The Masquerade in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House Essay

In A Doll House, Ibsen presents us with Torvald and Nora Helmer, a husband and wife who have lived together for eight years and still dont know each other. This rift in their relationship, caused in part by Torvalds and Noras societally-induced gender roles and also by the naivete of both parties to the fact that they dont truly love one another, expands to a chasm by the end of the play, ultimately causing Nora to leave Helmer. Throughout most of the play, Ibsen continually has his characters prepare for a masquerade ball that takes place at their friends house. We are first introduced to the ball in Act Two. ...[T]heres going to be a costume party tomorrow evening at the Stenborgs... Torvald wants me to go as a†¦show more content†¦Needle and thread? Good, now we have what we need.(Ibsen 74) Nothing could be further from the truth. Noras dress is a metaphor for the facade which Nora imposes upon herself every day, which is literally falling apart at the seams. Something as simple as a needle and thread cannot hold together that which is ready to burst apart. Ibsen reveals Torvalds attitude towards the matter later, through Nora: ...Torvald cant stand all this snipping and stitch ing.(Ibsen 76) Read metaphorically, one can conclude that Torvald would rather not have to see, or worry about, things which are going wrong with his marriage. In preparation for Noras dance at the party, we again see Ibsen showing us Torvalds and Noras roles. I cant get anywhere without your help.(Ibsen 91) Direct me. Teach me, the way you always have.(Ibsen 91) Noras lines reflect the costume that Torvald expects her to wear (and which she wears obligingly), that of the meek, subservient, childlike wife. After the masquerade ball, the costume is finally described as being Italian and is accompanied by a black shawl (easily associated with death due to the color). While Torvald is showing her off to Mrs. Linde, he finally admits, although he isnt entirely aware of it at the time, that he sees Nora for who he wants her to be, and not for whom she truly is. A dream of loveliness, isnt she?(Ibsen 98) Ibsens use of the word dream literally spellsShow MoreRelatedAttending a Masquerade in In A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen907 Words   |  4 PagesMasquerade. When attending a masquerade, a person is expected to wear a mask. In fact, it’s looked down upon if a mask isn’t worn. But, what if for some people that mask never came off? In A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen, each character has constructed their own metaphorical mask that they set firmly in place every morning when exiting their bed. Each character: Nora, Torvald, and Krogstad all have masks that they put in place when speaki ng to each other. 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