Gender Inequality and Love: A Critical Analysis of “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen

Abstract

Gender inequality means men’s and women’s unequal rights and responsibilities. This study emphasizes the gender disparity in Henrik Ibsen’s 19th-century play, “A Doll’s House” under Beauvoir’s concepts about gender inequality in society that women are regarded as ‘other’ which lets women stay oppressed by men through the implementation of an erroneous impression of “riddle” about them. The findings reveal that the play focuses on a man’s treatment of a woman as his property and exploitation in the name of love. This play demonstrates how a man may torture a woman by treating her like a mythical creature at every turn. It also illustrates how men regard women who make decisions following their desires or will. When a woman wants to take care of herself, she is not safe in this so-called or nominal society. To take a stand for themselves, women are labeled as being unfaithful and are not given the respect and value they deserve.