An Analysis of Victorian Mannerisms in a Doll'S House, a Play by Henrik Ibsen

I thought that it was really interesting how much of the Victorian era mannerisms played a part in Doll’s House. I didn’t realize that there were so many subtle ground rules around the house and with the interactions between the the husband, wife, and children. On top of that, it was very surprising how much the ideas of marriage became obvious in the play. An example of this would be that a common ideology of marriage and getting together. With someone would be that it was preferred that a woman or a man would marry one of the opposite gender that was very contrasting in both appearance and personality which was. Interesting because of how upbeat and exciting Nora was compared to the mellowness and sobriety of Torvald. Not only did this explain a lot in the book on the possibility of why Nora and Torvald got together. But it also made me realize how detailed the play was regarding the Victorian era mannerisms.

With this said, I also found it interesting how the wife’s common interests and duties were to make sure that both her husband and children were satisfied. Although this is a well known fact of that era. I found it fascinating how much of a part that this played within Doll’s House. Especially when near the middle of the play Nora begins to fret about how the environment in which her children live in and her in particular are not ideal for her children since she thought that they deserved better. This certain victorian etiquette can also Be seen. when Nora tries her best to decorate the house and to make it look spectacular. And to be spectacular herself in hopes of pleasing her husband.

On a separate note, near the end of the play Nora decides to leave Torvald, and Torvald seems to just be appalled by her actions not only because he is being left but because she seems to have everything that she needs. Throughout the oral interaction I learned that the only people who can afford to be leisurely are the ones who are the wives of those that make a considerable amount of money, and since Nora is leaving Torvald and a “perfect” household to be on her own, it would make sense as to why that can be frowned upon in that situation. Society wishes to preserve its perfection, whereas doing something for yourself often means pushing and breaking boundaries.

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