Comparative Analysis of Themes, Characters, and Literary Devices in Ibsen's 'A Doll's House' and Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart'

Okonkwo

A respected but deeply flawed leader, driven by a fear of weakness and failure. His inability to adapt to change leads to his tragic end.

Nora Helmer

Initially appears naive and submissive, but undergoes a profound transformation, realizing her own worth and the suffocating nature of her marriage.

Torvald Helmer

Represents the patriarchal society that infantilises Nora. His condescending language and concern for reputation over love highlight the oppressive nature of societal norms.

The District Commissioner & Mr. Smith

Symbolise the arrogance and ignorance of the colonial powers who impose their laws and religion without understanding or respecting the Igbo culture.

Mrs. Linde

A foil to Nora, she is a practical and independent woman who has faced hardship. She encourages Nora to be honest with Torvald.

Nwoye

Serves as a foil to Okonkwo through his gentle, questioning nature, which directly opposes his father's rigid and violent masculinity.

Nora

Sacrifices her own integrity and risks her reputation to save her husband.

Ikemefuna

The boy from a neighboring clan who is sacrificed by Umuofia, deeply affecting Nwoye and foreshadowing the clan's own demise.

Yams

A symbol of masculinity, wealth, and status.

Locusts

Their arrival foreshadows the destructive coming of the white colonists.

Fire

Represents Okonkwo's rage and destructive nature.

A Doll's House

Represents Nora's constrained and artificial life, where she is treated like a plaything.

Christmas tree

Its state mirrors Nora's emotional journey.

Macaroons

Symbolise Nora's deceit and rebellion in a small, seemingly insignificant way.

Tarantella

A multi-layered symbol representing Nora's desperate attempt to rid herself of the 'poison' of her secret loan.

Nora's talk of leaving her children

Hints at her ultimate departure.

The killing of Ikemefuna

Signals the beginning of the end for the clan's unity.

"I have been your doll-wife, just as at home I was papa's doll-child."

Nora to Torvald: In her final confrontation with her husband.

"But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he loves."

Torvald to Nora: After discovering her secret, revealing his true priorities.

Obierika: Reflecting on the arrival of the missionaries.

Succinctly explains the insidious nature of colonialism and the internal divisions it created.

"The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one."

Directly states the novel's central theme of societal collapse and chaos.

"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold."

Epigraph from W.B. Yeats' "The Second Coming".

"I must make up my mind which is right - society or I."

Nora to Torvald: Justifying her decision to leave.

"He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart."

Obierika: On the impact of the white man's arrival.

"You have never loved me. You have only thought it pleasant to be in love with me."

Nora to Torvald: A devastatingly honest assessment of their marriage.

Narrator: "Among the Ibo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten."

This quote itself is a proverb, demonstrating the cultural richness and linguistic artistry that is being lost.

"A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with — no false notes!"

Torvald Helmer: compares Nora to a songbird and shows his expectations for her to have a "clean beak".

"(as he plays). Slower, slower"

Shows how he sees her as a doll to control, especially since it's given as a demand, not a request.

"A Doll's House, Act 3"

Nora to Torvald: In her final confrontation with her husband.

"Things Fall Apart, Chapter 20"

Obierika: Reflecting on the arrival of the missionaries.

"Things Fall Apart, Epigraph"

Directly states the novel's central theme of societal collapse and chaos.

"Things Fall Apart, Chapter 21"

Obierika: On the impact of the white man's arrival.

"Things Fall Apart, Chapter 1"

Narrator: "Among the Ibo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten."

"A Doll's House, Act 2, pg. 81"

Shows how he sees her as a doll to control, especially since it's given as a demand, not a request.