Feminism in A Doll's House

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1. Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad. Academic Staff College Refresher Course In English 2014 Presentation on ‘Feminism In A Doll’s House ’

2. Presented by Ravindra Ramdas Borse Roll No:03 Asst.Prof . Dept. of English, B.P.Arts,S.M.A.Sci & K.K.C.Com.College , Chalisgaon , Dist.Jalgaon . Cell-9850782686 [email protected]

3. A Doll’s House By Henrik Ibsen

4. Feminism: Defends and advocates equal political, economic,cultural and social rights for women. Attacks on gender inequality and marginalization of women.

5. Ibsen’s known social commentary : Brand (1866) Peer Gynt (1867) The Emperor and the Galilean (1873 ) Pillars of Society (1877) A Doll House (1879)

6. Overview of the story This is the story of Nora Helmer, an upper middle class woman, who is married and has three children. Her husband, Torvald Helmer,has just got a job as bank manager that will start after Christmas. As was typical Nora does not work and stays at home. The Helmers have a maid (Helene), and a nanny, Anne-Marie, who cares for the three children.

7. Cont… Dr. Rank is a good friend of Torvald who visits the Helmers daily. Mrs. Linde is a friend of Nora and ex-girlfriend of Krogstad . Krogstad is a clerk in the local bank where Helmer would be an officer.

8. As the play opens… It is just before Christmas and all seems well in the Helmer household. An old friend of Nora’s, Kristine Linde , appears at her door. It is soon revealed that Nora has a big secret she has been keeping from her husband. Nora is not allowed to - Spend money Take any decision Eat sweets

9. Helmer regards women rather like children who are helpless who need protection from the harsh realities of life; men are independent and the guardians of poor women. Nora is called many names throughout the play, 'little songbird.' 'little skylark,' 'little person,' 'squirrel.' 'lark,' 'little featherhead.' 'little woman,' 'little rogue,' 'helpless little mortal,' 'child.' 'charming little darling,' 'my frightened little singing bird,' 'miserable creature,' 'thoughtless woman,' 'blind foolish woman,' 'a heedless child,' - all indicating a lack of equality and respect for Nora's personage.

10. Nora forged bank documents to get a loan for Helmer’s medical treatment. Nora secretly repaying the debt. Krogstad knows this but keeps mum. Krogstad is to be fired by Helmer . He blackmails Nora to stop Helmer or he would reveal her crime to Helmer . It would harm the status of Helmer.

11. Helmer send the maid to deliver Krogstad’s letter of dismissal. Angry Krogstad puts a letter detailing Nora’s debt and forgery in Helmer’s letterbox. Tense Nora shares this problem with Mrs.Linde .

12. Mrs.Linde persuades Krogstad successfully. Helmer reads Krogstad’s letter and is very angry. He calls Nora a hypocrite, a liar and an immoral person. He would not save Nora from the imprisonment for forgery.

13. Turning Point…… The maid brings a letter by Krogstad promising not to reveal Nora’s forgery. Krogstad returns the forged document. Helmer suddenly changes……… He makes a drama of loving and caring Nora……promising again to protect her.

14. Nora’s Revolt Nora, frustrated and disillusioned, learns the hypocrisy and hollow morality of Helmer . She decides to end the relationship. She demands true freedom and individuality. Throws the engagement ring and leaves the doll’s house forever…..

15. The protagonist’s identity broadens: Nora is a woman and “first and foremost a human being.” Emphasis on individuality: A universal subject: Voice for the repressed, the unheard and the marginalized. the fixed roles— the function as a daughter, a wife, a mother, a doll An individual with independent mind—Nora Message…

16. LONG LIVE FEMINISM………! ..THANK YOU..