Essay on A Character Comparison Nora Vs. Antigone

A Character Comparison: Nora Vs. Antigone In the novels A Dolls House and Antigone, Ibsen and Sophocles respectively create two lead female characters, Nora and Antigone, who confront societys expectations of women in fundamentally different ways. Nora goes against the grain of middle class society by first forging her fathers signature and then deceiving her husband, Torvald, throughout their marriage; Antigone, on the other hand, openly challenges and defies the rule of men, including her uncle and King of Thebes, Creon. Although Nora and Antigone share some comparable personality traits, like being strong willed and motivated, they confront the men in their lives and their comparable societies in two distinctive ways, which, as a†¦show more content†¦For most in Thebian society, the social isolation and induced shame brought about by being unique would steer the individual back towards the widespread held principles. However, it can be observed that Antigone is far too strong willed to submit to societys standar ds for behavior, and even Creon states submission [to men] is a thing shes never learned. (211) In A Dolls House as well, women such as Nora have many restraints that keep them from performing certain actions, even if they are good intentioned. For instance, in Noras society a wife cannot borrow without her husbands consent. (12) Not only that, but Nora seems to rely on the men in her life, mainly Torvald to perform various tasks for her. I cant hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of seems so silly and insignificant. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? (27) Torvald here illustrates the fact that Noras and consequently womens place in society is dictated by the rule of man - women can make few decisions without the assistance of men. Moreover when Nora asks Torvald to reinstate Krogstad to the bank, he blatantly refuses, stating, Is it to get about now that the new manager has changed his mind at his wifes bidding  ¾ Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole staff...? (35) For anyone to sway Torvald would be ridiculous, but it being his own wife, that he supposedly has ultimate control over, would beShow MoreRelatedA Character Comparison: Nora vs. Antigone Essay1922 Words   |  8 PagesMay 17, 2005 World Literature Paper I A Character Comparison: Nora Vs. Antigone In the novels A Dolls House and Antigone, Ibsen and Sophocles respectively create two lead female characters, Nora and Antigone, who confront societys expectations of women in fundamentally different ways. Nora goes against the grain of middle class society by first forging her fathers signature and then deceiving her husband, Torvald, throughout their marriage; Antigone, on the other hand, openly challenges and