The Concepts of Female Agency and Subjectivity in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House: A Feminist Study

Abstract

The concept of feminism is a subject of debate within various branches of the humanities, most notably literature. Feminism embodies diverse social norms and cultural expressions which are reflected in literary works. The issue of feminism has been explored through various theoretical frameworks. Luce Irigaray, the notable feminist scholar, suggested different theories toward feminism. Her focus has been on women’s authentic nature, agency, and subjectivity in the face of oppression and a patriarchal society. She argued that individuals should consider themselves independently of their gender and abilities; as these reflect their inherent nature. The current article endeavors to analyze Nora, the leading protagonist in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, who is objectified by her husband, Torvald Helmer, and lacks agency in her personal life. Furthermore, Irigaray posited that women should uncover the genuine nature of their relationship to the world. The principal character undergoes various conflicts throughout the play, but ultimately resolves to discover her individualism and disregard the gender discrimination prevalent in the masculine society. The significance of this article lies in its interdisciplinary approach, blending literary analysis with feminist theory to offer a fresh and insightful perspective on a classic literary work. By integrating Irigaray's feminist theories, the article provides a deeper understanding of the challenges women face in patriarchal societies and their pursuit of authenticity and agency.