A Doll's House Identity

One of the biggest challenges we face is trying to determine our identity, both now and in the future. Now, we all may not find ourselves at such a young age, but as we mature and develop we each find our niche. A selfish lifestyle is something that falls into the category of finding ourselves and determining our identity. It can manifest itself into many different aspects that can overtake a person’s entire being. In “A Doll’s House”, by Henrik Ibsen, the character who bests represents this lifestyle is Torvald. Readers can see Torvald display his arrogance in the interactions with his wife, his friendships and even in his own life. To help move along this discussion, a brief summary of this play may help. “A Doll’s House” is about a woman

The relationship Torvald has with his wife Nora was by no means a perfect one, as no relationship is. The way he talked to her was in such a belittling manner. He spoke this way towards her because he wanted to prove to everyone and himself that he is the man and he is in control of his relationship. During the late 19th century, it was normal to have a man speaking down to his wife. When he and his wife would get into a scuffle or even full blown arguments he was always worried about himself and how the outcome of her actions were going to affect him. It is evident that, the relationship that he has with his friend Dr. Rank seemed to be unreal. He used Dr. Rank to make himself look better. He took advantage of Dr. Rank to show himself what he has and that it is better than what Dr. Rank has. Although, Dr. Rank kept Nora company when Torvald was working all the time, Torvald didn’t think anything of it. In the end Torvald ends up falling in love with Nora, which could have potentially ruined everything Nora had worked so long for with Torvald. Torvald calls Dr. Rank a black cloud because he presents nothing better than what Torvald