A Doll's House

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Throughout the play, Torvald refers to Nora in relation to different objects, animals, or images in their conversations.

• What is Nora’s general response to this Objectification? (topic sentence)
• Find 3 examples of Objectification throughout the play and explain the context and given circumstances of each.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, summarize the ways in which these examples of Objectification demean Nora as an individual.

2. Many of the characters touch upon the importance of possessing financial freedom within the play.

• Select one character and share their position on financial freedom. (topic sentence)
• Find and discuss 2-3 examples in which their opinion on financial freedom informs their decisions.
• Does this character achieve financial freedom at the end of the play? Why or why not? Explain in your concluding sentence or sentences.

3. Within the world that Nora and her companions live, deception (particularly through a Fraudulent lifestyle) is an important tool to maintain social order.

• How are Fraudulence and societal expectations linked for Nora and her family?  (topic sentence)
• Find 3 instances in which the characters lie in order to not disrupt societal norms.
• Based on the ending of the play, do you believe that Ibsen supported the idea of deception to maintain social order? Why or why not? Summarize your rationale in your concluding sentence or sentences.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Consider Nora’s revelation at the end of Act III. How does her Objectification, particularly as a “doll,” shape her relationships with her father and husband? Based on her words, how will this newfound understanding inform her future choices, particularly as it relates to self-Fraudulence and sense of duty? Draw on Nora’s character development throughout the play to inform your thoughts; use examples from the play in your response.

2. In Act I, Nora recalls a brief episode of employment: “Last winter I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I locked myself up and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I was desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to sit there working and earning money. It was like being a man.” Consider Nora’s opinion on the relationship between gender and money based on this quote. How does this attitude reflect her opinion on the importance of financial freedom within the play? Does her attitude change throughout the course of the play? If so, how?

3. Recall Kristine’s backstory and evident character traits. What does her character suggest about the restrictions on women’s lives in the period of the play? How is Kristine shaped by a sexist world? How does her final choice compare to Nora’s? Cite details from the text of the play to support your points.