A Doll’s House

A Doll’s House is a play by Henrik Ibsen, first published in 1879. Emerging at a time when European society clung tightly to established domestic expectations, the play challenged audiences to rethink the foundations of marriage, morality, and personal freedom. Ibsen’s bold approach helped shape modern drama, influencing generations of playwrights who sought to explore psychology, identity, and social pressures with a sharper, more realistic eye. Its continued popularity in theatre studies, classic literature collections, and modern stage productions speaks to its enduring cultural weight.

Set in a seemingly comfortable household, the story follows a woman whose life appears secure and orderly from the outside. As the play unfolds, hidden tensions reveal themselves, touching on themes of independence, duty, and the quiet struggles that can exist behind the façade of a well-kept home. Its exploration of domestic life, gender roles, and personal awakening has cemented it as a cornerstone of realist theatre and a powerful choice for readers interested in classic plays, social commentary, and character-driven storytelling.

Ibsen’s skill in crafting layered dialogue and emotionally charged scenes has long placed this work among essential texts in world literature. It remains an engaging introduction to modern drama for students, theatre enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to works that question long-standing norms while still resonating with contemporary discussions about identity and autonomy. This translation by R. Farquharson Sharp was first published in 1923.