Topic: Research on the drama, “A Doll’s House”

Subject: Modern Drama

Submitted to: Ma’am Fehmida
Submitted by:
Iqra Qurban S20/Bs-Eng-151
Nida Malik S20/Bs-Eng-195
Hiba Aftab S20/Bs-Eng-200
Najeeba khan S20/Bs-Eng-153
Iqra Abdulwahid S20/Bs-Eng-119
Saima Irshad S20/Bs-Eng-212

Date: 29th/May/2023
Compile By: Iqra Qurban
Content
Introduction to the author (Nida Malik)
Introduction to the play (Nida Malik)
Methodology (Najeeba khan)
Abstract (Iqra Qurban)
Introduction to the research (Najeeba khan)
Feminist movement of the late 19th century (Iqra Qurban)
The play’s impact on the Feminist Movement (Iqra Qurban)
Research Questions (Hiba Aftab)
Continued relevance of the play’s feminist message (Iqra Qurban)
Literature review (Iqra Abdulwahid and Saima Irshad)
Conclusion (Iqra Abdulwahid)
Introduction to the author:
Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright who lived from 1828 to 1906. He began his career
as a playwright in the 1850s and quickly gained recognition for his works. Ibsen's plays often
dealt with social issues, such as gender roles, morality, and political corruption.
Ibsen's most famous works include "A Doll's House," "Ghosts," and "Hedda Gabler." These
plays were controversial in their time for their frank portrayal of societal issues and their
criticism of traditional gender roles. "A Doll's House" is widely regarded as one of his most
influential works, and it is often viewed as a landmark in the development of modern drama.
Ibsen's plays were instrumental in the development of modernism in theatre. He is known for
his use of realistic dialogue and his rejection of traditional forms of drama. His works often
featured complex, multi-dimensional characters and explored the psychological motivations
behind their actions. Ibsen's influence on theatre has been significant, and his works continue
to be performed and studied today. He is widely regarded as one of the most important
playwrights of the 19th century, and his legacy has had a lasting impact on the development
of modern drama.

Introduction to the play:

"A Doll's House" is a play written by Henrik Ibsen in 1879. It tells the story of Nora Helmer,
a woman who lives in a comfortable middle-class home with her husband and children. The
play explores themes of gender roles, marriage, and societal expectations. "A Doll's House"
was controversial in its time for its frank portrayal of these issues and its criticism of
traditional gender roles. The play is widely regarded as a landmark in the development of
modern drama and is still performed and studied today.

Methodology:
The methodology of the play refers to the way in which the play is structured and presented
to the audience. In the case of "A Doll's House," the play is a three-act drama that follows the
story of Nora Helmer, a woman who struggles to break free from the constraints of her
gender and social status. The play uses a combination of dialogue, action, and symbolism to
convey its themes and messages to the audience.

Structure:
The play is structured into three acts, each of which builds upon the previous one to create a
sense of tension and drama. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the conflict, the
second act develops the conflict and raises the stakes, and the third act resolves the conflict
and offers a resolution.

Dialogue:
The play's dialogue is naturalistic and reflects the speech patterns of the characters. The
dialogue is also used to convey the play's themes and messages, such as the critique of gender
roles and the importance of individual agency.
Action:
The play's action is used to create tension and drama, as well as to reveal the characters'
motivations and desires. The action is also used to convey the play's themes and messages,
such as the way in which patriarchal norms limit women's agency.

Symbolism:
The play uses symbolism to convey its themes and messages in a more abstract and
metaphorical way. For example, the macaroons that Nora eats in the first act symbolize her
rebellion against gender norms, while the locked door in the final act symbolizes her desire
for freedom.
Overall, the methodology of "A Doll's House" is designed to create a sense of tension and
drama while also conveying its themes and messages to the audience in a clear and effective
way. The play's structure, dialogue, action, and symbolism all work together to create a
powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

Abstract:
"The Doll's House" is often viewed through a feminist lens, as it highlights the limitations
placed on women in a patriarchal society. The play shows how women are expected to
conform to societal expectations and how their own desires and ambitions are often
suppressed. It also shows how women are often treated as objects rather than as individuals
with their own thoughts and feelings. The play encourages women to question their own roles
in society and to demand equality and autonomy.

Introduction to the research:

"A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen is a play that explores the theme of feminism in the late
19th century. The play's protagonist, Nora, is a woman who is trapped in a patriarchal society
and struggles to find her own identity and voice. This research assignment aims to analyse the
feminist message of "A Doll's House" and its relevance to contemporary society.

Feminist Movement of the late 19th century:

The feminist movement of the late 19th century was a period of social and political activism
that sought to address the inequalities faced by women in society. During this time, women
were fighting for the right to vote, access to education and employment, and the ability to
control their own bodies and lives.
One of the major events that sparked the feminist movement of the late 19th century was the
Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. This convention was organized by women's rights activists,
including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, and called for women to be granted
the right to vote. The convention was a pivotal moment in the history of the feminist
movement and helped to galvanize women's rights activists across the country. Throughout
the late 19th century, women's rights activists worked tirelessly to secure the right to vote for
women. This effort culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution
in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. In addition to the fight for suffrage, women's
rights activists also worked to address other inequalities faced by women. They fought for
access to education and employment, and worked to challenge the social norms that dictated
women's roles in society. This led to the rise of the women's club movement, which provided
women with a platform to organize and advocate for their rights. The feminist movement of
the late 19th century was a critical period in the history of women's rights. It paved the way
for the women's liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s and helped to change the course
of history for women across the world.

The play’s impact on the Feminist Movement:

"A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen reflects the feminist movement of its time in several ways.
The play explores the limitations and expectations placed on women in society, and the ways
in which these expectations can be harmful and oppressive. One of the key themes of the play
is the idea that women are treated as "dolls" by men and society. Nora, the protagonist of the
play, is expected to be a dutiful wife and mother, but she is not allowed to have her own
identity or pursue her own desires. She is treated as a possession by her husband and is not
allowed to make decisions for herself.
Through Nora's journey, the play challenges these expectations and norms. Nora comes to
realize that she has been living a lie and that she has been treated as a doll by her husband and
society. She decides to leave her husband and children to pursue her own identity, which is a
radical act for a woman in the late 19th century. The play also explores the idea of women's
rights and the need for women to have agency and control over their own lives. Nora's
decision to leave her husband and children is a powerful statement about the need for women
to have the freedom to make their own choices and decisions.
Overall, "A Doll's House" reflects the feminist movement of its time by challenging the
norms and expectations placed on women in society. It is a powerful critique of the ways in
which women are oppressed and controlled, and it helped to pave the way for the women's
liberation movement of the 20th century.

Research Questions:
Here are some possible research questions to explore the play “A Doll's House” with the lens
of feminism.
1. In what ways does "A Doll's House" challenge the idea of women as passive objects,
and how does this relate to feminist theories of agency and empowerment?
Answer: "A Doll's House" challenges the idea of women as passive objects by showing
how women can take control of their own lives and assert their agency. This relates to
feminist theories of empowerment, which emphasize the importance of women having
the power to make their own choices and control their own lives.
 2. How does the play explore the relationship between gender and power, and what
insights does it offer into the ways in which gender inequality is perpetuated in
society?
Answer: "A Doll's House" explores the relationship between gender and power by
showing how men hold power over women in both public and private spheres. The play
offers insights into the ways in which gender inequality is perpetuated through social
norms, legal structures, and cultural attitudes.
3. What role does the theme of motherhood play in the play, and how does this relate to
feminist debates about the intersection of gender and reproduction?
Answer: The theme of motherhood in "A Doll's House" highlights the ways in which
women's reproductive roles are used to limit their agency and reinforce patriarchal
norms. This relates to feminist debates about the intersection of gender and reproduction,
which highlight the ways in which women's reproductive choices are often constrained
by social norms and legal structures.
4. How does the play reflect the historical context of the feminist movement, and what
insights can be gained about the ways in which feminist ideas and debates have
evolved over time?
Answer: "A Doll's House" reflects the historical context of the feminist movement by
highlighting the ways in which women were fighting for greater rights and recognition in
the late 19th century. The play offers insights into the ways in which feminist ideas and
debates have evolved over time, as well as the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

Continued relevance of the play’s feminist message:

The feminist message of "A Doll's House" remains relevant today, as women continue to face
oppression and limitations in many areas of society. The play's critique of the ways in which
women are treated as possessions and denied agency is still applicable to many aspects of
modern life. One of the key ways in which the play's message remains relevant is in the
ongoing struggle for gender equality. Women still face significant barriers to equality in areas
such as employment, politics, and education, and the play's message of the need for women
to have agency and control over their own lives is still important today.
The play's message is also relevant in the context of the #MeToo movement and the ongoing
struggle against sexual harassment and assault. The play's critique of the ways in which
women are treated as objects and possessions is still applicable to the ways in which women
are often objectified and harassed in modern society. Overall, "A Doll's House" remains a
powerful statement about the need for women to have agency and control over their own
lives. Its message is still relevant today, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle
for gender equality and the need for women to be treated with respect and dignity.

Literature Review of “A Doll’s House”

Feminist literary theory is a branch of feminist theory that specifically focuses on literature
and its portrayal of gender inequities, power dynamics, and the experiences of women. While
other research within feminism may explore a wide range of topics and issues related to
gender inequality, feminist literary theory hones in on the analysis of literature as a cultural
artefact.

Feminist Critique of Social Expectations:

“A Doll’s House” serves as a powerful critique of the social expectations imposed upon
women in the 19th century. Critics have lauded the play for its portrayal of the protagonist,
Nora Helmer, as a woman confined by societal norms and expected to fulfill her duties as a
wife and mother. Ibsen’s depiction of Nora’s awakening and her desire for self-realization
resonated strongly with feminist scholars, who viewed it as a rallying cry against the
oppressive constraints placed on women.

Breaking Gender Stereotypes:

The play’s exploration of gender stereotypes is a central element of its feminist analysis.
Critics have examined how Ibsen challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity
through his characters. Nora’s husband, Torvald Helmer, represents the patriarchal figure,
emphasizing the imbalance of power and the limited roles assigned to women. By subverting
these stereotypes, “A Doll’s House” highlights the need for gender equality and the
dismantling of restrictive gender roles.

Female Identity and Self-Actualization:

Ibsen’s portrayal of Nora’s journey towards self-actualization and the assertion of her own
identity has been extensively studied by feminist scholars. The character’s transformation
from a submissive and dependent wife to an independent woman seeking personal freedom
reflects the feminist ideals of autonomy and agency. Critics have explored how Nora’s
realization of her own desires and needs challenges the prevailing notion that a woman’s
purpose lies solely in her roles as a wife and mother.

Intersectionality and Women’s Solidarity:

In addition to the examination of gender roles, feminist analysis of “A Doll’s House” has also
highlighted the importance of intersectionality and women’s solidarity. Critics have noted the
contrasting experiences of different female characters in the play, such as Nora, Mrs. Linde,
and the Nurse, each facing unique challenges in a patriarchal society. These diverse
perspectives emphasize the need for unity among women in the face of oppression,
presenting a nuanced understanding of feminism that goes beyond a singular narrative.

Impact on Feminist Thought and Activism:

“A Doll’s House” has had a profound impact on feminist thought and activism, both during
its initial reception and in subsequent years. The play’s controversial ending, in which Nora
leaves her family to pursue her own freedom, sparked debates on the nature of women’s
rights and the obligations imposed by traditional gender roles. It served as an inspiration for
early feminist activists and writers, propelling discussions on women’s liberation and
challenging societal norms.

Conclusion:
“A Doll’s House” is widely regarded as a seminal feminist work that continues to inspire
discussions on gender roles, women’s autonomy, and societal expectations. Its exploration of
female identity, the subversion of gender stereotypes, and the critique of patriarchal structures
have made it a foundational text in feminist literature. By challenging the prevailing norms of
its time, the play has left an enduring impact on feminist thought, serving as a catalyst for
social change and inspiring subsequent generations of feminist activists and writers.