Ibsen's Side Note Is a Remarkably Astute Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 654 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

Page 1 of 2

Ibsen's side note is a remarkably astute and honest appraisal of the realities of patriarchy. The statement was certainly true of Nora and her society. Even as she tries to negotiate some semblance of power in the domestic realm, the barriers to women achieving genuine political, financial and social equality are too entrenched in the society.

The central theme of patriarchy is played out through the motif of the doll house itself, which is a metaphor for the domestication and subjugation of women. A woman is prevented from acting outside of her role in the domestic sphere. She cannot "be herself" in the way a man can, which is to say, permitted to pursue any level of education she pleases or acquire any type of professional credentials she would like. Women are beholden to men and become financially dependent on them, as they are lauchned into careers of domestic servitude. They are also kept like children, treated in patronizing manners as Torvald does to Nora. Torvald calls Nora a "child" throughout the play, and also calls her disparaging names like "featherbrain," (Act III). The grouping of "women and children" that perpetuates itself throughout Western society shows that in spite of great leaps in gender equity, Ibsen is still correct in saying society is "exclusively masculine.

Stuck Writing Your "Ibsen's Side Note Is a Remarkably Astute" Essay?

View All Our Example Ibsen's Side Note Is a Remarkably Astute Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

" Although much has changed since Ibsen penned A Doll's House, too much remains the same.

In the play, stereotypes abound, showing how difficult it is to change gender roles and norms. For example, Krogstad refers to "a woman's overstrained sense of generosity" and the inability of women to comprehend complex or analytical issues like finances. Women are systematically excluded from access to financial power, which is why Nora needs to take out the illicit loan. The fact that she succeeded in acquiring the money emasculates Torvald, which is why Nora cannot "be herself." Instead of thanking her for her sacrifice, Torvald shuns her. LIkewise, Ibsen also refers to is the inability of women to "be herself." This is more than just an allusion to the lack of power and authority the woman has in society. It relates to the identity of a woman being constrained by gender. The same can also be said for men, who are also damaged by the patriarchal social order in that it constrains individuality.

2. If it seems Susan Glaspell's play Trifles is a lousy mystery, then it is because….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Ibsen's Side Note Is A Remarkably Astute" (2014, December 12) Retrieved June 13, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/ibsen-side-note-remarkably-astute-2154147

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Ibsen's Side Note Is A Remarkably Astute" 12 December 2014. Web.13 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/ibsen-side-note-remarkably-astute-2154147>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Ibsen's Side Note Is A Remarkably Astute", 12 December 2014, Accessed.13 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/ibsen-side-note-remarkably-astute-2154147
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example