that Dr. Rank will never be able to engage in an equal and loving relationship because he is dying, and he never had any chance of a relationship with Nora.

     

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/dollshouse/character-analysis

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    Posted by renelane on Thursday November 29, 2007 at 12:41 PM

  2. lostinthought
    lostinthought Student
    High School - 9th Grade

    Dr. Rank is very important in A Dolls House.  He was someone that Nora could have her fantasy's about.  She didn't want to have an affair with him, but it was just the thought of doing something torvald wouldn't approve of that made her get these ideas.

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    Posted by lostinthought on Monday January 14, 2008 at 3:02 PM