A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen is a realistic drama that explores how the imbalanced treatment of women can dictate who they become. Nora Helmer embodies the need for evolution of women and their role within the family. The importance of this play, written in 1879, is still relevant in the modern world. This piece helps bring attention to the characters people play because of their circumstances. The characterization of Nora and Torvald Helmer demonstrates the possible inequalities in marriage. The relationship between the main characters Nora and Torvald is "a drama filled with emotional debts, secrets, recriminations and sexual poverty" (Hilton). It is evident by the end of the play that Ibsen's character, Nora Helmer, has undergone a transformation. At first we see an insecure, immature and childish bride. This character seeks approval almost in a way that is like a dog getting a pat on the head for retrieving its master's slippers. His entire behavior resembles that of a person incapable of thinking for himself. She finds herself in a precarious situation which gives her more experience with life and people. These experiences allow Nora to mature and desire independence. Torvald Helmer is a man of means and structure. Everything in his life will be done in his own way, with decency and order. He is a selfish and chauvinistic man. He considers himself an impeccable man, a man of means. Torvald sees himself as a man in control of his home and business, but he turns out to be nothing more than a hypocrite in the face of the demons in his own closet. “The hero turns out to be a rather selfish man of the world who has discovered himself” (Egan). At first, one might think that this play would be about a you... middle of paper ......s House could have easily been written in 2014 because it is still about the evolution of women and their struggle to be heard. This remarkable play and its productions speak a truth about women and the quiet sacrifices they make for the good of the family. Henrik Ibsen's desire and curiosity towards women's equality is a testimony that many can benefit from understanding. Works Cited and Hilton. "The Marrying Kind A new production of 'A Doll's House'." The New Yorker March 14, 2014: 70-71. Print Egan, Michael, B. C Southam, “Henrik Ibsen” Collected Critical Heritage II. Oxfordshire: Taylor and Francis, 1997, p110-113, 4p. Scott, Clement, Michael Egan and BC Southam. "Part 1: A DOLL'S HOUSE: Chapter 17: An unsigned review by Clement Scott in the Daily Telegraph." Henrik Ibsen (0-415-15950-4) (1997): 101-103. Literary reference center. Internet. April 30. 2014.