A Doll's House: Nora's Love Letter Reflecting on Society and Marriage

This assignment presents a student's "love letter" written from the perspective of Nora from Henrik Ibsen's play, *A Doll's House*. The letter reflects on her marriage to Torvald, exploring themes of societal expectations, gender roles, and personal identity. The student analyzes Nora's feelings towards Torvald and Dr. Rank, highlighting the contrasting dynamics in each relationship and the societal constraints that shape Nora's actions. The assignment requires the student to consider the play's ending and how Nora views society, her husband, and their marriage, reflecting on what she feels and why. The letter emphasizes Nora's realization of her role as a 'doll' and her need for self-discovery, ultimately leading to her decision to leave Torvald. The assignment provides insights into the themes of the play and the characters' motivations, offering a critical perspective on the societal norms of the time.

Running Head: LOVE LETTER TO TORVALD
Love letter to Torvald
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1LOVE LETTER TO TORVALD
Dear Torvald,
It might be odd for you to wonder the reason behind me taking up the efforts and
pains to write a letter to you when we stay under the same roof, and share a marital
relationship. However, at times, one needs to forge in some distance between their loved ones
so as to gain better clarity and perspective of themselves and those who are they are fond of.
You might be aware of Dr. Rank’s affection and passionate friendship towards me
which he has revealed during his last visit to our house. Upon hearing and acknowledging
those emotions, a realization dawned on me, the manner in which you and I see each other
are perhaps too hihgly governed by what the society wants to think and make of our
relationship. There is not a single moment of doubt in my heart regarding your affection and
love towards me my dear, nevertheless, when I am mingling with Dr. Rank, I have noticed a
certain change in me, so as to say that I am more myself than anything else. This is as
surprising to you as it is to me! On occasions, we have made merry and joy, I have wanted to
be nothing more than a good wife and a good mother. Instead, I have fallen upon is the role
that I am supposed to follow as a part of the society, as a woman. It is what my father wanted,
and what you my dear husband want from me as well.
From all these years of marriage, and bearing children together, I would never say that
I have not been treated with the respect that I deserved. However, when the occasion of
borrowing money arose, why could not I approach my husband? Or even after the immediate
crisis was over, I could not bring myself to express and confess all that burden that was
weighing down upon me so heavy. Now that you know about the past occurrence of events,
and how it has unfolded, you have chosen not to look into the motive of the actions. Instead,
my beloved husband has chosen to chide and scorn me, without any regard and consideration
of my feelings. However, I shall be eternally grateful to you my love, for being the one to

2LOVE LETTER TO TORVALD
show me the path that I should have taken up years ago. Now that I understand and
acknowledge the fact, that I was nothing but a “doll” in this house (Ibsen), a plaything- it is a
necessity for me to make the last attempt towards the discovery of who I am, as a woman. As
for the children, they are perhaps in better care and guidance, and love under Mrs. Linde, and
she too is no doubt very fond and affectionate towards them.
Torvald, my dear, loving husband, you see it is time for your “little lark” (Ibsen) to
take the last leap of faith and learn to fly on its won! Farewell, my love!
Nora.

3LOVE LETTER TO TORVALD
Work Cited
Ibsen, Henrik, et al. A doll's house. Caedmon, 1971.