There is much talk of love in A Doll's House, but in the end, the Helmers discover that true love never existed between them. Throughout the play we hear of and see many different forms of love: familial, maternal, paternal, and fraternal. Romantic love even blossoms for two of the secondary characters. However, for the main characters, the Helmers, true romantic love is elusive.
Questions About Love
- In what ways is Nora's love for Torvald similar to her love for her father? How is it different?
- What different breeds of love are seen throughout the play?
- Is Dr. Rank's love of Nora just as superficial as Torvald's, or does he have a deeper understanding of her?
- Do you think the Helmers ever truly loved each other? What does "truly loved" even mean?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Nora's conception of love seems to be linked to the idea of sacrifice.
A Doll's House seems to convey the idea that real love can only exist between equals.