The Doll House

The Doll House examines the role of women in society through the character of Nora. In the end, Nora shows herself to be much more thatn the reader may expect upon first introductions; although, still rather self-absorbed. It is this quality, however, that generates and interesting argument concerning the role of modern women. Nora does, indeed, represent the modern woman in all of her glories as well as her tragedies. Although she breaks free from the styreotype that is her prison and strives to expand her mind and give herself experience, she does so at the cost of her children. That she could cast off her children so easily and so permenantly was extremely disturbing to me. Does she not have maternal instincts? What effect will this have on her children? What will this teach them? I think that this final scene in the Doll House truely shows the struggle and conflict of the modern woman. What good are our achievements if we sacrifice our children in the process?

Ophelia

Ophelia's role in the play Hamlet is an interesting one. This role is one of two female roles and a relatively minor one at that. She could be basically described as a damsel in distress. She is pretty meek and obedient. She doesn't take her future into her own hands, but is shaped by the events occurring around her. It is interesting; therefore, that such an easily influenced character would be so critical to the plot. In many ways Ophelia drives the plot forward or reveals aspects of other characters. It is through Ophelia's experiences that Polonius comes to the conclusion that Hamlet is mad for her love and goes to the king. It is through observation of that next Ophelia/Hamlet encounter that the king comes to the conclusion that it is not love that makes Hamlet mad, but that there is danger to him from Hamlet. Finally, it is Ophelia's death that leads to the dual between Laertes and Hamlet, leading to multiple deaths. In many ways Ophelia can be construed as a literary tool within Hamlet for the purpose of the plot and character development.