A Symbolic Perspective of Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”

Abstract

The art or practice of using symbols, especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing invisible or intangible through visible or sensuous representations is called symbolism. The focus of this study is to analyze the symbols used by Henrik Ibsen in “A Doll’s House” according to Arthur Symons’ views which he discussed in his book, “Symbolist Movement in Literature.’’ Qualitative research is used to analyze the symbols employed in this play. The symbols make the plot of the play effective and the situations become more meaningful using this literary device. The findings reveal that throughout the play writer has used symbols on different occasions either it is Nora’s confusion about the secret that she is trying to hide from her husband, Dr. Rank’s disease or it is Nora’s dress, every situation is depicted symbolically. The symbols like 'macaroons', 'Christmas trees', 'shawls', 'stoves', 'doors', and many others in the play have been discussed. This work also examines the inner conflicts of the characters and discusses them by looking at the symbols associated with them. All the circumstances are narrated with the help of particular symbols and these certain symbols make them more meaningful.