A Doll’s House has several references to dolls, puppets, and playthings.

Focusing on Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll’s House, you will write a 5 to 7 page researched essay. You will focus on a particular literary element such as plot, character, setting, irony, symbol, or theme. You need a minimum of 3 scholarly sources included in this paper which you will cite in the body of your essay and in a Works Cited page. The Works Cited page is the last page of your essay and does not count as one of your required 5 pages of literary analysis. I strongly urge you to take this essay, at any stage of development, to the University Writing Center in the Learning Center 001. If you text me a picture of your stamped UWC draft, I will give you extra credit on this essay.

Remember the following:

1. Give your essay a fitting, descriptive title.
2. Double space the entire essay, including the Works Cited page.
3. All sources should be documented in MLA format.
4. Put your name and the date on the left-hand corner of the first page only. Do not use a header or footer.
5. You may use the first and third person narrative voice. Avoid the second person(you) narrative voice.
6. Remember that events happening in piece of literary fiction are narrated in the present tense.
7. Do not use Wikipedia, SparkNotes, CliffsNotes, or any other online study guide as one of your 3 required sources.
8. You may quote from the Bible. The Bible does not count as one of your 3 required scholarly sources, and it is not included in your Works Cited page.
9. Remember to quote from the text of the play and explain the significance of all quotes you use considering your thesis.

Here are some possible essay topics. You are not required to choose one of these prompts. I’m trying to help you generate your thoughts about the text.

1. A Doll’s House has several references to dolls, puppets, and playthings. What do these references suggest about gender roles and societal norms in the play?
2. Compare and contrast Torvald’s and Nora’s definitions of “human being.”
3. Ibsen infuses his play with dramatic devices such as the many artificial lights, the letter hitting the mailbox, and the slamming door. What can Ibsen do in a play format that he wouldn’t be able to do in a traditional novel?
4. Consider the character of Torvald Helmer. Is Torvald an antagonist? A misogynist? Or could Torvald be just as much a victim of nineteenth century societal norms as Nora? Discuss.
5. Many Ibsen critics argue that A Doll’s House is not a feminist play, and is more about asserting self, regardless of gender. What do you think? Is A Doll’s House a play about feminism or humanism? Explain.
6. What is the role of Dr. Rank in A Doll’s House? Is he simply a friend and admirer? Or is he more? Explain.
7. At the end of the play, Nora slams the door to the “doll house” and walks away. Yet she leaves Torvald with hope for “the greatest miracle.” Why did Ibsen write an ambiguous ending? Cite evidence from Nora’s and Torvald’s closing speeches to indicate what you believe to be the ultimate ending to this drama.