Lock

Setting

Lock

Physical setting 

The entire action of the play A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen takes place in the Helmer family’s apartment. It thus conforms to classical drama theory, which demands the unity of place.

The living room is described in detail at the beginning of the plot in the form of a stage direction: "A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not extravagantly." (Act 1, 0%). Status symbols, such as a piano, porcelain,n and art objects, are placed in effective places in the room. This underlines the importance of the family's external image, especially for Torvald, for whom his wife also fulfills an aesthetic function.

Two doors lead out of this living room, which have a symbolic character for the plot. Behind the left door in the background is Torvald's study, where he spends a lot of time and only appears in the living room when visitors come or he wants to talk to his wife. Therefore, the left door symbolizes the life from which Nora will later break free.

The right door leads into the hallway and therefore outside. Behind it is also the mailbox where Krogstad places the incriminating letter and which will lead to Nora separating from her husband. This door symbolizes Nora's departure for a...

The text shown above is just an extract. Only members can read the full content.

Get access to the full Study Guide.

As a member of PrimeStudyGuides.com, you get access to all of the content.

Sign up now

Already a member? Log in