Nora may not be heroic in the classical sense, but her decision to leave Torvald at the end of the play is certainly a type of heroism. Once Nora understands the depth of her husband's selfishness and his lack of genuine love for her, Nora faces the reality of her life and her marriage. She leaves him.
In making this choice, Nora gives up her financial security and her position in society. She separates herself from her children, with no means to take them with her, even if that would be allowed. In short, she turns her back on the only kind of life she has ever lived, one of complete dependence--first as a daughter and then as a "doll wife"--in order to find dignity and self-worth. For Nora to defy her husband and the conventions of her society is an act of heroism. She does what she must do,...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
regardless of the consequences.
Is Nora a hero or just a protagonist in "A Doll's House"?
Enotes defines "hero" as simply "the principle character in a play, novel, etc." As such, there is no question but that Nora is the hero (or heroine) of "A Doll's House". Enotes goes on to state that the term "hero" has evolved over the years, and that in the last few centuries has come to mean a person "of physical or moral courage, admired for bravery and noble deeds". Critics are divided on whether or not Nora fits this description of a heroine; an argument can be made for either stance.
From a traditional standpoint, Nora's action of walking out on her marriage could be considered a shirking of the most important of her societal duties - the raising of her children. This element, combined with the fact that she knowingly created and lived a tangled web of falsehoods to get the money for her husband's "needed" sojourn provides support for the position that her character is simply a protagonist, and is far from heroic. From a feminist standpoint, however, Nora's action at the end of the play signifies that she is able to find the inner strength to stand up against oppressive societal and marital pressures upon women and declare her independence and freedom to find her own voice. From this point of view, Nora is indeed a heroine.