Theme 1: Gender Roles & Patriarchy — A Doll’s House Act I Flashcards
(6 cards)
1
Q
A
2
Q
What quote from Act I infantilises Nora?
A
“Is that my little skylark…my little squirrel?”
3
Q
What does ‘little squirrel’ reveal about patriarchy?
A
Torvald’s language reinforces dominance through affectionate condescension; Nora is a pet, not a partner.
4
Q
What Victorian context relates to Torvald’s infantilisation of Nora?
A
“Woman’s Mission: Companion to Manhood” by Hicks – women idealised as submissive support figures.
5
Q
What does Joan Templeton argue about Nora’s performance in Act I?
A
“Nora is a doll playing a role for her husband – a performance of femininity.”
6
Q
What staging technique supports gender hierarchy in Act I?
A
Nora is physically smaller on stage, often placed near the Christmas tree – symbolising domesticity and decoration.
