Pranav Sethi
Many people have argued over which theme, "A Doll's House" relates with the most. The two most prevalent themes readers debate about are whether, "A Doll's House" is a humanist, or feminist play. However, before evaluating which theme the play identifies with the most, readers must understand what these two terms mean in order to determine which theme most suitably represents the play.
Feminism is perhaps the easiest theme to identify because its definition is straightforward. It refers to advocating for women's rights, and ultimately, gender equality. However, humanism is more open to interpretation. However, what seems to be the main characteristics of humanism are ideas and actions that involves humans believing in themselves to lead ethical lives that are for the greater good. The theme of Humanism is argued to take place throughout the play, and through the interactions between all of the characters regardless of gender. On the other hand, Feminism is argued to take place between the relationship between Nora and Torvald, as well as Nora's relationship between other male characters. Regardless of what themes Ibsen was trying to show through the novel, he uses Naturalism, which is a theory in which all interactions between people, and things should be portrayed in a realistic manner.
Naturalism was also a major movement that occurred during the 19th century, which could explain why Ibsen made use of this theory. In many viewpoints, and mine, Ibsen uses Naturalism to portray the theme of Humanism instead of feminism. Although various gender roles were portrayed in the novel, Ibsen focuses on the problems with both men and women. For instance, the arguments posed by readers about how "A Doll's House" is a feminist play includes how Ibsen portrayed the lack of women's suffrage, their inability to finish their education because of societal pressure, and society frowning upon women having careers of their own. However, this is just one of the aspects of the book, and doesn't address the overarching story of the novel that Ibsen is trying to tell.
Along with gender roles being portrayed of women, there are also many stereotypes explored in, "A Doll's House" for men. For instance, men having the sole responsibility to provide for the household, and always needing to be strong, and have power over relationships. Furthermore, the main plot of the story which explores the relationship between Krogstad and Nora is a great example of why, "A Doll's House" leans more towards a humanist theme. Both of these characters had committed similar crimes, and they both reaped the consequences. Should the reader analyze the novel, and read between the lines enough, he or she should see that this is a reason as to why the novel is a humanist theme. It's because the humanist theme incorporates a feminist theme, but as applies it to all humans regardless of their genders.
Although in my opinion, the novel relates more towards a humanist theme, there are many arguments posed by readers which have valid points. This is the reason as to why a novel like, "A Doll's House" cannot be solidified as a humanist, or a feminist theme. There are many parts of the play that support both arguments, however, in my opinion, the writing and main plot of the novel shows why Ibsen considered, "A Doll's House" to be a humanist play.
Many people have argued over which theme, "A Doll's House" relates with the most. The two most prevalent themes readers debate about are whether, "A Doll's House" is a humanist, or feminist play. However, before evaluating which theme the play identifies with the most, readers must understand what these two terms mean in order to determine which theme most suitably represents the play.
Feminism is perhaps the easiest theme to identify because its definition is straightforward. It refers to advocating for women's rights, and ultimately, gender equality. However, humanism is more open to interpretation. However, what seems to be the main characteristics of humanism are ideas and actions that involves humans believing in themselves to lead ethical lives that are for the greater good. The theme of Humanism is argued to take place throughout the play, and through the interactions between all of the characters regardless of gender. On the other hand, Feminism is argued to take place between the relationship between Nora and Torvald, as well as Nora's relationship between other male characters. Regardless of what themes Ibsen was trying to show through the novel, he uses Naturalism, which is a theory in which all interactions between people, and things should be portrayed in a realistic manner.
Naturalism was also a major movement that occurred during the 19th century, which could explain why Ibsen made use of this theory. In many viewpoints, and mine, Ibsen uses Naturalism to portray the theme of Humanism instead of feminism. Although various gender roles were portrayed in the novel, Ibsen focuses on the problems with both men and women. For instance, the arguments posed by readers about how "A Doll's House" is a feminist play includes how Ibsen portrayed the lack of women's suffrage, their inability to finish their education because of societal pressure, and society frowning upon women having careers of their own. However, this is just one of the aspects of the book, and doesn't address the overarching story of the novel that Ibsen is trying to tell.
Along with gender roles being portrayed of women, there are also many stereotypes explored in, "A Doll's House" for men. For instance, men having the sole responsibility to provide for the household, and always needing to be strong, and have power over relationships. Furthermore, the main plot of the story which explores the relationship between Krogstad and Nora is a great example of why, "A Doll's House" leans more towards a humanist theme. Both of these characters had committed similar crimes, and they both reaped the consequences. Should the reader analyze the novel, and read between the lines enough, he or she should see that this is a reason as to why the novel is a humanist theme. It's because the humanist theme incorporates a feminist theme, but as applies it to all humans regardless of their genders.
Although in my opinion, the novel relates more towards a humanist theme, there are many arguments posed by readers which have valid points. This is the reason as to why a novel like, "A Doll's House" cannot be solidified as a humanist, or a feminist theme. There are many parts of the play that support both arguments, however, in my opinion, the writing and main plot of the novel shows why Ibsen considered, "A Doll's House" to be a humanist play.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks!