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    A Doll's House
    A Doll's House
    A Doll's House
    Ebook170 pages1 hour

    A Doll's House

    By Henrik Ibsen

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    This phenomenal play by Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen shook the societal expectations of the nineteenth century with its radical portrayal of female identity and marriage roles.

    First published and premiered in 1879, ‘A Doll’s House’ frames nineteenth-century confines for women in the literal borders of a family home. Nora is married with three children and is living out the male-dictated ideal for women at the time. As the play progresses, Henrik Ibsen challenges this notion by gradually suggesting that Nora is trapped in a role that will never grant her self-fulfilment.

    Ibsen’s portrayal of a free-thinking heroine and the play’s dismissal of societal norms resulted in a controversial reception at the time of its release. ‘A Doll’s House’ is now considered a crucial feminist text and Ibsen is regarded as instrumental in the development of Modernism and Realism in theatrical practice.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRead Books Ltd.
    Release dateAug 20, 2018
    ISBN9781528786027
    Author

    Henrik Ibsen

    Born in 1828, Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright and poet, often associated with the early Modernist movement in theatre. Determined to become a playwright from a young age, Ibsen began writing while working as an apprentice pharmacist to help support his family. Though his early plays were largely unsuccessful, Ibsen was able to take employment at a theatre where he worked as a writer, director, and producer. Ibsen’s first success came with Brand and Peter Gynt, and with later plays like A Doll’s House, Ghosts, and The Master Builder he became one of the most performed playwrights in the world, second only to William Shakespeare. Ibsen died in his home in Norway in 1906 at the age of 78.

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    Reviews for A Doll's House

    3.5/5

    1,394 ratings19 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Maybe 3½... I found the second act dragged a bit, but the third and final act was amazing. Nora's revolt was tremendously satisfying to me, in particular after Torvald goes into his self-righteous rant.
    • 4/5
      In this audio version of Ibsen's classic play, Nora must face down the consequences of a choice she made years ago and the ramifications it has for her marriage and domestic life.Callista Flockhart sparkles as Nora and the other cast members set her off to advantage. I studied this play in high school English but I'd forgotten most of the details so the turn in the final act was wonderful to experience again. Recommended.
    • 4/5
      I'm currently working my way through a good deal of the theatrical canon and this play was up next. An intriguing study, still at times rooted in the melodramatic. I wasn't too impressed with the character of Nora, even after extensive discussion. She confused and baffled me the majority of the time, and not in a particularly good way.
    • 3/5
      short, deals with inner questioning vs. outward conformity. understandable how hugely controversial this was when it was released. still enjoyable today.
    • 3/5
      This is a very interesting drama about the needs of the individual versus the needs of society or family.
    • 2/5
       This book was alright. I had to read this while studying English for undergrad. It was a required text for my American Lit class that I hated more than anything that year. I was happy that it was short (ha!) and that it was soon over. We got the point that the main character was a spendthrift and after that, I was bored and ready for it to all end.
    • 4/5
      I haven't read a play in some time so this was a nice break from a traditional novel.
      I enjoyed the story which did drag a bit in Act II but almost necessary for the play to explain the circumstances contributing to the ultimate finale. I found the conclusion had me wondering how it would end and I was pleasantly surprised! From a historical standpoint, the story was brilliant!
    • 3/5
      I was surprised by this: it was a lot more readable and interesting than I expected it to be. It's also very thought-provoking: I can't decide whether Nora's actions are completely convincing, but I've been thinking about the play ever since I finished it, which must be a sign of an excellent piece of writing.
    • 1/5
      The good thing was...it was VERY quick to read, other than that...who cares about the story. It was lame. I can't believe people paid money to sit through that on Broadway. There was no excitement what so ever. It was like watching what goes on in many households on stage. Evidently the big deal was that it happened in an earlier time period when it was less socially exceptable...big deal.
    • 4/5
      We read this sophomore year of high school, and I very much enjoyed it. We had a debate over whether Nora was good or bad in my class- all the girls sided with her, and all the boys but one against. I'm with her! I felt like she wasn't really a person while she was with her husband and she had to leave to become one. Never stay with a man who won't let you eat cookies!
    • 4/5
      Read for school in my World Lit class. But I remember loving it from my high school drama class. I loved Ibsen even then. Coming back to to this play years later was wonderful, because I got to examine it from an adult perspective. I will always defend Nora and her decision. She is a victim of her time period, yet she is not to be pitied.
    • 4/5
      I actually read an online version of this text provided by my teacher as part of my Introduction to Drama course, so this is not the same version I'm writing about, but is the same work. This is probably the most famous Problem Play ever written, and is a rather fun read as well. It definitely deals heavily with the position of women in society at the time, and offers a great glimpse of society in general at the time the play was written.
    • 4/5
      Well-written dialogue, and a speedy read. I find it cliche because I have been usurped by classic literature with the same theme (or even more modern literature such as [Revolutionary Road].) But, I am sure it was great for its era. I find the main characters a bit dull- though something really intrigues me about the Doctor. A classic for everyone to read.
    • 1/5
      I really did not enjoy this book. Most probably because I am not a fan of reading plays or easily predictable stories/plots. I thought the story was very simple, easy to predict and a little boring. However, it is a good classic to read and especially if you enjoy plays. I would not recommend it to those who are not very dedicated readers.
    • 2/5
      Well that was ugly.
    • 5/5
      I read this with interest as a bachelor. After 22 years of marriage rereading it convinces me that it is an inspired masterpiece. I hope my children will read it at some point- preferably before they marry!
    • 5/5
      This is, in my opinion, one of the most important women's rights books ever written. I am by no means a modern feminist, but I really did enjoy this book back when I read it in high school. I liked the ending climax, though it was quite a bit bittersweet.
    • 4/5
      One of the best-known, most frequently performed of modern plays, displaying Ibsen’s genius for realistic prose drama. A classic expression of women’s rights, the play builds to a climax in which the central character, Nora, rejects a smothering marriage and life in "a doll’s house."
    • 1/5
      The only redeeming quality about this book is that it is short. I really didnt enjoy the writing style, the characters, or the plot. It was one of those books that you are forced to read, and simply suffer through it while never feeling like you could connect with it. I cant stand it when people assume that just because something is popular or old, it has to be good. This book just wasnt good.

    Book preview

    A Doll's House - Henrik Ibsen

    1.png

    A DOLL'S HOUSE

    by

    HENRIK IBSEN

    First published in 1879

    This edition published by Read Books Ltd.

    Copyright © 2018 Read Books Ltd.

    This book is copyright and may not be

    reproduced or copied in any way without

    the express permission of the publisher in writing

    British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

    A catalogue record for this book is available

    from the British Library

    Contents

    DRAMATIS PERSONAE

    ACT I

    ACT II

    ACT III

    DRAMATIS PERSONAE

    Torvald Helmer.

    Nora, his wife. 

    Doctor Rank.  

    Mrs Linde.  

    Nils Krogstad. 

    Helmer's three young children.

    Anne, their nurse.

    A Housemaid. 

    A Porter.

    [The action takes place in Helmer's house.]

    ACT I

    [SCENE.--A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. Between the doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, arm-chairs and a small sofa. In the right-hand wall, at the farther end, another door; and on the same side, nearer the footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and a rocking-chair; between the stove and the door, a small table. Engravings on the walls; a cabinet with china and other small objects; a small book-case with well-bound books. The floors are carpeted, and a fire burns in the stove.

    It is winter. A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. Enter NORA, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in outdoor dress and carries a number of parcels; these she lays on the table to the right. She leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is seen a PORTER who is carrying a Christmas Tree and a basket, which he gives to the MAID who has opened the door.]

    Nora.

    Hide the Chreistmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. [To the PORTER, taking out her purse.] How much?

    Porter.

    Sixpence.

    Nora.

    There is a shilling. No, keep the change. [The PORTER thanks her, and goes out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as she takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her pocket and eats one or two; then goes cautiously to her husband's door and listens.] Yes, he is in. [Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.]

    Helmer.

    [calls out from his room].

    Is that my little lark twittering out there?

    Nora.

    [busy opening some of the parcels].

    Yes, it is!

    Helmer.

    Is it my little squirrel bustling about?

    Nora.

    Yes!

    Helmer.

    When did my squirrel come home?

    Nora.

    Just now. [Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.] Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought.

    Helmer.

    Don't disturb me. [A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room, pen in hand.] Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again?

    Nora.

    Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to economise.

    Helmer.

    Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly.

    Nora.

    Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn't we? Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of money.

    Helmer.

    Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary is due.

    Nora.

    Pooh! we can borrow until then.

    Helmer.

    Nora! [Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.] The same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New Year's Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and--

    Nora [putting her hands over his mouth]. Oh! don't say such horrid things.

    Helmer.

    Still, suppose that happened,--what then?

    Nora.

    If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I owed money or not.

    Helmer.

    Yes, but what about the people who had lent it?

    Nora.

    They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were.

    Helmer.

    That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there need be any struggle.

    Nora. 

    [moving towards the stove]. As you please, Torvald.

    Helmer. 

    [following her]. Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? 

    [Taking out his purse.] Nora, what do you think I have got here?

    Nora. 

    [turning round quickly]. Money!

    Helmer.

    There you are. [Gives her some money.] Do you think I don't know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time?

    Nora. 

    [counting]. Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you, thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time.

    Helmer.

    Indeed it must.

    Nora.

    Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have bought. And all so cheap! Look, here is a new suit for Ivar, and a sword; and a horse and a trumpet for Bob; and a doll and dolly's bedstead for Emmy,--they are very plain, but anyway she will soon break them in pieces. And here are dress-lengths and handkerchiefs for the maids; old Anne ought really to have something better.

    Helmer.

    And what is in this parcel?

    Nora. 

    [crying out]. No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening.

    Helmer.

    Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would you like for yourself?

    Nora.

    For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything.

    Helmer.

    Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would particularly like to have.

    Nora.

    No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald--

    Helmer.

    Well?

    Nora.

    [playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his]. If you really want to give me something, you might--you might--

    Helmer.

    Well, out with it!

    Nora.

    [speaking quickly]. You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something with it.

    Helmer.

    But, Nora--

    Nora.

    Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that be fun?

    Helmer.

    What are little people called that are always wasting money?

    Nora.

    Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very sensible plan, isn't it?

    Helmer.

    [smiling]. Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again.

    Nora.

    Oh but, Torvald--

    Helmer.

    You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. [Puts his arm round her waist.] It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are!

    Nora.

    It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can.

    Helmer. 

    [laughing]. That's very true,--all you can. But you can't save anything!

    Nora.

    [smiling quietly and happily]. You haven't any idea how

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