Compare And Contrast A Doll House And The Poisonwood Bible

A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen depicts a young wife, Nora, as she struggles to deal with the repercussions of illegally borrowing money to help save, her husband, Torvald’s life. The play ends after her activity has been brought to the light and Torvald’s true nature of selfishness is revealed. Nora leaves him, recognizing their marriage as unequal. Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible is set thousands of miles away in the Congo compared to the northern European setting of A Doll House, where the Price family newly settles in as Christian missionaries, headed by husband and father, Nathan Price. The Poisonwood Bible follows four main characters, the Price girls, Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May. The family is driven apart by inner†¦show more content†¦Ibsen highlights both aspects of their relationship, comparing Torvald to â€Å"Papa†, and further commenting that Torvald’s and Nora’s relationship mirrors Nora’s and her fa ther’s. Nora also says â€Å"You couldn’t possibly know that Torvald has forbidden them. You see, he’s afraid they’ll ruin my teeth.† (Ibsen 59). Prohibiting certain foods because they may cause cavities is an action a parent often takes to a child that does not understand how to take care of themself, not something a person would do to another of equal standings. Nora seemingly has no qualms about this probation; she does not question him, but instead chides (whoever she taking to) for not being as aware as she is. Torvalds himself even directly calls Nora a child: â€Å"The child can have her way.† (Ibsen 93). Torvald looks at Nora as a child. His actions of policing her actions show this, but actively calling Nora a child is concrete evidence of his true belief of who she is. Nora is unable to properly lead herself, as an adult should. To Torvald, Nora says: â€Å"But I can’t go anywhere without your help...Yes, take care of me, Torvald, please!† and â€Å"Torvald, I can’t get anywhere without your help.† (Ibsen 91). Nora follows the directions of Torald instead of making her own personal decisions. A friend, Mrs. Linde asks, â€Å"Really, are you giving a whole performance?† and Nora replies â€Å"Torvald says yes, I should.† (Ibsen 74). A grown woman is