Comparing the Portrayal of Women in A Dolls House and...

Portrayal of Women in A Dolls House and Hedda Gabler The extent to which Ibsen directly sympathized with feminists is still debated, but this is somewhat irrelevant when considering his portrayal of women. Ibsen had a deep understanding of the nature of women and a strong interest in the manner in which women were treated by society. This resulted in the creation of female protagonists such as Nora Helmer, in A Dolls House, and Hedda Gabler, in a work of the same name. The character traits of each woman are remarkably developed and the portrayal of marital relationships is equally convincing. Ibsens emphasis on the Victorian husbands attitude towards his wife provides tremendous insight. The manner in which†¦show more content†¦It could be argued that throughout the play Torvald is subconsciously deluding himself by understanding Noras actions in this inaccurate way. He is certainly disgusted by the idea of her secret involvement with Krogstads business matters, warning her that little song-birds must keep their pretty little beaks out of mischief (Ibsen 31). This allegorical language is probably for his benefit as much as hers: he is reluctant to address directly the possibility that his wife is intrigued by matters which, under societys rules, should exclude her completely. When he discovers the extent of her deception, he is moved by his anger and fear by describing the situation as utterly squalid (p.75), but upon realising that he is saved his first inclination is to comfort poor little Nora (Ibsen 77). Torvald is clearly anxious to return to the previous state of decorum in which his wife was simply his little pet, flattering himself that I wouldnt be a proper man if I didnt find a woman doubly attractive for being so obviously helpless (Ibsen 78). Here Ibsen reminds the audience of Torvalds main aspiration: to live the life of a proper man. With Jorgen Tesman, Ibsen portrays a husband who succumbs less obviously to societys expectations of a good marriage, but who is nonetheless always quietly encouraging his wife to act more appropriately. Elizabeth Hardwick even suggests that