Compare two characters in two different plays - Essay Example

Nora’s determination to prove herself in a constructive way rather than being vindictive like Mrs Wright justifies her act of protest. Nora’s loss was bigger than Mrs Wright’s Mrs Wright and Nora had been victims of the predominating ego of their respective husbands. Though they belong to different backgrounds they share the same story of being subjugated and demeaned by their husbands. As it is understood from the words of Mrs Hale who seemed to have known Mrs Wright from her young days, that her marriage to John Wright had changed her from a lively person to an unsocial introvert: “I suppose she felt she couldn't do her part, and then you don't enjoy things when you feel shabby.

She used to wear pretty clothes and be lively, when she was Minnie Foster, one of the town girls singing in the choir. But that -- oh, that was thirty years ago.” (Glaspell, p.14) It is apparent that the young town girl must have had a shock after her marriage to a farmer like John Wright who was far from being a loving husband. People were aware of the bitter truth in Mrs Wright’s traumatic life. . Mrs Hale was all sympathetic towards Mrs Wright but it does not take away the fact that mental weakness and inability to cope with the conditions spurred Mrs Wright to kill her husband.

Nora’s circumstances that urged her to act against her husband were more painful than that of Mrs Wright. Nora loved her husband unconditionally and had risked her reputation to save his life. She was utterly shocked to find that her husband was not the person she thought him to be. He was self-centred and cruel. He did not hesitate to strip her of her self-esteem and shun her from her natural rights of bringing up her own children. “You will still remain in my house, that is a matter of course.

But I shall not allow you to bring up the children; I dare not trust them to you.” (Ibsen, p.71) After all her sacrifices and compromises she was thrown away like a rag doll. Her humiliation was complete. Moreover she had lost faith not only in the relationship but had lost all respect for her husband. Nora was deceived and betrayed whereas Mrs Wright knew the truth Mrs Wright reacted after prolonged suppression of her husband’s torture. She had endured her husband’s injustice towards her as long as she could without protesting.

Her anger was gradually building up that eventually made her pay heavy price. If she had confronted her husband instead of enduring his behaviour she might not have to commit the crime. Nora could not have helped her situation. She was made to believe in the concept of perfect marriage where she performed her role as a devoted wife and mother with unconditional love. She loved her family too much to analyze the true nature of her husband. Her husband had always manipulated her as he wished and she believed him unquestioningly.

She spoke in realization: “I