The Timeless Relevance of “A Doll’s House” for Loyola Students

 As a Loyola student in the 21st century, it may seem surprising that a play written in 1879 like “A Doll’s House” could still have a lot of significance. But when examining the themes of the play you can see how the struggles faced by the characters relate to issues that are still relevant today. The character Nora shows the tension between societal expectations and individual autonomy, a conflict many Loyola students, like me, can relate to.

In “A Doll’s House,” Nora decides to leave her husband Torvald as an act of resistance against the oppressive roles assigned to women in society around those times and how Torvald enforced these roles. Her decision shows the importance of power and independence, especially important for modern-day college students seeking independence and career paths. Just like how Nora seeks to break free from the oppression of her marriage, students today often struggle with societal pressure to meet certain academic, social, or professional expectations.

One of the most powerful quotes from the play that helps explain Nora’s struggle is when she says, “I’m a human being no less than you” (Page 146). This statement challenges the stereotypes of women as objects or possessions and shows the desire for respect and recognition as equal to men. Being a Loyola student, this is something I understand deeply, as many of us strive to be seen and valued for our personalities and our potential.

Torvald’s reaction to Nora’s decision quickly explains the complexities of power and control within relationships. Torvald’s inability to understand Nora’s desires and aspirations reflects the challenges that come with no communication and no mutual respect among each other. This is not just limited to the 19th-century household but can be seen in various other relationships within our own lives.

In conclusion, “A Doll’s House” examines the struggles of the characters in the play, such as Nora and Torvald, which can help Loyola students gain insight into their own experiences and challenges. As we go through complex situations and relationships in our own lives, the lessons of “A Doll’s House” serves as a source for helping us achieve and get individuality and self-determination.