What is the main theme introduced in Act 2 of A Doll's House?
Act 2 illustrates the increased tension between Nora and her husband, Torvald, as their marriage begins to unravel. This act helps to explore the themes of gender inequality, freedom, and marriage in 19th century society.
A Doll's House Act 2 Contextualising VCE Literature
External Conflict: A struggle between a character and outside forces such as society or other characters. Feminism: A political and social movement advocating for the rights and equality of women. Theatre of the Absurd: A genre of theatre that uses absurdist techniques to explore the human condition.
Concepts:
What is your opinion of the themes in Act II of A Doll's House?
- The themes are relatable and meaningful.
- The themes are outdated and irrelevant.
- The themes are too complex for 11th graders to understand.
- The themes are interesting but difficult to interpret.
In Act 2 of A Doll's House, Torvald is not the only one who uses the term 'doll' to refer to Nora. During this act, Mrs. Linde also calls Nora a 'doll' when she thinks Nora is too naive and inexperienced. In the original stage directions of A Doll's House, Henrik Ibsen specifically instructs that the characters of Nora and Torvald should remain in the same room for the entirety of Act 2. The setting of Act 2 in A Doll's House is Christmas Eve, a time of the year that is traditionally associated with joy and family, but in the context of the play, it serves as a reminder of the strained relationship between Nora and Torvald.
Did you know?
What are the main themes of Act 2 of A Doll's House? How does Ibsen explore these themes in the play?
How does the dialogue in Act 2 of A Doll's House contribute to the play's themes and character development?
How does the societal context of the late 19th century, particularly in terms of gender roles and expectations, influence the events and character dynamics in Act 2 of A Doll's House?
How does Act 2 of A Doll's House challenge the traditional roles of men and women in the 19th century?
How do Nora and Torvald's views of marriage differ in Act 2 of A Doll's House?
Draw a key moment from Act 2. Include the relevant characters, stage directions being acted at the time and any important set/props.