THE CONCEPT OF OTHERING IN DOLL’S HOUSE: A FEMINISTIC STUDY

Abstract

This study explored the concept of “Othering” in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House through a feminist lens. It delved into the marginalization and subjugation of women in patriarchal structures, exemplified by the protagonist Nora Helmer. The research examined how societal norms and gender roles impose limitations on women’s autonomy and identity, reducing them to “the Other” in a male-dominated world. By analyzing the interactions between characters and Nora’s eventual awakening, this paper underscored the relevance of feminist theories, including Simone de Beauvoir’s notion of the “Second Sex.The concept of Othering in Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex (1949)was a central theme in her analysis of women's oppression. She explored how women have historically been relegated to the position of the "Other" in relation to men, who are viewed as the "Self" or the universal subject.In A Doll’s House, Nora exemplified this “Othering” as she is defined through her roles as a wife, mother, and caretaker, existing primarily to fulfill societal expectations and her husband Torvald’s desires. De Beauvoir asserted that "one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman."(Second Sex,1949).This meant that society constructs the idea of femininity to keep women in a subordinate position. Women are assigned roles and traits (nurturing, passive, emotional) that justify their Otherness and exclude them from full participation in the public sphere.Her journey reflected Beauvoir’s call for women to break free from imposed identities and claim their autonomy.In A Doll’s House, Torvald’s patronizing treatment of Nora, such as calling her “little skylark,” highlights this dynamic.Through its critique of patriarchal norms and systemic Othering, A Doll’s House challenged audiences to rethink societal expectations of women and their roles. By examining the dynamics of infantilization, economic dependency, and identity suppression, the play not only highlights the struggles of women in the 19th century but also resonates with contemporary feminist discourse. Each point offered a lens to understand how Othering operated and how it can be resisted, making Ibsen’s work a timeless exploration of gender and liberation.Nora embodied this dissatisfaction, feeling trapped in a superficial existence. Her decision to leave reflected Nora’s lack of financial autonomy and her dependence on Torvald represent Woolf’s critique of a society that denied women that meant to achieve self-reliance.Nora performed the role of an ideal wife as dictated by societal norms but ultimately rejects this performance when she decided to leave her family.The study aimed to shed light on the enduring significance of A Doll’s House in advocating for women’s emancipation and individuality in the face of societal constraints.