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Theme Of Conflict In A Doll's House

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The unveiling of the truth and reception of such, can evoke conflict and expose the unreliability of appearances. This idea, coupled with the ways an individual’s personal views and attitudes can affect others, and the overall significance of conflict, are vividly discussed in Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll’s House, and it alters the different character’s motivations and behaviours. Centering on the characters, Torvald, Krogstad, Nora, Christine, and Dr. Rank; Ibsen’s ideas on the power of truth and its ability to arouse conflict, an individuals views affecting other, and the importance of conflict are thoroughly displayed throughout the duration of the play. Torvald is someone who relishes his role in society. By his choice of nicknames for his wife Nora, he is seen as someone who is very condescending and views her as someone who is inferior. He views Nora as somewhat of an object; a plaything or doll in which he has the freedom to tease and admire. His patronizing comments directed towards the status of women, “On, Nora, Nora, how like a woman.” (A Doll’s House, Ibsen), “It’s incredible what an expensive pet she is for a man to keep.” (A Doll’s House, Ibsen), convey the way he views Nora as a foolish woman who is ignorant of the ways of society, but he also enjoys her foolishness and ignorance, because they render her helpless and therefore dependant on him. Torvald believes that Nora is oblivious to Torvald’s beliefs and her meaning to him, but the opposite is true. This comes full circle during the denouement of the play where the truth of their toxic relationship is entirely exposed. Although Torvald perceives himself as someone who is willing to sacrifice his happiness and dignity if his wife were put in danger, “When the real crisis comes, you will not find me lacking in strength or courage. I am man enough to bear the burden for us both.” (A Doll’s House, Ibsen), he is quick to show off his true self as an egoistic coward, not willing to sacrifice anything for his wife, “How could it help if you were gone from his world? It wouldn't assist me.... I may easily be suspected of having been an accomplice in your crime. People may think... We must appear to be living together... But the children shall be

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