Moral conflict

Moral Conflict

Sexism:

Sexism is a large conflict that encompasses the play. The conflict is revealed through the characters of Nora and Torvald; the issue is revealed mostly by the sexist remarks that are made by Torvald. One way that the author demonstrates sexism is by using animals to represent women. In the beginning of the play, Torvald constantly compares Nora to birds (skylark, songbird) which are fragile animals. By comparing Nora to birds, it shows how Torvald sees her has a delicate person who is only supposed to 'chirp' peacefully. This is a sexist comment since he expects his 'little bird' (Nora) to sing 'pretty songs' in order to please him. Another way the author portrays sexism is by highlighting the roles of husband and wife. Torvald makes a sexist remark when he explained the impact that mothers have on their children--he specifically says that "deceitful mothers poison their children" more than their fathers do, so basically insinuates that women rub off negative effect on others more than men do, which is a generalization. He also degrades women by making many of these generalizations about women and their roles as wives. After he finds out that he is free from Krogstad's threatening letter, he tells Nora that she only borrowed money from Krogstad because she has loved him as "all wives should love their husbands". Torvald makes it sound as if it is a duty to love someone instead of loving someone because they want to. He takes advantage of her position as a wife and uses it to his advantage.

Freedom:

Nora is treated like a doll who is controlled by Torvald until the end. Torvald dresses her to according to what he likes, he makes her entertain him by singing/dancing and performing, and basically directs her to do everything he wishes. Throughout the play, Nora does not get a say in any decision making as Torvald sets the rules for everything--he even forbids Nora from eating macaroons. Freedom is stripped away from Nora, and the only thing she constantly has in mind is to keep her husband happy. However, she finally comes to realization in the end that she deserves better and claims that she will "at least try to become like a human being" by leaving Torvald and deciding for herself. Despite her wishes, Torvald still manages to force restriction upon her by saying that she has "obligations as a wife and a mother" where they come first. But of course Nora has had enough and leaves Torvald, where she finally attains freedom.