Marriage in A Dolls House

The New Woman

  • Concept introduced by Sarah Grand in 1894

  • Characteristics: middle class, intellectual, rebellious, politically active, independent

  • Often portrayed negatively by conservative media as unfashionable and masculine

Criticism of the New Woman

  • Hugh Stutfield referred to the female audience of Ibsen's "Ghosts" as "unwomanly women"

  • Clement Scott described Nora in "A Doll's House" as a "baby wife"

  • Torvald's view: sees wife as property and child, undermining her independence

Nora's Relationship with Torvald

  • Nora feels trapped within her roles, both as a wife and as a child

  • Comments on her transition from her father to her husband, indicating a lack of agency

  • Torvald's reaction to Nora's desires reflects a pathology of women's rebellion

    • Describes Nora’s intentions to leave as madness, reducing her rebellion to illness

Economic Perspective on Marriage

  • Nora initially considers suicide to protect Torvald's reputation

  • By the end, she views marriage as an unworthy economic transaction

  • Radical views like those of Mona Caird criticize marriage as a form of woman purchase

    • Advocated for women's economic independence for free marriage

Context of Women's Rights in the 1880s-1890s

  • Increased social opportunities for middle-class women

  • Emergence of women-only clubs, colleges, and venues in cities

  • Advocacy for women’s suffrage became prominent

Ibsen's Influence and Reception

  • Conservative backlash against Ibsen's depiction of women, seen as morally corrupting

  • Critics highlighted the perceived influence of characters like Nora on society

  • Discussion of sexual double standards reflected in the play's themes

Feminism and Ibsen

  • Debate regarding Ibsen's stance on feminism

  • Contradictory statements from Ibsen suggest he did not align himself with feminist movements

  • Ibsen aimed to portray humanity rather than specifically women's issues

Summary of Module Content

  • Explored marriage within the political and social context of the late 19th century

  • Analyzed the changing status of women and their rebellious identities

  • Next module will focus on masculinity as presented by Ibsen.