Henrik Ibsen

Critically discuss feminism vs.

humanism in A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

Henrik Ibsen's novel focuses on a mother named Nora, who has evolved into a figure that many
associate with the 18th century ‘new woman' movement.

The ideology believed that women should never be assumed to be dutiful wives and dutiful
mothers, but instead, like men, have the abilities and talents to be knowledgeable, strong, and
valued outside the home all throughout the play
Henrik Ibsen's work is focused on a variety of themes but the concept of humanism is a
significant subject throughout the play however the boundary between Humanism and Feminism
is very little. Humanism is concerned with a person's integrity and individuality, regardless of
sexuality. Humanism is just about all humans living together, not just males and females. On the
other hand Feminism is concerned with women's rights from a sociological, economical, and
political point of view
Ibsen demonstrates to the audience the significance of honoring all humans with equal regard for
their individuality and liberty. Ibsen showed flaws below the veil of a flawless marriage between
married couples. The drama focuses on Nora's quest of identity and conflict against the
injustice of her husband Torvald and the community he lives in, Nora accepts her own
discrimination.
This is shown in many instances, such as Torvald's pet names for her, such as "a squirrel" or "a
featherhead." Torvald is unconsciously demeaning her in this way. Rather than simply ignoring
this behaviour, Nora appears to like it and gets involved in it, as when she says, "you have no
idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have” However, it must be observed that
Nora may simply be playing along with Torvald in order to achieve what she needs as evidenced
by her statement to Torvald: “your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you
would be nice and do what she wants” She will not give up even this small bit of power to gain
respect. Other events of her performing her part include seducing with Torvald, dressing well for
him and concealing the loan from him in order to save his honor.
Throughout the novel, Nora is continuously looked down on. Torvald treats Nora as if she is a
child whenever he speaks to her. He refers to her as "little" and "child" all the time. When Nora
returns from her outing, he inquires whether "his little spendthrift had been wasting money
again." He overlooks her and thinks her as an irresponsible kid who spends money.
Nora is mistreated and not regarded like a wife or a human being. The main reason why people
dislike Nora is that her personality is childish in their opinion. Many of the characters in the play
perceive Nora as "'incapable of anything really serious” but she said
“I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are--or, at all
events, that I must try and become one.”
A Doll's House was not written exclusively with the purpose of being a feminist work. Instead,
Nora's defective character and ideas about being treated like a doll, as well as her later struggle
for identification and individuality, coincide with the concept of humanism. Nora is a lady who
is restricted by her gender and the assumptions that come with it.
She lives her life disguising her true self and must pretend to be a doll or a kid in order to get her
goal. However, in the final act, she speaks up and understands her own worth and decided to
leave her marriage in order to go outside and create her own identity. She believes to have a
"responsibility to herself as an individual” Ibsen's use of the word "individual" rather than
"woman" highlights his statement that A Doll's House was also about the right to individual
freedom for all humans, not just women. This is identified further as Nora tells Torvald,
"above all else, I am a human being just like you are," emphasizing that gender has no
bearing on this matter”
“NORA: I must stand on my own two feet if I'm to get to know myself and the world
outside. That's why I can't stay here with you any longer.”
Ibsen's claim is that this aspect of culture cannot meet the natural desires of women for liberty,
and this thought serves as the foundation for his criticism of modern life or social system. He
feels that there is a conflict between the individual's public and private lives. As a critic on
current life, he tries to suggest this idea. In his opinion, the person is a supporting factor in
society hence his place in the household serves as an indication of his status in society itself. The
household power structure reflects the authoritarian power structures that exist in the outside
globe. Ibsen focuses on specific points in today's scenario where a hidden disaster becomes
visible. In this approach, he is capable of retaining modern and social issues through the lens of
women's future however despite Ibsen's advocacy that Nora's situation represents humanity as a
whole (without regard to gender), he still presents a woman's dilemma as a human dilemma
(when so often women's struggles are treated as a special subject of concern only to women),
making the conclusion the play's most revolutionary attribute.
After what seemed like a limitless examination of the play, I found it extremely difficult to reach
a firm decision about whether this text is humanist or feminist but perhaps that isn't the most
essential point. Apparently Ibsen didn't mean for the play to be understood decisively as one or
the other, but rather for each unique reader to read it in any way he or she desired- feminist,
humanist, either, or even both According to Ibsen, he created the play with a humanist view in
mind.
The drama is about the genuine and pressing societal issue of a rebellion, which has become
necessary for the advancement of society by the end of the play, we have a clear message that
Henrik Ibsen is a humanist who cares about feminist issues. The drama is also highly relevant
to the role of women in many regions of the world in the twenty-first century. A Doll's House is
both feminist, humanist, and it’s a play which promotes development, self-empowerment, and
freedom.
Reference:
http://www.beytulhikme.org/Makaleler/1429140981_03_Balaky_(31-45).pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317617776_A_Feminist_Analysis_of_Henrik_Ibsen's_
A_Doll's_House_Henrik_Ibsen'in_A_Doll's_House_Eserinin_Feminist_Analizi

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Critically discuss feminism vs.

humanism in A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

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