A Doll's House Assignment: Torvald's Love Letter Analysis

This assignment presents a love letter written by Torvald to Nora, reflecting on their marriage and its dissolution in Henrik Ibsen's 'A Doll's House.' The letter reveals Torvald's conflicting emotions, societal views, and his belated understanding of Nora's perspective. The assignment requires analysis of the diction used to express Torvald's feelings, considering the Victorian social norms. The letter explores themes of societal expectations, the nature of marriage, and the characters' individual desires. It highlights Torvald's regret, his changing perception of Nora, and his reflections on their shared life and the reasons behind her departure. The letter also touches upon the role of Dr. Rank in their lives and Torvald's attempts to reconcile with Nora, expressing his desire for her return.

Running Head: A LOVE LETTER TO NORA
A love letter to Nora
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1A LOVE LETTER TO NORA
My Dearest Nora,
It has been a few difficult days in my life ever since you have left our home. Nothing
is the same without your touch in it, the mansion is as empty as a bird’s nest. My little bird,
not that you are gone, too many occasions and instances have been on my mind lately (Ibsen).
Perhaps you were right in claiming the fact that I could never fathom the fact that throughout
my life, I have never been able to understand who you are Nora.
Ever since our marriage and the blissful period thereafter, you have been the perfect
wife and caretaker of the households. Eventually, you became a wonderful, loving, and
caring mother to our children. Any man who asks for more in life apart of such a peaceful
and loving home and wife is beyond my understanding comprehension. I wish to tell you if
we are ever fated to meet again in this lifetime, that Dr Rank is truly a wonderful human
being, and perhaps would have even made you happy my dear, but he has not stayed under
the same roof, carried our children, celebrated Christmas, or dance to whimsical tunes of the
piano (Ibsen). Nora, my dear, the Christmas tree still sits at the lonely corner of the room, just
the way you had left it that night. Mrs Linde has been here a few times, taking care of the
children. However, I can tell that they have to wait for the return of their mother.
You might have understood by now, I have been saving the worst for the last. I have
paid back the money to Krogstad and ensure that he has no means left to complain about
anything ever again in his life. How I wish to have revisited time to truly understand and
notice the times when you wanted to confess about the money, instead what I have done, is
not to meant to drive you away! I am also deeply ashamed of how I reacted to the letter and
of all the name I have called you Nora! I would spend the rest of my life in pleading for your
mercy and forgiveness if that is what it takes to bring you back in my life, and our home
(Ibsen). You were never just a plaything for me, and never will be so Nora. Nevertheless, I

2A LOVE LETTER TO NORA
understand the reason which prompted you to take the decision, and I am not accusing you.
Instead, I would say that if by any means, I would be of any help to you, of the life that you
have chosen to live for yourself in future, do not hesitate to seek for my help. I have nothing,
but your best interests in my mind and heart (Ibsen).
Nora, the life which you had built for all of us, and the home that I have always
looked forward to returning to, is now a desolate place, full of memories in every corner, of
our eight years, spend together, shared happiness and pain, and the laughter of children.
I do not have anything further to tell you, Nora. Take good care of yourself.
Yours,
Torvald.

3A LOVE LETTER TO NORA
Work Cited
Ibsen, Henrik. A doll's house. A&C Black, 2008.