The Interplay of Money and Marriage in Ibsen’s “A Doll House”
Create a thesis based on the Prompt Money and Marriage in Ibsen's "A Doll House" (i) a title that sets the stage for your paper and page numbers;
(ti) an introductory paragraph with a clear thesis statement that alerts/prepares the reader
for what your paper will be about; (ili) several main-body paragraphs that analyze
examples from the text which strengthen/support your thesis; and (iv) a conclusion that
summarizes the paper as a whole. Remember to cite/quote passages from the text-
indicated in your paper by quotation marks followed by page numbers in parentheses-
-to
explain how/why they are relevant to your interpretation, rather than using them in place
of your own thoughts.
Title: The Interplay of Money and Marriage in Ibsen’s “A Doll House”
Introduction: In Henrik Ibsen’s play, “A Doll House,” the theme of money and its impact on marriage is explored through the characters’ relationships and interactions. This paper argues that the pursuit of financial stability, the unequal distribution of wealth, and the societal expectations surrounding money significantly influence the dynamics of marriage in the play. By examining specific examples from the text, this essay will demonstrate how money serves as a catalyst for both conflict and liberation within the context of marriage.
Main Body Paragraphs:
The Pursuit of Financial Stability: In “A Doll House,” money is portrayed as a means to achieve social status and security. The character of Torvald Helmer is fixated on maintaining a comfortable lifestyle, often prioritizing his professional advancement over his wife, Nora. This is evident when Torvald dismisses Nora’s desire to save money for the future, belittling her efforts by referring to her as his “little squirrel” (Ibsen 22). This obsession with financial stability not only highlights the power dynamics within their marriage but also exposes the fragility of their relationship, which is built on superficial foundations.
Unequal Distribution of Wealth: Ibsen exposes the inequality in wealth distribution between men and women in “A Doll House.” This is exemplified through Nora’s secret loan and the subsequent blackmail she faces. Nora’s decision to borrow money without her husband’s knowledge reflects her desperation to fulfill societal expectations and maintain appearances. However, when Torvald discovers the truth, he reacts with anger and condescension, revealing his belief that financial control should solely rest in his hands. This inequality in financial power creates a power imbalance that ultimately leads to the disintegration of their marriage.
Societal Expectations Surrounding Money: The societal expectations surrounding money in “A Doll House” contribute to the oppressive nature of marriage. Society pressures couples, especially women, to conform to certain economic standards. Nora’s friend, Mrs. Linde, represents this societal expectation as she seeks marriage solely for financial security. Mrs. Linde’s choice to marry for money rather than love demonstrates how money can be prioritized over personal fulfillment. By contrasting Nora’s rebellious nature against Mrs. Linde’s conformity, Ibsen highlights the damaging impact of societal expectations on marital relationships.
Conclusion: In “A Doll House,” Ibsen skillfully portrays the interplay between money and marriage, emphasizing how financial stability, unequal distribution of wealth, and societal expectations shape the dynamics of relationships. Through characters like Torvald, Nora, and Mrs. Linde, Ibsen exposes the destructive consequences of valuing money over genuine emotional connection within a marriage. By exploring these themes, Ibsen prompts us to question and challenge societal norms surrounding money and marriage, urging us to seek authentic relationships based on mutual respect and love rather than material wealth.