This is a brilliant play by Henrik Ibsen which is also my first introduction to the author. The play mainly revolves around the theme of women’s place in society as opposed to women’s right to independence and individuality.
Nora Helmer, the main protagonist, has a secret to conceal from her conservative husband. This secret is a cause of action that has been taken by her which, although partly a crime, has been done in good faith to protect her family at a difficult time. However, when the secret comes out in the open, the consequences that follow question women’s identity and demonstrate their vulnerability and men’s perception of women in the patriarchal society.
The play to me is Ibsen’s voice to say that it is time that women are to be looked at as individuals, as humans with feelings, and as an important part of society, especially in a family; it is time that they should be respected as equals; and they should not be viewed as mere possessions to keep and treat as men fancy. Such a perception of women coming from a man of his era is praiseworthy. Ibsen was a thinker ahead of his time.
The play was viewed as scandalous. It was to be expected given the conservative nature of the European society at his time. It is said that German theatre houses refused to stage the play and called for an alternate ending which Ibsen was compelled to write. That demonstrates how strongly the society was affected by the play. Kudos to Ibsen for bringing out the suppressed and subdued voices of women through this beautiful play.
Rating: 4/5