? Paper
“Nora the Lark”
Ibsen’s character development of Nora is represented by animal imagery. From the beginning of the play, we notice Ibsen’s use of animals to describe Nora. In the opening lines, Torvald says, “Is that my little lark twittering out there?” (Wilke 1139). Webster’s defines “lark” as a songbird and to play or frolic (Guralnik 340). The reader automatically gets an image of Nora as a carefree, happy person. In the following paragraphs, I will show how animal names are used to paint a portrait of the character of “Nora the Lark.”
Ibsen has Torvald call his wife “his little lark” or “sulking squirrel” (Wilke 1139) among other animal names throughout the play. Most of the time, he uses bird imagery. The choice of animals that Ibsen uses relate to how Nora acts or how the audience or reader should portray her character.
Torvald’s continual reference to Nora using bird names not only tells the reader his opinion of her, but also parallels Nora’s image of herself. In the second act, Torvald calls Nora his “little featherbrain,” and his “little scatterbrain” (1178). This presents an image of weak, unorganized birds and thereby defines Nora as weak, unorganized and stupid.
When Nora is asked, “Is that my little squirrel rummaging around?”, Ibsen is presenting the image of a scrounge (1139). This could be a precursor to the fact that Nora is secretive and has something to hide. When Nora has to hide the macaroons and lie to Torvald about eating them, the reader must wonder what else she is not being honest about. Then, later in the play, it is revealed that Nora is hiding a deep secret about a debt.
Nora is a carefree woman that is always humming and flighty. She always appears happy and peaceful like a songbird or a lark. No wonder her husband always nick names her after birds. But, this is very deceptive. On the inside, Nora is being torn apart by feelings of guilt and betrayal. She has no idea about what to do or how she will solve her dilemma.
In Act II, Nora is begging Torvald to allow Krogstad to keep his job. She gets excited and worked up over her own fear of being caught in a lie. After calming her down, Torvald makes mention of her “frightened dove’s eyes” (1163). Ibsen uses this reference to a dove because a dove is a symbol of peace. Nora wishes to keep her household at peace. She doesn’t want Torvald to find out about the loan because she knows he would see it as a dishonor to his manhood.
Also in Act II, Nora refers to herself as a “wood nymph” which is a pretty hummingbird that is very graceful. This fits her well. She wants to be graceful, pretty, and dainty for Torvald so he can be happy with her. She is trying to avoid the inevitable situation, the horrible secret that will destroy her family. If she remains as a “wood nymph” in Torvalds’s eyes, maybe he will overlook her secret.
Once the truth about the bank loan is revealed, Torvald scolds Nora. After he learns that the note has been cleared, he then changes his attitude. Torvald tells Nora that despite the incident, he forgives her and will keep her “like a hunted dove rescued out of a hawk’s claws.” He will shelter her with his “wide wing” (1181). This is kind of ironic because Nora borrowed the money so he could get well from his sickness. So really, who is the one being sheltered? Nora’s “wide wings” actually has been what has sheltered Torvald’s honor over the years. Even though Nora is presented as weak, carefree, and flighty from the beginning of the play, what she did for her husband is very honorable.
Animal imagery is critical in painting Nora’s character. At the end of the play, Nora decides that she has been caged like a bird for all these years. She must leave Torvald. Before she is able to be a proper wife and mother, she must learn to spread her wings and fly on her own.
The end of the play is kind of amusing. Nora began as a fragile “little lark” in Act I. She tried to do and say all the right things to make everyone happy. The problem is that she was never really happy herself. What good is pretending to be a lark if you can never actually fly? Nora has lost sight of herself and really has no idea how to return. At the end of the play, Torvald refers to himself as rescuing Nora, “the dove”, from the “hawk’s claws.” Now it seems to me that Nora could very well be portrayed as the hawk. She is strong, determined, and swoops down and takes what she wants, her long awaited freedom. So Nora the lark has transformed into Nora the hawk.
Nora can finally soar above her bondage and learn how to stand on her own. Speaking of “hawk’s claws,” maybe Torvald was correct. All these years, Nora has lived like a “hunted dove.” She has had to hide from her father and then from Torvald. Maybe the very wing that has tried to protect her has been the very wing that has kept her trapped. Most of her life she has had to live in fear of someone else’s opinion and disdain. She has performed her doll duties and has allowed her life and actions to be molded. She has worn her doll dress well, so this is much of her own fault. When begging Torvald, she says, “Your squirrel would scamper about and do tricks, if you’d only be sweet and give in” (1161). The reader is to feel sorry for Nora, but she uses her image to her own advantage at times. She became comfortable in her “doll house” and with her image and played the role that was expected of her.
In the closing act, Nora’s eyes have been opened. She had hoped Torvald would stop treating her like his doll or his “little lark.” When Torvald chose his honor over his love for her, that was the last straw. As Ibsen uses animal imagery, once again, to define Nora as a dove caught in a hawk’s claw, the reader realizes the irony. Nora is no longer trapped. Nora the lark is now able to spread her wings to fly. Ibsen’s animal imagery proves to be a powerful means to show the character of Nora as the lark, squirrel, dove and finally, ironically, the hawk.
Works Cited
Guralnik, David, ed. Webster’s New World Dictionary. New York: Simon and Shuster, 1987. 340.
Wilkie, Brian, and James Hurt. Literature of the Western World: Volume II. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1997. 1134-86.
Guralnik, David, ed. Webster’s New World Dictionary. New York: Simon and Shuster, 1987. 340.
Wilkie, Brian, and James Hurt. Literature of the Western World: Volume II. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1997. 1134-86.
Другие работы по теме:
Analysis Of Irony In A Doll
’s House Essay, Research Paper Analysis of Irony in A Doll?s House All scenes of this play take place in the late 1800?s home of one of the main characters, Torvald Helmer. Written by Henrik Ibsen, A Doll?s
Hedda Essay Research Paper Hedda Gabler
Hedda Essay, Research Paper Hedda Gabler’s personality type is of a different character than Nora Helmer’s. She expresses herself wickedly, for her own enjoyment; not caring of other peoples feelings. Hedda has feelings of confinement and frustration, with her life, and directs her bottled up energy at people with an ill temperament. “Life becomes for Hedda a ridiculous affair that isn’t worth seeing to the end.
Et Hjem Gr Dukken Essay Research Paper
Et hjem g?r dukken siste akt. Rolleliste: Nora Helmer. Handlingen foreg?r i Helmers bolig. Helmer(med wiskyflasken i h?nden): Nora, kan jeg aldri bli, hikk, noe annet enn en fremmed for deg?
The Road To Independence Essay Research Paper
The Road To Independence As an individual grows, he or she is molded by the actions of the parents or parental figure that is present in the home. In Henrick Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House Ibsen created Nora who is a victim of her upbringing and male dominance. What is responsible for Nora’s attitude toward life and her acceptance of a commanding mate? Nora has been emotionally controlled her entire life, and she does not know true love.
Theme Of A Doll
’s House Essay, Research Paper Henrik Ibsen’s, A Doll’s House is definitely a unique story written by a very intelligent, complicated writer. I believe he intentionally wrote the play in a manner which would lead every reader to draw his own conclusions. He forces us to find our own interpretation of the play in context with our personal lives and experiences with the opposite sex.
Well-made Play Techniques In A Dolls Hou
Essay, Research Paper “Well-Made Play” Techniques in Ibsen?s A Doll?s House Henrik Ibsen?s A Doll?s House is a classic example of a modern realistic play. But is it a “well-made play?” Eugene Scribe?s idea of a “well-made play” was designed to present audiences with plots which are interesting and suspenseful and characters that are easy to understand.
The Songbird
’s Dollhouse Essay, Research Paper The Songbird?s Dollhouse? ?A Doll?s House?, to me is a story of what one would do for their true love. What are the limitations of true love? Would you put your self in jeopardy to save your loved ones life? I believe there are limitations, even though most people would disagree and say that life is not worth living if you can?t be with the person you love.
Oh Really Essay Research Paper Oh Reallyyou
Oh Really? Essay, Research Paper Oh Really, you think i am a lark, the dogs they run and bark, but when i say to them, shut up shut up shut up, you say to be nice to them,
Doll House Essay Research Paper Animal Imagery
Doll House Essay, Research Paper Animal Imagery in Henrick Ibsen’s A Doll House Animal imagery in Henrick Ibsen’s play, The Doll House is a critical analyzing tool for the character development of Nora and Torvald Helmer the main characters in this play.
A Closer Look At Ibsen
’s “A Doll’s House” Essay, Research Paper Jake Bryant IB English 3 A Doll?s House Essay Test Topic #1 “Everything is relative” or so the flippant motto of the post-modern generation would say. Interestingly enough, this aphorism is brilliantly applied by Henrik Ibsen to enhance his characters in the acclaimed drama, A Doll?s House.
Ibsens 2
Ibsens’ A Dolls House Essay, Research Paper Key Question: Did Nora make the right decision? Why or why not? Nora and Helmer s relationship in Ibsen s play, A Doll s House, is a very fictitious relationship. The way Nora is treated, called names, and bossed around, degrades the female society. Feminism lurks throughout the whole play.
Dollhouse Report Essay Research Paper In Henrik
Dollhouse Report Essay, Research Paper In Henrik Ibsen’s play, “A Dollhouse”, we learn of a woman who has been repressed almost her entire life. Nora Helmer was treated like a little girl not only by her father, but by her husband, Torvald, as well. Her life is compared to that of a doll’s in the play. In order to get what she wants she dresses and acts as to please Torvald.
A Dolls House Henrik Ibsen 1828-1906 Essay
, Research Paper ?HELMER: My little songbird mustn?t droop her wings. What?s this? Is little squirrel sulking?? Torvald asks this to Nora after she returned from shopping at the start
A Doll House 2 Essay Research Paper
A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen, is a play that was written ahead of its time. In this play Ibsen tackles women s rights as a matter of importance. Throughout this time period it was neglected. A Doll House was written during the movement of Naturalism, which commonly reflected society. Ibsen acknowledges the fact that in 19th century life the role of the woman was to stay at home, raise the children and attend to her husband.
Womens Liberation In A Dolls House Essay
, Research Paper The Statement of the Liberation of Women as Shown in A Doll?s House In reading Ibsen?s A Doll?s House today, a person could find it hard to imagine how daring it seemed when Ibsen wrote it over one hundred years ago. A main subject of this play is the emancipation of women from the restrictions that society and men place on them.
Todays Women Vs Yesterday
’s Essay, Research Paper Today’s Woman Vs. Yesterday’s Women of today have come a long way since the periods portrayed in the dramas “Trifles,” written by Susan Glaspell, and “Doll House,” written by Henrik Ibsen. In both dramas, the characters
A Doll S House 2 Essay Research
Paper After reading A Doll s House by Hendrik Ibsen. I can conclude that there is both a parallel and a contrast structure in the characters of Mrs. Linde and Nora.
Ghosts Essay Research Paper Ibsen Henrik A
Ghosts Essay, Research Paper Ibsen, Henrik, A Doll House, from Four Major Plays: Volume 1, Penguin Books, New York, 1992 translated by Rolf Fjelde, Ibsen?s Use of the ?Masquerade Ball? Theme in A Doll House
Animal Imagery In Henrick Ibsen
’s Essay, Research Paper Animal imagery in Henrick Ibsen’s play, The Doll House is a critical part of the character development of Nora, the wife of Torvald Helmer.
Nora
’s Neurosis: A Doll’s House Essay, Research Paper Nora?s Neurosis Act I of Ibsen?s A Doll House sets the scene for a disturbing commentary on the woman?s place in society at the time. Nora?s psychological makeup is one of an
Nora Helmer Essay Research Paper Nora Helmer
Nora Helmer Essay, Research Paper Nora Helmer is a delicate, pampered wife who was spoiled by her wealthy father and later by Torvald. As Ibsen alludes, Nora is the doll of this dollhouse, as
DollS House By Henrik Ibsen Essay Research
Paper In a Doll’s House, Henrik Ibsen reveals how society and authority hinders the development of individuality. By examining how Nora’s father treated her, the way Nora’s husband talked to her, a woman’s social expectations, and the social status of women, Ibsen sets forth the image of a stiffed woman, trapped in an unhappy marriage.
Henrik Ibsen
“A Dolls House” (Ideas) Essay, Research Paper How women and Men are portrayed in the play and how this can be directly related back to the social issues of the time.
A Doll House Essay Research Paper Henrik
A Doll House Essay, Research Paper Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll House examines a woman’s struggle for independence in her marriage and social world. Through the use of character change, Ibsen conveys his theme that by breaking away from all social expectations, we can be true to ourselves. When Ibsen presents Nora Helmer, we see a “perfect” wife, who lives in a “perfect” house with a “perfect” husband and children.
Doll House Essay Research Paper Social Criticism
Doll House Essay, Research Paper Social Criticism in A Doll?s House In A Doll?s House, Ibsen as he often does, criticizes society and the ways of life in that time. Ibsen shows this in Torvold?s overwhelming power and control over Nora. This is also seen in the way that Women are weakened by society. Lastly it is shown in the way that Torvold tries to maintain a good reputation to the public.
An Essay On A Dolls House Essay
, Research Paper In the play, A Doll?s House, by Ibsen, a standard of behavior was not followed. The main character, Nora shocks the readers with her behavior. She does not behave as she is expected to during that time period. Her and her family must face consequences, which effect the overall work.
Difference In Response To The Doll House
Essay, Research Paper Difference in Response to ?The Doll House A Doll?s House is a play written by Henrik Ibsen in 1879 depicting the marriage between Nora and Torvald Helmer. Nora and Torvald fell in love with the conceptions of each other, not their real selves, which in the end causes the marriage to fall apart when they are faced with reality.
Women In The Victorian Era Essay Research
Paper In the Victorian Era (1832-1901), women faced many challenges. Women were not treated as they are today. They were treated unfairly and not heard. There was a need for women to express their own needs as human beings, and finally overcome their hardship. But the question remained, what was their position in life? Two pieces of literature that deal with this topic are A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen and A Woman s Thoughts about Women by Dinah Maria Mulock.
A Dogs House Essay Research Paper A
A Dogs House Essay, Research Paper A Dogs House- In reading Ibsen’s A Doll’s House today, one may find it hard to imagine how daring it seemed at the time it was written one
How Shakespeare And Ibsen Treated Their Women
Essay, Research Paper How Shakespeare and Ibsen Treated their Women Shakespeare s Taming of the Shrew and Ibsen s A Doll s House portray women in many ways. Both authors have strong feelings about women and weren t afraid to express them in their writing. Shakespeare s views about women differed greatly with those of Ibsen s.
The Social Significance Of A Doll
’s House Essay, Research Paper The Social Significance of A Doll?s House A Doll?s House, written by Henrik Ibsen, shows the power on can have over another. He clearly states that Torvald has complete control of his wife Nora and loves to show her off to gain popularity.
A Dolls House Essay Research Paper A
A Dolls House Essay, Research Paper A Doll s House One of A Doll’s House’s central theme is secession from society. It is demonstrated by several of its characters breaking away from the social standards of their time and acting on their own terms. No one character demonstrates this better than Nora.
A Dolls House Essay Research Paper In
A Dolls House Essay, Research Paper In the play, A Doll?s House, by Henrik Ibsen there seems to include serious social commentary underlying in this piece. This play is obviously critical of the time period, but also presents little or no solutions. The play is critiquing the society of the time for its structured hierarchy of male dominance.
The Dolls House Essay Research Paper A
The Dolls House Essay, Research Paper A Doll’s House Henrik Ibsen portrayed the protagonist (Nora Helmer) of A Doll’s House as someone who went through a series of trials and tribulations. As the story developes she realizes that she is unsatisfied with the stereotypical role that society had forced her to play.
Tarantella Essay Research Paper Tarantella
Tarantella Essay, Research Paper Tarantella “Five o’clock. Seven hours till midnight; and then four-and-twenty hours till the next midnight. Then the tarantella will be over. Twenty-four and seven? Thirty-one hours to live” (Ibsen 50). Nora ponders a moment about how not even the tarantella can save her now.