Student Question
In A Doll's House, how is Nora a victim and at fault?
Quick answer:
Nora is both a victim and at fault due to her stunted personal development, caused by the patronizing treatment from her father and husband, who deny her individual identity. This oppressive environment forces her to act illicitly to assert herself. Her victimization is furthered by Krogstad's blackmail, which traps her in a dire situation. Ultimately, Nora resolves to leave her family to develop her own identity, transitioning from victimhood to self-assertion.
How is Nora a victim in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House?
Nora feels that she has been kept from developing an identity of her own as a result of the patronizing treatment she has receievd from her father and her husband.
These men relate to Nora as if she has no thoughts of her own: no opinions, no ideas, and no positions of her own. Both her father and her husband project their own opinions onto Nora.
Living under these circumstances and being expected to follow Torvald's rules, Nora struggles to assert herself. The only ways she finds to do this are illicit and/or illegal. She must keep her abilities, her qualities, and her opinions secret.
Being patronized and demeaned as she is, Nora's development as an individual is stunted. In this way, Nora can be seen as a moral victim.
Nora realizes in the final act of A Doll's House that if she wants the opportunity to develop an identity as an adult, she must leave her husband's home.
When she leaves her husband and children, Nora steps out of the role of victim and becomes an assertive person, dedicated to developing an identity of her own.
Another significant way that Nora is victimized is seen in Krogstad's blackmail. Krogstad forces Nora into an extremely difficult situation, driving her to a despair that matches his own. The blackmail makes Nora the victim of a crime.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.