An examination of Nora, from "A Doll's House" and Rose-Anna, from "The Tin Flute" as wives.

Essay by gmcarthur22High School, 12th grade March 2004

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Throughout history, women have played a vital role in the everyday lives of families, and they have contributed greatly to the success, failure, contentment and morale of their husbands. The roles of the wives Nora and Rose-Anna are no different. Both women are dedicated to their husbands and both are motivated to do what is in the best interest of their husbands and families. Although they have slightly different motivations and characteristics that help them to maintain their almost unwavering commitment, there is still far more in common between these two women because both are dedicated wives. This topic is interesting because despite how far apart in location, culture and language these stories take place, we still see that the roles of these women as wives are remarkably similar. The aim of this essay is to discuss and compare the qualities and motives of these two women, and how they contribute to them as wives.

Nora and Rose-Anna are both dedicated to their husbands. The extent of Nora's dedication is clear when she decides to take her husband, Torvald, to Italy when he is very sick. Even though her own father is dying at the same time, she goes to great lengths to fund the trip while never leaving her husband. After being told that Torvald would die if they do not to go south soon, Nora borrows some money from Krogstad. She does this by forging her father's signature and thus breaking the law for the sake of her husband's health. Also, when it becomes evident that Torvald is going to read the letter from Krogstad, which would bring to light the loan that Nora took out, she seriously considers committing suicide. This would be a way for her to save her husband's career from the embarrassment which she...