poverty underscores the privileged nature of the life that Nora leads. we also learn that Mrs[r]
(1)DRAMA II
Modern Drama | An OVERVIEW
(2)SYNOPSIS
(3)Functions and
Characteristics of Modern Drama
mirrors the complex struggle of life the inspiration is to seek truth
either to become part of the process or
be left behind
This is the social significance which
differentiates modern dramatic art from art for art’s sake
It is the dynamite which undermines
superstition, shakes the social pillars, and prepares men and women for the
reconstruction
(4)The Role of Scandinavian Drama
“The State is the curse of the individual
How has the national strength of Prussia been purchased? By the sinking of the individual in a political and geographical formula The State must go! That will be a revolution which will find me on its side Undermine the idea of the State, set up in its place spontaneous action, and the idea that spiritual relationship is the only thing that makes for unity, and you will start the elements of a liberty which will be something worth
possessing.”
(Henrik Ibsen )
(5)Ibsen’s Work
What Writer’s Have Said About Henrik Ibsen:
“All of Ibsen is visionary drama… His
mastery of inwardness is second only to
Shakespeare’s.” — Harold Bloom
“Had the gospel of Ibsen been understood and heeded, these fifteen millions might have been alive now.” — George
Bernard Shaw (Discussing the loss of life during World War I)
“His characters may hate one another or be happy together, but they will generate
(6)II Characters and Characterization
1 Nora –
The protagonist of the play and the wife
of Torvald Helmer
a playful, naïve child who lacks
knowledge of the world outside her home
not as innocent or happy as she
appears
In the end she finds her position in her
(7)2. Torvald Helmer –
Nora’s husband
Torvald delights in his new position at
the bank, just as he delights in his position of authority as a husband
He treats Nora like a child, in a manner
that is both kind and patronizing
He does not view Nora as an equal but
rather as a plaything or doll to be teased and admired
In general, Torvald is overly concerned
with his place and status in society, and he allows his emotions to be swayed
heavily by the prospect of society’s
(8)3. Krogstad –
A lawyer who went to school with Torvald
and holds a subordinate position at Torvald’s bank
Krogstad’s character is contradictory:
though his bad deeds seem to stem from a desire to protect his children from
scorn, he is perfectly willing to use
unethical tactics to achieve his goals
His willingness to allow Nora to suffer is
despicable, but his claims to feel sympathy for her and the hard
(9)4. Mrs. Linde –
Nora’s childhood friend
Kristine Linde is a practical,
down-to-earth woman, and her sensible
worldview highlights Nora’s somewhat childlike outlook on life
Mrs Linde’s account of her life of
poverty underscores the privileged nature of the life that Nora leads
we also learn that Mrs Linde took
responsibility for her sick parent,
whereas Nora abandoned her father when he was ill
5. Dr. Rank –
Torvald’s best friend
Dr Rank stands out as the one character
in the play who is by and large
unconcerned with what others think of him
He is also notable for his stoic
acceptance of his fate
Unlike Torvald and Nora, Dr Rank admits
to the diseased nature (literally, in his case) of his life
For the most part, he avoids talking to
Torvald about his imminent death out of respect for Torvald’s distaste for
(10)6. Bob, Emmy, and Ivar –
Nora and Torvald’s
three small children.
In her brief interaction
with her children, Nora shows herself to be a
loving mother
When she later refuses
to spend time with her children because she
fears she may morally corrupt them
7. AnneMarie –
The Helmers’ nanny
Though Ibsen doesn’t
fully develop her
character, Anne-Marie seems to be a kindly
woman who has
genuine affection for Nora
She had to give up her
own daughter in order to take the nursing job
offered by Nora’s father
Thus, she shares with
Nora and Mrs Linde the act of sacrificing her