Question

[Nora:] When I look back on it, it seems to me as if I had been living here like a poor woman—just from hand to mouth. I have existed merely to perform tricks for you, Torvald. But you would have it so. You and papa have committed a great sin against me. It is your fault that I have made nothing of my life.

–A Doll’s House,
Henrik Ibsen

How do the archetypes depicted in this passage reveal a theme in the play?

Helmer’s depiction as a villain develops the theme that true happiness resides in equality between men and women.
Nora’s depiction as a mother develops the theme that parents are obligated to take care of their children.
Helmer’s depiction as a ruler develops the theme that money does not bring happiness.
Nora’s depiction as an oppressed innocent reveals the theme that the oppressed live unsatisfying lives.

Answer 1

Option 4.

Nora speaks as an oppressed, infantilized “doll” whose life has been limited by Torvald and her father; her realization that she has “made nothing” of her life shows the play’s critique of oppressive gender roles and the theme that oppression produces empty, unsatisfying lives.