Analyzing the play 'A Doll's House' by Henrik Ibsen from a critical psychoanalytical perspective - Essay Example

The subjugation of women throughout the history of humanity is the result of a society that normalizes the patriarchal values entrenched in all levels of human interaction. The progression of Nora’s interpersonal as well as personal relationships are representative of her realization and rejection of the male dominated social system. At its core, psychoanalysis is a method of identifying the cause of human behavior based on recallable memories articulated by the self. In psychoanalysis individuals are able to determine why they act the way they do, and creates a more distinct perception of the self.

In the story A Doll’s House, Henrik Isben skillfully uses figurative language, symbolism, and irony to create a literary movement through which the reader is able to identify with the plight of the oppressed female. Figurative language includes the use of devices such as similes, and metaphors. Figurative language becomes increasingly important in terms of the main conflict within the story. Helmer describes his wife by using the metaphor of “little squirrel” which implies that Nora moves frantically around completing task with no overall goal or intention (Isben, 1889).

This implies that her actions are meaningless, and insofar as Nora’s actions are an extension of herself, she feels as if he is calling her existence meaningless. This is evident in the fact that Nora metaphorically refers to herself as a “doll-wife” (Isben, 1889). A doll implies that the object has no control over their own actions and is directed by the will of the person pulling the strings. This trend can be identified in modern society, evident in the fact that women produce 80 percent of the food on the planet, but receive less than 10 percent of agricultural assistance.

In terms of the psychoanalytic approach, Nora’s desire to have a sense of self control forced her to disassociate herself from her husband and began to paint (Isben, 1889). Not only does this action signify her rejection of the subjugate role of the woman, but it is indicative of her belief that women can be independent members of society. Symbolism is another area where the author left traces of characterization that can be interpreted within the psychoanalytic perspective. Specifically, the change of dress with Nora late in the play correlates with herself realization of individuality.

Her dress for the fancy-dress ball is specifically based on appearances and external perceptions (Isben, 1889). Her dress functioned as a mask that covered up her worries. When Nora transitions into plain clothing towards the plays conclusion, it symbolized Nora’s new life of plainness, social normativity, and work. She wanted to show that she was no longer willing to fit the traditional identity of the female and created a new identity around her own personal interest and desires. This is her personal act of rebellion against the status quo, which turned out to be an act of self realization.

For the psychoanalytic, this is representative of Nora coming to grips with her repressed feelings of weakness and dependence. She wants to prove it more to herself than anyone else that she has what it takes to be independent. Irony is yet another literary device that the author uses to give the reader a glimpse into the mind of the character. The author employs the use of situational irony as a means of drawing in the audience and forcing them to view the story line from the position of a specific character.

In Act III, Helmer says, “Do you know, Nora, I have often wished that you might be threatened by some great danger, so that I might risk my life’s blood, and everything, for your sake (Isben, 1889).” In this example of situational irony, both Nora and the audience sense the irony, but Helmer lacks complete knowledge of the situation. Another use of irony is to foreshadow future events. For example, Mrs. Linde states that Nora “Knows so little of the burdens and troubles of life (Isben, 1889).

” While in fact, Nora is well aware of such burdens, but this does foreshadow later troubles to come. The ironic situations help give the reader access to the mental dilemma of the characters. These situations help the reader understand why characters act the way they do, especial when viewed through the paradigm of psychoanalysis. A Dolls House is a classic that was published in 1879. The release of this play helped deconstruct the social norms that created a two-tier society with women on bottom and men on top.

The psychoanalysis would indicate the much of the problems faced by Nora were confronting much of the women during that time period. In fact this play gained so much attention because it functioned as an external voice for the oppressed women in society. Works Cited Ibsen, Henrik (1889). A Doll's House [Illustrated with photographs]. William C. Archer translator. London: T Fisher Unwin.