Difficulties in the Linden Household: Is Christina Meant to Be a Housewife? Susanna Selvester 12th Grade

In Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House, Christian Linden (or Linde) must give up her own life to provide for her mother and younger brothers, and finds herself a newfound freedom once widowed. However, Ms.Linden is unhappy having no family to work for and struggles as the only character in the play that is driven by morals instead of social normalities. Her example, though attended by conflict, plays into the idea that obeying societal rules will lead an unfulfilling life.

Each character in Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House is greatly influenced and swayed by society, one of the main ones being Christina Linden, because she must fulfill her duties and hastily marry a man for his money instead of being with someone she genuinely loves. Ms.Linden’s life rapidly changed after the death of her father, and she had to assume control of her household and provide for her needy family, and this opportunity opened an unusual position for Christina because women never hold power within their homes. Unfortunately, Ms.Linden is now a widow and must work for her own wages, but she doesn’t have anyone to share her earnings with. In a “catching-up” conversation with Nora, Christina openly admitted that Nora lives a cushioned life and must be...