Obedience and control is a recurring theme of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. Which line in this excerpt from act 1 of the play r
eflect this theme? HELMER: Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain?
Nora. A lie—?
HELMER: Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (Shakes his finger at her) My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with--no false notes! (Puts his arm round her waist) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure it is. (Lets her go) We will say no more about it. (Sits down by the stove) How warm and snug it is here! (Turns over his papers.)
NORA (After a short pause, during which she busies herself with the Christmas Tree): Torvald!
HELMER: Yes.
NORA: I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow.
HELMER: And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with.
Answer: My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with--no false notes!
"A Doll's House" deals with the topic of obedience. Moreover, it discusses the differences in gender roles between men and women. In this excerpt, Nora is compared to a "songbird." She is scolded for lying, and is told that, because she is a songbird, she should not engage in that kind of deception. This shows not only that lying is wrong, but more importantly, that Nora is expected as a woman to be obedient, and follow the behaviour that Helmer thinks is better.
