A Doll's House
Henrik Ibsen (1879)
“The most consequential door-slam in literary history — a woman walks out on her husband and changes the theater forever.”
Short Summary
Nora Helmer has secretly borrowed money to save her husband Torvald's life, forging her late father's signature on the loan document. When the lender Krogstad threatens to expose her, Nora discovers that Torvald — whom she expected to protect her — cares more about his reputation than about her sacrifice. She walks out the door. The sound of it closing is still echoing.
Detailed Summary
Nora Helmer lives in a comfortable middle-class apartment in Norway with her husband Torvald, a lawyer recently promoted to bank manager, and their three children. Torvald treats Nora with fond condescension, calling her his little lark, his squirrel, his spendthrift — endearments that are also dimi...