A Doctor In The House Essay -- essays research papers

A Doctor in the House     Henrik Ibsens character, Dr. Rank, in "A Dolls House" is an important component of the play, though he is non a lead character. Rank enhances the story in his own right as a character, but mainly serves a greater purpose as an accentuation of Noraa character. Noras relationship with Rank is equal, and perhaps it implants in Noras mind the idea that relationships should be equal. Their relationship brings up questions about social correctness and even the set necessary in a marriage. Essentially, Dr. Ranks purpose is to refine the audiences understanding of Noras character.     Dr. Ranks presence establishes the lack of communication between Nora and her husband. Nora entrusts in Dr. Rank, involving him in secrets and everyday conversation. For instance, Rank is the jump character to be let in on Noras secret plan to take Helmer on a "vacation," supposedly paid for by her father. Also, Rank refers t o Christine Linde as "a name I have often heard in this house," when Helmer is virtually unaware of Lindes existence (Ibsen 542). The quote further indicates Rank and Nora share things in which Helmer is not included. Rank is like a messenger for the couple on one occasion when Nora finds out about Helmers new job from the doctor. Nora asks Rank, "Tell me Dr. Rank--will everyone who working at the bank come under Torvald now?" (542). These conversations help to conclude that most of Noras meaningful and informative conversation is not with her own husband.     Furthermore, the doctor encourages Nora to confide in him "You can say it to ussay it, here he is," says Rank, urging Nora to do as she wishes around him (542). Nora seems to divulge her thoughts to Rank and not Helmer, relaying an in struggle in Nora to do as she wishes. She lies to Helmer about the macaroons, but hastily reveals her hidden snack to the doctor. Rank and Noras rela tionship shows Noras longing for independence from Helmer and societys rules. Even Mrs. Linde, a relatively liberated woman, feels Noras intimate relationship with the doctor is curiously inappropriate. Linde is shocked that Nora would speak with Rank about the debt behind Helmers back, to which Nora replies, "Ive got to get out of this other busine... ...ras father, and therefore subsequently, how they see Nora. Ibsen makes the hereditary flaws available in Rank in order to make the theme clear. While Ranks flaws end with his death, Noras bad traits threaten to rub-off on her children, move the line of bad heredity.     According to Helmer, Ranks dark life "accentuates the light of their marriage," but the importance of the character, Dr. Rank, is to accentuate the darkness of Noras life. Ranks life parallels Noras situation until the role reversal at the end. Throughout the play, both suffer the consequences of morally corrupt fathers Nora has he r secret debt and Rank with his illness. Ranks announcement of death also marks the end of the masquerade, literally and figuratively harangue Noras masquerade of a content marriage is over as well as the ball that are her last moments of "fun." Instead of dying when Rank dies, however, Nora is born-again as an independent woman in society. Her situation may again parallel Ranks there is perplexity associated with death as there is definite uncertainty as to Noras fate.