The Feminist Movement in a Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen In A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, the character of Nora Helmer goes through the dramatic transformation of a kind and loving housewife , in a desperate and disoriented woman, who will ultimately leave her husband and everything she has known. Ibsen uses both the characters of Torvald and Nora to represent the tones and beliefs of 19th century society. In this way, Ibsen effectively creates a dramatic argument that continues to this day; that of feminism. We are introduced in the first act with Nora returning from Christmas shopping. Ibsen uses this time for dramatic purposes of the Christian holidays and to show the struggle between a middle class marriage. Nora plans to throw a big Christmas party, while Torvald would rather abstain since cash flow is quite limited. “Nora: Oh yes, Torvald, now we can squander a little… piles of money” (Ibsen 1506). Torvald follows up with: “But then it is three whole months before the increase comes” (Ibsen, 1506). Nora at this point in the play is nothing more than a child, careless in her actions and not thinking ahead to the possible consequences. . Nora sees nothing wrong with spending a lot at Christmas. Of course, this is a worthy cause, since the holidays are about giving to others, but still, a parent should know the limit of the happiness it should bring. At this point Torvald begins to act "company" and unknowingly begins to use condescending terms towards Nora. . “Are you fooled again?” (Ibsen 1506), “…my dear little Nora.” (Ibsen 1507), (You are a little strange one" (Ibsen 1507). Torvald sees nothing wrong in these nicknames he gives to Nora. He is absolutely right, there is nothing wrong with the name of a pet... ... middle of paper ......aged to awaken or give strength to the feminist movement Works cited and consulted Durbach, Errol A Doll's House: Ibsen's Myth of Transformation Boston: Twayne, 1991. Ibsen, A Doll House (1879). ). Trans. Rolf Fjelde, ed. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1981.Solomon, Barbara H., ed. 1832-1916. New York: Penguin Group, 1994. Templeton, Joan. “Is The Doll's House a Feminist Text?” (1989). 1989): 28-40.