English Literature

Symbol is a sign that represents something which has an independent existence. Symbols are found in abundance in the twentieth century literature in general and in the plays of Ibsen in particular. Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House is soaked in symbolism where the characters as well as the props used onstage echo symbolism. This essay explores the different symbols used by Ibsen in A Dolls House and analyzes the outcome of the usage of symbols in the play.

Nora Helmer, the mother of two kids, in the opening of the play, is found to be a carefree, twittering spirit holding a horde of little, inexpensive Christmas gifts for her children. Torvald Helmer, her husband calls her little lark and squirrel, which reflects that Nora is inferior to Helmer, comparing her to silly, little animals. Her quick response when he calls her by names reflects the treatment of women in the society then. Further the props and settings symbolize the emotional status of the characters. The Christmas tree, the concept of New Year, the tarantella dance that Nora performs, her fancy ball dress, the opening and closing of doors and the female characters are all symbols loaded with rich meaning.
 Tarantelle is an important symbol in the play. Lee states that, This object or event--as the tarantelle--also stands for the character of the play, whose soul is the stage of the real action of the play and thus the symbol stands, at last, for the play itself. Originally, tarantella is performed by a person who is stung by a poisonous spider called tarantula and can be saved only by a miracle. It involves swift wild movements, going round and round, frenzied to the core and finally dropped dead.  This hysterical dance symbolizing the mental agony that Nora bears because she is constantly stung by Krogstad and the only miracle that could save her is Torvalds love towards her. But this miracle does not happen and Helmers real nature with all its selfishness and meanness is revealed. In the climax, when Nora changes to her everyday costume, it symbolizes the closing of Noras dolls life.

The Christmas tree is another important symbol which mirrors the mood of the characters. In the beginning of the play, the Christmas tree reflects hope and goodwill. The tree becomes the symbol of peace and prosperity in Helmers family. Initially Nora instructs Helena to hide the Christmas tree so that the decorated tree remains a surprise to her kids. But as the plot develops, Nora is insecure and fears that she might be exposed to her husband by Krogstad. Then she brings the tree in the middle of the room and tries to concentrate in decorating the tree. A candle here and flowers here that horrible man its all nonsense (54) Hence the Christmas tree becomes a symbol of desolation. In the second Act, the Christmas tree is completely scruffy with a bare look which reflects Noras state of mind. In the corner stands the Christmas tree. It is stripped and disheveled with the stumps of burnt candles.

New Year is another symbol which marks the beginning of a new phase of life with a fresh beginning, anticipating a better, prosperous and a peaceful life. The opening and closing of the doors are the other significant symbols in the play. In the beginning, the Christmas tree is brought in when the exterior door is opened which reflects hope and joy. The same door is slammed at the end of the play which reflects the strength of mind and resolution of Nora ofr her new beginning.  The door at Torvalds study remains shut throughout the play which symbolizes his fixed notions towards morality and that Nora cannot enter the private space of Torvald at any cost to win his love. The hide and seek game played by Nora is also a symbol and Drake states that, this game unquestionably becomes as complex and formidable a symbol as any of those previously mentioned.

Ibsen has used three female characters namely Nora, Mrs. Linde and the Nurse in order to symbolize the position of women in the society who should be ready to sacrifice anything for the sake of their family. Nora is so much used to habitual degradation that she meekly submits her inferior status before her husband. But towards the end of the play she is completely a changed woman marking the New Beginning. Mrs. Linde has sacrificed her true love for Krogstad and had agreed to marry another man for the sake of her family who later leads a lonely desperate life. The Nurse also reflects the tragic state of women in the society as she has given up her child born outside wedlock due to financial crisis and now she takes care of others children. Thus all the three women have sacrificed their life for the sake of their husbands who remain cold and self-centered, which makes it extremely difficult to make the marriage work. Ibsen has used Nora to represent the message that women should never give up their individuality and self-esteem even during the times of adversity and not to rely on men at any time of their life.

Thus Ibsen has successfully used a multitude of symbols to expose double standards the male-dominated society and the final self-discovery of the suppressed womanhood. Physical symbols such as costumes, props and settings along with the characters are used as symbols in order to heighten the dramatic effect in the play.