A Doll's House

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Gender roles within the construct of marriage have changed dramatically over time. Significant historical events in Europe and North America from the 19th century until the present day, for example, have contributed to shifts in power dynamics in married couples. What are some of the differences in ways that married couples interacted in the 19th century versus their interaction today? In what ways have the general characteristics of marriage as an institution changed? What historical events likely contributed to these changes?

Teaching Suggestion: This question will prepare students for an important idea in the play: the emancipation of women—for example, financially, legally, and emotionally—from inegalitarian marriages. Students might be encouraged to make connections with material learned in World and U.S. History courses regarding women’s right to vote, the role of women in the workforce, the sexual revolution, and changes in the traditional understanding of marriage in the late 20th century. Preliminary discussions regarding the theme of Objectification and Sexism can serve as segues into the text itself.

• This article from Oxford Reference provides a short overview of the “Emancipation of Women” in the 20th century.

2. Throughout literature, male authors portray women from their perspective with what is sometimes termed the “male gaze.” Can you think of other works in which women’s struggles are told from the perspective of a male author? What about the portrayal of men from the perspective of a female author?

Teaching Suggestion: Students should be encouraged to consider that, while revolutionary in its characterization of Nora, the play is written from the perspective of a man. This question can be readdressed after reading to discuss whether Nora was portrayed with the “male gaze” by Ibsen. This question also links to the theme of Objectification.

• This opinion article on Theconversation.com explains the terminologies “male gaze” and “female gaze.”

Short Activity

Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen is deemed the “father of realism.” Working in small groups, select a play by Ibsen other than A Doll’s House and research the basic plot points and themes present in this play. Share your findings with the class; note any themes common between groups.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity allows students to learn more about Ibsen’s body of work and characteristics common to some of his titles. Students may discover ideas and topics that connect some of the plays, like self-realization (including with female protagonists) and reactions to societal pressures.

• This article from Britannica provides information on Henrik Ibsen’s life and works.