Quote:
Originally posted by Derwood
Consider the time period it was written in. In the late 19th century, it was extremely bold and daring to portray a woman leaving her husband, regardless of the circumstances. Women simply didn't do that. They were "kept", and once married, usually had to endure whatever came with that marriage. For Nora to have left was groundbreaking (especially when written by a man)
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Funnily enough, some huge women's lib group wanted to give an award to Ibsen for creating Nora, for what a huge step she was as a social figure, etc. He sent a letter back thanking them, but saying that he cared little for her social relevance, and cared little for politics, he was simply doing a study on the effects of such sociological implications and restrictions of the time upon the mind and soul of a character.
He also originally rewote the end to have Nora stay, to placate the actress who originated the character, she refused to perform it as such, and they wanted her that badly that they were willing to compromise.
I had to read it earlier this year. Memnoch, i too found myself disliking Nora, but i thought it was an interesting, enjoyable read nonetheless. I don't need sympathetic identification with a character to enjoy a show, but it is certainly a bonus, and the character studies were at times fascinating.