A Doll's House

In the beginning of the short story “A Doll’s House,” the main character, Nora, at first glance acts ditzy, and child-like. She seems to have no depth and follows the petty rules enforced by her husband. Her dumb act irritates and annoys readers. They react emotionally to her foolishness. They insist she is clueless and are angered by her stupidity, but in fact, I do not believe she is dumb at all. I feel Nora does not know herself, and therefore follows her husband’s guidelines and aims to please him for she does not know any other way to behave. Nora’s husband Torvald helps Nora continue to act naïve. He treats her as though she is a toy, or a doll, that he has to play with. He does not treat her with any true respect or treat her like a person with any substance. Because of the pleased response Nora receives from her husband when she acts ditzy or follows his commands, she continues to act in an immature manner. Nora does not know any better than to please her husband. She does not think of herself or how she feels, and therefore does not her know herself. Nora does not know what she wants, what she needs, or what she deserves. Nora’s relationship with her husband is empty and fake because Nora is unable to reveal her true self in fear of what may come from it. So, instead of listening to her thoughts, Nora ignores them and plays the role of Torvald’s ideal wife. But I believe in the end, Nora will know better and develop self-respect allowing her to no longer play the role of a “doll” but instead become a woman who learns about herself, and will finally realize what she deserves and needs.