Write an essay on Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House in which you

Write an on Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House in which you either support or oppose Nora Helmer's decision at the conclusion of the play to leave her family - Essay Example She is heroic and not selfish as most critics conclude. Critics of Nora Helmer’s decision to leave her family at the end of the play point out that she was too impulsive. An example in the play is Mrs. Linde who decides that she ought to take care of the man she loves for her to be contented with herself (Ibsen & Henrietta 6). Her character is a complete opposite of Nora’s character in terms of attitudes and emotions. The character of Mrs. Linde clearly shows that Nora’s decision to leave her family was not the only decision available to women in her situation. Other critics who have read the book like the Swedish playwright August Strindberg attack Nora’s decision to leave her family as unacceptable (Billington 1). This is because the marriage covenant was considered holy. He condemns Nora’s behavior and deems her as irresponsible and selfish since she decides to leave her children because they do not have to pay for the mistakes of their father. The times depicted in the play do not support Noraâ€⠄¢s behavior since no true woman would ever make such a choice at that time in history. Nora Helmer is not only a victim of male domination, but also a master of the domestic world. She is dedicated enough to take care of her sick husband, courageous enough to forge her father’s signature and confident enough to pay back all her debts no matter how tough the situation gets (Unwin & Ibsen 10). Nora Helmer cannot be blamed for her desire of the ‘wonderful thing’; the ideal union where both husband and wife regard each other as rational individuals aware of the society they live in and they can also fulfill their individual duties. Her ideation of what marriage ought to be bringings her to the awareness of the flaws in her own marriage. This awareness is what finally drives her to leave her husband as her husband’s firm decision not to compromise his integrity for the sake of love ignites her decision and she leaves, slamming the door. This is