Adapting A Dolls House into a Contemporary Interpretation - Essay Example

Adapting “A Doll’s House” Into a Contemporary Interpretation Introduction There are several themes that are used from literature and which portray current issues in society. In “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Isben, there is an understanding of several of these themes and how it applies as universal themes throughout time. When staging this play as one for the contemporary period, it can be seen that the same social issues and relevant themes apply. However, details that fit with the current time period would also have to be considered, both which show a relationship to the audience that fits for the current time frame. Adapting to the current social era while showing the same relevance with the social themes in the original screen play can hold the same impact and value from the time when the play was written. Knowing which aspects to keep and which to change will create a performance of “A Doll’s House” that remains universal with contemporary issues. Social and Universal Themes in a Doll’s House There are several themes that can be kept in “A Doll’s House,” all which are as relevant today as they were in the 19th century. Adapting these themes to film and creating a timeless piece can then create an alternative understanding to the book. One of the main social themes that are used in this book is based on concepts of feminism, marriage and the woman’s role in life. This is expressed through Nora as she realizes that her perfect marriage to her husband is a fantasy in which she has lost herself to. There are several points in the dialogue that refer to this theme and which could adapt to contemporary society. For instance, at the beginning of the play, Trovald is speaking with Nora. When she asks about money, he responds by saying, “that is so typical of a woman.” These statements are followed with dialogue that refers to Nora not being able to think and only being a housewife that is like a “skylark” but which can’t think (Ibsen, 9). The second social concept that applies to contemporary thought and which could be used in a film adaptation is based on the economic tensions that are in the household. A continuous theme through the play is based on Trovald’s raise and Nora’s desire to have money to spend. Trovald continuously states that he finally has the position that he desires to make the family comfortable. At the same time, he is always calling Nora on spending too much and not being able to save (Ibsen 27). These different concepts continue with the others that come into the picture after some time. For instance, when Christine comes in, she speaks about how she was forced to work on her own and find money for her family because her husband died and didn’t leave her any money. Nora is following this stating that she always wants lots of money which is what can change her life. This particular societal problem is one that can still be seen in society and which is spoken about in the book and in the film adaptation. The theme of economy and the way in which this is approached is one that ties in the idea of bankruptcy as well as the struggles of feminism. The main theme shows that when a woman is able to have a sense of freedom, it also takes away the bankruptcy that one may feel is in their life (Alexander, 2003). The idea of feminism and how it relates to economy is a universal theme that is still considered important and could be adapted to the play. The universal theme that ties into this is based on the concept of finding personal freedom. This is also seen through Nora as well as those that are in similar positions as she is. Through the play, Nora is seen as living the perfect life and is always focused on money and making her life better. The character development; however, leads to the universal theme of freedom and the way that this is approached in the book. The first side to this is the freedom that comes from the law. When approached with the law, there are several instances in which fraud occurs and in which an individual breaks the law. Nora responds to this by believing that the law is one that is based on motive. However, this is juxtaposed with the way in which a career is destroyed through the use of the law. By the end of the play, the idea of the law moves beyond this and into the concept of freedom. The freedom that is presented is not only one of the law but also includes the different roles in society and how this relates to the expectations that one holds. This was divided by behaviors that were expected in society. At one level, this was defined by the idea of how women and men should act and was divided into separate spheres of acting. The freedom then moved into a non – privatized area where women could be freed from the private area and where men were seen as equals. Through the play, this remains a main conflict, both in defining feminism and in understanding the restraints of the law (Stowell, 17). Changes in Society and A Doll’s House While these universal themes in the play and in the film adaptation remain the same, changing it from a 19th century setting would have to alter with the smaller components that are in the play. This is seen with the different styles that were used during this time and which were used to create a specific scene and setting that was for the 19th century. To allow the screenplay to work effectively in a 21st century setting, there would need to be an alteration in the different components that were designed specifically for the 19th century. The first change that would need to be made with “A Doll’s House” would be with the setting that is in the play. In Ibsen’s play, the setting remains in Nora’s apartment and continues to remain the same throughout the duration of the play. For a newer setting, this apartment would have to change so that it looked contemporary. The decorations for Christmas, fireplace to keep warm and the other areas that are for the 19th century would no longer work for a newer setting. Most that are in a contemporary setting would not be able to relate to the setting and components that are specific for the older times and which relates to the overall theme. Changing this to a contemporary apartment and altering the dialogue that is a part of the setting would help to create a different relationship to the setting that is used. The second change that would have to be made is based on the different parts of entertainment and some of the actions that are taken through the play. For instance, Nora is seen getting ready for the Christmas ball at several points in the play. This action would have to be changed as it doesn’t fit with a contemporary setting and is not a part of society. Other points would be with the moments such as when Nora is eating cashews or when she is entertaining with smaller parts that are typical to the 19th century. If these smaller elements aren’t changed for the audience of the 21st century, then the overall themes will lose some of their substance. When looking at the film adaptation of this, these smaller actions and the approach that is taken is in the 19th century. However, when watching these elements, it is more difficult to relate to the main themes because it is outside of a contemporary setting (Hampton, 1973). Changing this to fit into modern times with the same themes would create a more effective approach to the play. Another change that would have to be made with the contemporary setting would be with the minor characters that are a part of the play. The most specific character that would need to be changed into a contemporary character is Nora’s nanny. This character is essential to the play in describing the ideas of feminism and how a woman must struggle through when she has no other choice. There are several moments when Nora and the nanny speak with each other about the conditions and about the nanny caring for her children more than the mother does. The relationship between Nora and the nanny shows different aspects of feminism, freedom and the idea of economy as central themes, even as a secondary character. However, a contemporary setting doesn’t have the same type of relationship with nannies and is more difficult to relate to when looking at the idea of caring for others as a nanny. Changing this character into one that is more contemporary but being able to keep the same conversation and identity would make a difference in how effective the play is for a contemporary setting. The last aspect that would need to be changed with “A Doll’s House” would be related to the dialogue that is used. The words and the terms that are used in the play are specific to the 19th century and convey meanings based on what was popular during this time. For example, when speaking with the doctor, Nora states, “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself, now that I’ve lit the lamp?” (Ibsen, 59). This type of slang is one that was popular in the 19th century but doesn’t have the same connection. Other types of language that are more subtle would also not work as effectively. Since the different themes are related to social concepts, some of the dialogue would have to be altered from the older terms and English language into one that fits with the specific time frame. This would create an alternative feel to the play and would help to associate the main themes with a contemporary setting. Linking Themes to a Contemporary Performance The concepts that are related to a contemporary performance of “A Doll’s House” are one that would need to be altered in order to create a 21st century look. Changing some of the dialogue, setting and the interactions between the characters would be the only way to relate to the contemporary setting. However, the feminist concepts, economic problems and the idea of reaching freedom both within and outside of the law are all a part of 21st century concepts that are a part of this play. Combining the overall themes that remain timeless and which are still pertinent to today’s needs are added into the 21st century; however, can still be used as the basic outline. Adapting this to the contemporary setting will create a different relationship to the main themes and will provide a deeper meaning that not only relates to the social themes of the time but also creates a deeper understanding to the overall themes that are a part of the play and the adaptation. Conclusion The different themes that are a part of “A Doll’s House” create an understanding of timeless complications in society. The idea of freedom that is expressed through Nora and the other characters, economy and the struggles that are a part of this and the deeper levels of feminism are all themes that have been pertinent through time. These themes each have a sense of meaning not only in the 19th century, but also contain relevance for today’s issues. However, to adapt this particular play into a 21st century setting, changes would need to be made that relate to the social relevance of the play. This would include setting, costumes, dialogue and the characters that are used. Changing these aspects and linking it to the overall themes that were written by Ibsen would then create a stronger relationship between the universal themes and the way that the play was written. The new staging would allow the audience to relate to the play with a deeper understanding and with a connection that is relevant to today. Works Cited 1. Alexander, Peter. Building “A Doll’s House: A Feminist Analysis of Marital Debt Dischargability in Bankruptcy. Villanova Law Review (48), (2), 2003. 2. Hampton, Christopher. A Doll’s House. Elkins Entertainment: UK, 1973. 3. Ibsen, Henrick. A Doll’s House. Nick Hern Books: UK, 1994. 4. Stowell, Sheila. A Stage of Their Own: Feminist Playwrights on the Suffrage Era. University of Michigan Press: Michigan, 1992. Read More