context for ibsen and rosset

child at 18

u might argue that Ibsen’s personal struggles with his own early fatherhood influenced his depiction of parental sacrifice, and the emotional complexity of leaving children behind in pursuit of self-realization, which is central to Nora’s character development.

tarantella

working class womens dance from italy - said to cure spiderbites, often frantic and crazy movements.

Laura Kieler

based on real-life experiences of Laura Kieler, a friend of Ibsen's she secretly borrowed money to save him inspired the plot of the play. Ibsen, while appalled by Kieler's situation, used her story as a basis for exploring themes of societal expectations and women's roles in the 19th century

new woman

"New Woman" movement of the late 19th century, challenged and redefined the traditional roles of women. The New Woman was educated, independent, and rejected the traditional expectation that women should only find fulfillment in marriage and motherhood.

Nora’s decision to leave her husband and children at the end of the play was shocking for its time, as it directly challenged the ideal of motherhood and domesticity.

rossetti life

Christina Rossetti grew up in a deeply religious and socially conservative Victorian society. Her family was part of the Pre-Raphaelite circle, and her own devotional Christian beliefs strongly influenced her poetry.

Rossetti and the fallen woman

Following the extreme rise in prostitution during the Victorian period many rehabilitation groups appeared to provide a safe place for “fallen women.” These organizations relied on the voluntary assistance of English citizens to help in the rehabilitation process. Among the volunteers was Christina Rossetti. Rossetti’s work took place in the Highgate Penitentiary.