Rodolfo Brandon BernardinoP3

The Symbolism of “A Doll’s House”

Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” is a great example of

symbolism in literature. Some of these symbols are subtle,

while others are the opposite. Many of these symbols are

The doll is a prominent symbol in “A Doll’s House”.

Torvald Helmer, Nora’s husband, treats Nora similar to a doll.

He uses Nora for amusement and treats her like a petty child.

This is clearly evident throughout the play. “Is that my little

lark twittering out there?” In this quote, Helmer addresses

Nora as though he is talking to one of his children. Torvald

also refers to Nora as his skylark.

The skylark is also a prominent symbol. The skylark

represents Torvald’s treatment of Nora as an appeasing childish

dependent. Early in the play, Torvald frequently refers to Nora

as his skylark or lark. This passage shows evidence of this:

“Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings...”

Nora also loathes his belittlement and her treatment as an

inferior. This is evident in this passage: “… Only you had not

sufficient knowledge to judge of the means you used. But do

you suppose you are any less dear to me, because you don’t

understand how to act on your own responsibility…” Torvald’s

treatment of Nora soon leads to the deterioration of the

relationship of the two.

The Christmas tree symbolizes the deterioration of the

relationship between Torvald and Nora. During Act 1, the tree

was described having a lively appearance. This symbolized

the marriage at first, appealing and infallible. In the beginning of

Act 2, the tree is shown lacking any ornaments and having

burned down candles on its branches. The unappealing tree is

a metaphor for their marriage. Nora’s deceit was a huge

influence on the downfall of her marriage.

In “A Doll’s House”, Noras deceit is symbolized by

macaroons. The macaroons symbolize her deceit to her

husband because she eats macaroons secretly even though

she is forbidden from doing so. “…You couldn’t know that

Torvald had forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid

they will spoil my teeth. But gracious! –once in a way…” The

play also shows Nora hiding her fradulent loan problem from her

husband. Nora’s deceit would soon lead her to the downfall

of the Helmer family.

The letter written by Krogstad is symbolic because it

represents the Nora’s demise. Nora is frequently scared