Symbolism In Ibsen's 'A Doll's House'

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Exploring the symbolizism of the Christmas tree in Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” “A Doll’s House”, written in 1879, is one of the most famous works by playwright Henrik Ibsen, the founder of modern realistic prose drama. It tells the story of a nineteenth century bourgeoisie woman who breaks the chains of society that determine her role in life in order to find herself. The story revolves around Nora who rebels against the simple role of housewife that society has assigned her. The Christmas tree is traditionally brought into the home and decorated with Christmas lights (originally candles), ornamnets, garlands and candy canes during the days around Christmas, an angel or star is placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels from the nativity. The Christmas tree in “a Doll’s House” symbolizes the mood of the play. In Norway, Christmas is an important family celebration, but the focus of the festivities and the opening of presents occur on Christmas Eve. So Christmas day is something of an anti-climax, which is paralleled by events in the play. The Christmas tree is a minor object of the play; it hasn’t any direct link to the plot of the play. However, the presence of the Christmas tree within the play is used by Ibsen as an instrument to symbolically express an intense personal experience, which cannot be expressed directly. The Christmas tree itself is a decorative object that is linked to the traditional idea of Christmas. Its characteristic is parallel to Nora’s, whom is seen in the household as the (according to the traditional idea of) a mother, but in reality is only a plaything (for Helmer) who is pleasing to look at and adds superficial festivity to the home. Nora’s notion of the Christmas tree-to “Hide that Christmas tree away, Helen. The children mustn’t see it before I’ve decorated it this evening,” reflects her initial
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