Use of Symbols in Ibsens Play, A Dolls House Essay

Symbols are used universally to arouse interest and to stimulate the mind. Henrik Ibsens play, A Dolls House, is filled with symbols that represent abstract ideas and concepts. These symbols successfully illustrate the inner conflicts that are going on between the characters. A few of the symbols are the Christmas tree, New year’s day, the title of the book and the nicknames Torvald called Nora emphasizes a theme of comparing perfect marriage relationship to the reality of the relationship, that is an artificial â€Å"Doll’s House† relationship. The Christmas tree, a festive object meant to serve a decorative purpose, symbolizes Nora’s position in her household as a plaything who is pleasing to look at. Ibsen’s use of the Christmas tree is†¦show more content†¦A dollhouse is a small symbol of a real house because of this fact that in it people act as if in a Doll’s house. Like children playing a dolls house game Torvald tells Nora wh at to do or expects her to do things, and Nora being a doll responds acting like a squirrel. The way they speak to each other proves how unreal their marriage is and how little they know about each other. The staging of the house is a characteristic of a real dollhouse, just ordinary items such as fire burning in stove, small table and engraving in the walls. The description of the house brings to the mind of the readers as if they were in a dollhouse. Nora for only reacting to what Torvald wants shows the dollhouse treatment she receives from her husband. The use of nicknames in literature is an important tool in which the author can provide insight into the attitudes of the characters toward each other and to provide illumination as to the nature of specific character. Torvald uses nicknames that influence readers in a negative way allowing the reader and helping the reader view how he treats Nora as lifeless doll. Name-calling shows who is in control. By calling Nora names Torval d puts her in a situation where she cannot act but can only respond. Torvald also controls Nora as a puppet with other more degrading names and things, calling her â€Å"Featherhead†. This controlling attitude of Torvald forces Nora to break from this fake relationshipShow MoreRelatedA Doll’s House play by Henrik Ibsen shares many comparisons and contrasts with the short story â€Å"The1300 Words   |  6 PagesA Doll’s House play by Henrik Ibsen shares many comparisons and contrasts with the short story â€Å"The Storm† by Kate Chopin. In fact, Ibsen’s play premiered at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark on December 21, 1879. This play aroused significant changes in the attitudes towards 19th century marriages (princeton.edu). Interestingly, â€Å"The Storm† stands as the sequel to Chopin’s other short story â€Å"At the Cadian Ball†. Kimbel wrote in his article on Dictionary of Literary Biography, â€Å"Her first two Read MoreHenrik Ibsens A Dolls House1489 Words   |  6 Pagesaudience in, create a believable situation, and illicit a particular response. The play â€Å"A Doll’s House† by Henrik Ibsen provides an excellent example for analysis, with each component strongly supported. Often the first, and most obvious, component that can be observed when reading drama is the point of view that it is written from. Point of view determines the perspective from which the story is told. In a play there is typically not a narrator, leaving the audience to witness the action andRead MoreRights of Women in the Nineteenth Century and in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House1103 Words   |  5 Pageswho was born in Norway but made his name internationally, was a painter as well as the one of most famous playwrights during the period of Realism. Ibsen’s plays are well-known by the themes of domestic and political issues and conflict in nineteenth century. Scholars call it â€Å"Ibsen’s problems play† (Henrik Ibsen, 650). In addition, in Ibsen’s plays, the general topics that are usually discussed are hypocrisy of the society, restriction of women, and the self-sacrifice. Under the influence of IndustrialRead MoreAnalysis of A Dolls House Essay1108 Words   |  5 PagesWrite a paper that explains how history is portrayed in a particular play emphasizing what a certain historical event, personage, or situation enables the playwright to communicate. Discuss what effect the playwrights transformation of historical reality has on an audience. Henrik Ibsens widely regarded work, A Dolls House, was first introduced in 1879 as a theatrical presentation of human rights. Today, Ibsens work remains as such, although often conveyed as more focused on womens rightsRead MoreA Dolls House -H.Ibsen ,Critical Analysis1554 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Subject : Drama B Writer : Henrik Johan Ibsen Genre : Realistic Modern Drama Name of the Work / Play : A Doll’s House ( 1897 ) in three acts Characters : Major Characters / Minor Characters Nora Helmer ( wife of Torvald Helmer ,mother of three children ) Torvald Helmer( husband of Nora Helmer , a lawyer ,father of three children ) Dr. Rank ( doctor ,friend of Nora Torvald Helmer, confidant ,commentator ) Mrs. Kristine Linde ( old friend of Nora Helmer ) Nils Krogstad ( barristerRead More Symbolism in A Doll’s House Essay949 Words   |  4 PagesHenrik Ibsen’s â€Å"A Doll’s House† is a controversial play focusing on the marriage of Nora and Torvald Helmer. The play is filled with symbols that represent abstract ideas and concepts. These symbols effectively illustrate the inner conflicts that are going on between the characters. Henrik Ibsen’s use of symbolism such as the Christmas tree, the locked mailbox, the Tarantella, Dr. Rank’s calling cards, and the letters allows him to give a powerful portrayal to symbolize aspects of characters andRead More Symbolism in A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen Essay example2771 Words   |  12 PagesSymbolism in A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen      Ã‚   A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen is perhaps one of the most hotly debated plays to come out of the 19th century.   The 19th century continued the process of the demystification that began with the Enlightenment.   Because of the discoveries of the Enlightenment, humans could no longer be sure about their place in the universe.   This, of course, had an impact on the theater.   The movement toward realism, which, like the 19th century in generalRead More Essay on Animal Imagery in A Dolls House974 Words   |  4 PagesAnimal Imagery in A Dolls House    Animal imagery in Henrick Ibsens play, A Dolls House is a critical part of the character development of Nora, the protagonist. Ibsen uses creative, but effective, animal imagery to develop Noras character throughout the play. He has Torvald call his wife his little lark(Isben) or sulky squirrel(Isben) or other animal names throughout the play. He uses a lot of bird imagery-calling her many different bird names. The name Torvald uses directly relatesRead MoreEssay on Themes and Symbols in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House1296 Words   |  6 Pagesdoll-child† (Ibsen 1491). Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll House tells a story of scandal and deceit set in the Victorian era. Nora Helmer is married to Torvald Helmer and she feels more like his toy than his wife. Nora had to have Torvald to be able to do anything, because of when she lived. Nora borrows money behind her husband’s back (which is illegal at this time) and tries to cover up everything she has done. Ibsen employs the use of many themes and symbols in his A Doll House to show the reader just how NoraRead MoreNoras Child-like Nature i n A Dolls House Essay1162 Words   |  5 PagesHenrik Ibsen’s, A Doll’s House, carries an adolescent connotation, with dolls holding immediate association with young girls and youth. In this controversial playwright, Ibsen portrays his Danish protagonist as an ignorant juvenile. Set in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the 1880’s, Nora’s childlike character suggests what the lifestyle of many women during that time may have been. Ibsen reveals Nora’s innate, childlike nature incorporating strategic set placement and direction, significant symbols, an

Essay on Commodus - 1453 Words

Some claim that Commodus was the worse emperor in the history of Rome. The fact that his father, Marcus Aurelius, was a popular and successful ruler may have raised the precedent that Commodus had to live up to. But for whatever reason, Commodus proved a disconnected and self indulgent leader. At the age of five Commodus was named Caesar, and at the age of seventeen he became co-Augustus with his father. He spent his childhood accompanying Marcus Aurelius on political campaigns, and learned a lot on how to run an empire. However, after the death of his father the people of Rome found that the years under Marcus Aurelius had not impacted Commodus leadership skills. Commodus reign was filled with bad decisions, causing the people of Rome†¦show more content†¦As Commodus reign continued it became clearer that the ruler was mentally instable. He lived a dark life, one of self indulgence and debauchery. He neglected his political responsibilities and focused more on his desires. Commodus had many concubines, and throughout his reign had flings with about 300 women and boys. While distracted by his lifestyle, the emperor allowed prefects to run the day to day business of the empire. As the prefects became more and more powerful the king would kill them, making sure that no one threatened his authority. The brutal way in which Commodus ruled created many enemies of the emperor. Even his sister conspired against him. However, when her plan came to Commodus attention he exiled her to an island, and after a while killed her along with all the others involved. Another instance of Commodus brutality comes from an event in which the emperor ordered the killing of a while city. He did this horrible act because one of its residents had looked at him in an unfriendly way. This massacre added to the many infamous deeds Commodus performed. In AD 190, Commodus took advantage of the unfortunate circumstance Rome found itself in. A fire had begun and had burned part of the city. The emperor took this opportunity to rebuild the city, and change its name to Colonia Commodiana. Not only did he rename the city, but he renamed months of the year after himself, andShow MoreRelatedSummary : Emperor Commodus 1581 Words   |  7 Pages Roman Emperor Commodus HIEU 322-B01 Joel Leviten October 6, 2016 Emperor Commodus By all accounts was a handsome man, with curly blonde hair. But he appeared to possess a weak character and was easily influenced by others. But so tooRead MoreCommodus : The Emperor Of Rome728 Words   |  3 Pages Commodus was bred to live like a king but wasn t born to rule as one. He was the most questionable emperors in the history of Rome. His rise to power is and always will be deliberated. The young emperor inherited the power from his father, Marcus Aurelius, the former emperor of Rome. Commodus was the Roman Emperor from 180 to 192. He also ruled as co-emperor with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until his father s death in 180. Lucius Aurelius Commodus was born on the 31 of August AD 161Read MoreGladiator: Commodus A Tragic Hero938 Words   |  4 Pagesthe film were carried out by Russell Crowe as Maximus and Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus(Imdb). The movie takes place during the reign of the Holy Roman Empire in the year 180 A.D. The Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, is dying and wishes to leave the Roman Empire under the control of Roman General Maximus Meridius. The Emperor’s son Commodus betrays Maximus, kills his father, and takes control of Rome. In betraying Maximus, Commodu s has his family killed. Maximus knowing this returns to Rome as a gladiator underRead MoreThe Media Techniques Employed to Give the Audience a Negative Impression of Commodus3007 Words   |  13 PagesImpression of Commodus From the start of the blockbuster and award winning film Gladiator, Ridley Scott uses many different media techniques to give a negative impression of Commodus, the physically strong yet emotionally weak son of Marcus Aurelius Caesar. Make up, lighting, sound effects, music, body language, speech and facial expression are all factors that director Ridley Scott invokes to give the audience an attitude of hatred and revulsion towards Commodus. All ofRead MoreThe King Of Marcus Aurelius1322 Words   |  6 PagesThe son of Marcus Aurelius,’ Commodus Antoninus, came to power in the wake of his father’s death in March of 180 CE. From the death of Marcus Aurelius came the end to the Five Good Emperors. Commodus’ reign lasted from 180 to 192 CE and he described it as a â€Å"golden age.† (cite) However, this was far from the truth. Commodus succumbed to the lure of self-indulgence and become a megalomaniac. Along with those two flaws, he also held deep antagonism against the Senate. (cite) Arguably, the two mostRead MoreWalt Disneys The Lion King Essay1031 Words   |  5 Pagesreform the senate and in time turn Rome back into a republic. Maxium agrees and leaves the emperor to himself. Commodus, the emperors actual son than walk in and the king explains to him that the next day he will be naming his successor and it will not be him. Commodus gets upset and demands to know who the new emperor will be. Marcus Aurelius tells him that he has chosen Maximus. Commodus starts crying about how his father loves Maximus more than him and how he has good qualities to, theyre differentRead MoreGladiator Movie. vs History1409 Words   |  6 Pagesfind out that the movie didn’t give me the information on the real life and times of the gladiators. In the movie, after the death of the emperor, Maximus becomes one of the Roman army’s most trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. When Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix, ascends to the throne, Maximus is sent to be executed but he escapes and is captured by slave traders. He was known as Spaniard and was forced to become a gladiator. He must now battle to his death with other men for payingRead More Comparing the Movies, Fight Club and Gladiator Essay748 Words   |  3 Pagessuccessful defeat against the barbarians. After this battle is over Maximus is confronted by the elderly Roman emperor and he tells him that he will be the next emperor of Rome when he passes away. The emperor’s son (Commodus) hears of this and murders his father. Now he is Emperor Commodus and orders to kill Maximus and his family. His family is murdered but Maximus gets away from the people who were sent to murder him. Maximus ends up as a slave and fighting as a gladiator in a little Roman townRead MoreLiberal Humanistic Critique of Gladiator Essay897 Words   |  4 Pagesincluding Best Picture in 2000. Scott’s film, details the fall and rise of the great Roman General, Maximus Decimus Meridius. The Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, tells Maximus that he wishes that he become his successor, instead of his son, Commodus. Angry, Commodus, murders his own father, thus becoming the emperor, and sentences Maximus and his family to death. He escapes, but the Emperor’s men murder his family and burn his home. Slave traders, then capture him, and sell him into slavery. MaximusRead MoreCharacterization in The Gladiator Essay1029 Words   |  5 Pagesto understand more about the mental state of his son Commodus and how Aurelius’ superiority in honor and leadership and lack of love for his own son drive Commodus mad. The stagnant characters have a great effect on the morality of Maximus in his journey to achieve his goal in the movie. The development of Maximus as a character is caused by the main tragic, pivotal point in his life where he loses everything that he cares about. Commodus murders Marcus Aurelius, Maximus’ leader whom he honored

Poe vs. Shakespeare free essay sample

The Comparison of Edgar Allan Poe and William Shakespeare Brandi Greene University Composition and Communication I/COM155 May 9th, 2013 University of Phoenix The Comparison of Edgar Allan Poe and William Shakespeare Many have been inspired by the likes of Edgar Allen Poe and Shakespeare in literature but, there are similarities and differences between the two. Each author could lure their audiences by the characteristics of their writing. Their places in society also differed, as each had different ways of dealing with the people in their society. Furthermore, the influences each of them had in literature have molded how many people see them as transcendent and prestigious authors. The types of writing that Poe and Shakespeare wrote can be compared and contrasted in two categories, genre and language. Both Poe and Shakespeare wrote tragedies, but Shakespeare was also fluent in comedies like â€Å"Taming of the Shrew† and romance, such as â€Å"The Tempest. † Poe was only familiar with tragedy in a dark and mysterious sense, such as, â€Å"The Raven. In Poe’s day, there were essentially five genres of â€Å"popular† stories: Romances (Sentimental and Historical), Morality tales, Humor/Burlesques, Adventures (mostly sea yarns, and later stories of the frontier) and tales of Sensation. (European Graduate School EGS, 1997-2012) Poe later, was also widely recognized as the inventor of modern detective stories and a mastermind in the science fiction genre. His writings were a reflection from the era of the Dark Romantics, the Gothic genre, and the use of his own personal issues. Every short story or poem written by Poe has had a dark ambiance about it. The works of Poe are diverse and includes classics as â€Å"The Fall of the House of Usher†, â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart†, and â€Å"The Black Cat. † The contributing factor of the predominate theme in his work of a lovely woman’s death was because of the losses of his mother and wife. This motif is perhaps most splendidly diagnosed in â€Å"The Raven as the orator utilizes his despair â€Å"for the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore. † (Poe, 1845,11) Looking further into these dark works, Poe composed satirical creations like, â€Å"Mellonta Tauta,† a satire of such subtly defiant credence and thoughtful insights as to bewilder the mind. Another difference between their writing was, the language used between the two authors, which was influenced by the time eras they lived in. Poes writing used an intricate vocabulary that created mysterious imagery to capture and lure the reader into the story like in â€Å"The Raven†, â€Å"But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only, That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour. † (Poe, 1845, 55-56) Shakespeare wrote in the language that was used in his time, the Renaissance or more specifically Elizabethan times. Shakespeare was a master of the artistry of the English language. He wrote with such fluency of thought, word, rhythm, and sound that the works were presented in a elaborate manner, but not so incomprehensible, even for the inexperienced reader. He used unrhymed iambic pentameter in his writing, which made it sound more like poetry when spoken. This was used because most of his works were plays and were intended to be performed. â€Å"O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And Ill no longer be a Capulet. † (Shakespeare, 1914, 1. 2. 7-40) Shakespeare often on occasion created his own form of grammar and vocabulary, much of which has since become generally used. Both of the examples show the difference in language and genres between the two writers. Can you see the undertones of each authors’ works as a tragedy of love? The writers’ place in society greatly affected their lifestyles. Shakespeare thrived in society. His works became popular through out England. Many came from all around just to attend one of his plays. Shakespeare also knew that in order to stay financially stable, he had to write plays that would please the people of his society. His life in society was greatly indebted to the approval and support of royal and noble personages, such as, Queen Elizabeth and King James I. This made him highly respected in society and in turn, led to his financial stability throughout his life. Poe on the other hand, was not very successful in society. Despite the criticism of his works, he did not care what society had to say and wrote what he wanted. This is one of the reasons he was not very successful financially as well. Poe had other setbacks financially that made him struggle in life. While attending the University of Virginia within the first year, Poe had accumulated large gambling debts which caused him to be estranged from his adoptive family. Likewise while living in Baltimore, one of Poe’s cousins robbed him during the night. Another financial setback for Poe, occurred when his father died, and he was left out of the will. It was not until his 1845 publication of â€Å"The Raven† that made Poe a household name in society. His life was defined by personal and professional upheaval. His wife,Virginia, had a bout with tuberculosis which exasperated his drinking for which he was known in society as a drunkard and a madman. Unfortunately for Poe, not only in 1847 did his wife die, but also his mother as well. In turn, he was devastated and could not write for months. He only lived two more years until his death in 1849. Poes works were not fully recognized until after his death. So unlike Shakespeare, he barely eked by in life financially and his position in society was very diverse. Each writers influence in literature varied from one another. Although both are very notable in the history of literature, Shakespeare is still considered one of the most influential authors in the English language and his works are the most published, second only to the bible. Shakespeare had many worthy plays such as, â€Å"Hamlet,† â€Å"Romeo and Juliet,† and â€Å"Macbeth. † These works have been used profoundly in literature courses around the world. Therefore, there can be no doubt that substantial knowledge of the works of William Shakespeare is necessary for any education of literature to be considered complete and well rounded. The remarkable writing skills in which Shakespeare created his precise portrayals of human truth have not been rivaled or reiterated since his death, nearly four hundred years ago. Poe on the other hand, is recognized as one of the oremost ascendants of modern literature. His works are also used in literature courses but not as widely as Shakespeare. In his works, Poe was more concerned with displaying his virtuosity than expressing his â€Å"soul. † Unlike Poe, Shakespeare could summarize the range of human emotions in simple, yet profoundly articulate verse. Poe maintained an ironic, rather tha n an autobiographical, relationship to his writings. Most of his writings had an undertone or a dark hidden message that enabled the reader to question their sanity. He impacted various writers and thinkers including Charles Baudelaire, Jules Verne, H. P. Lovecraft and most notably Jacques Lacan. Specifically, Lacan lectured and wrote extensively on Edgar Allan Poe’s â€Å"The Purloined Letter. Jacques Lacan used Edgar Allan Poe’s story to elucidate the Freudian conception of how the symbolic order establishes subject through an orientation to a signifier. (European Graduate School EGS, 1997-2012) Although Poe was truly original, his place in literature is oftentimes eclipsed by the cryptic verse of Emily Dickinson and the extensive works of Walt Whitman. Edgar Allen Poes legacy continues through his present-day popularity as a writer. His works have powerful modality and communicative elements that stimulate artists and thinkers. As for Shakespeare, people look to his works as the standard in literature, and as a truly spectacular author. Both of these writers influences and contributions are celebrated and greatly gratified in the world of literature today. In spite the differences between these two authors, they have both become world renown authors whose works continue to be used throughout the education of writing and composition in many literature courses throughout the world. So, if you find yourself not able to express words on how you feel about love, music or growing older, Shakespeare can speak for you; or if find yourself wanting to indulge into a more darker, unfathomable path, Poe is definitely the author best to question your sanity. To best quote Shakespeare, â€Å"To be, or not to be, that is the question. † (Shakespeare, 1914, 3. 1. 66) References Mabillard, A. (2000, August 20). Why study Shakespeare?. Retrieved from http://www. shakespeare-online. com/biography/whystudyshakespeare. html Brown, Henry. Shakespeares patrons other essays. London: J. M. Dent sons, 1912. Shakespeare Online. 0 Aug. 2009. (Accessed on: April 30th, 2013) http://www. shakespeare-online. com/biography/patronelizabeth. html Poe Museum of Richmond, visited on May 1st,2013 http://www. poemuseum. org. European Graduate School. (1997-2012). Edgar Allan Poe Biography. Retrieved from http://www. egs. edu/library/edgar-allan-poe/ Poe, E. A. (1845). The Raven. Craig, W . J. , ed. â€Å"Romeo and Juliet†Ã‚  The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. 1914; Bartleby. com, 2000. www. bartleby. com/ Craig, W. J. , ed. â€Å"Hamlet, Prince of Denmark†Ã‚  The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. 1914; Bartleby. com, 2000. www. bartleby. com/