Society tends to diminish the value of the female individual and views women altogether as inferior to their male counterparts. Yet, time and again, women break through these long-established confinements of society and prove their individual worth to the world around them. This monumental trend highlights the fact that women are more than capable of being strong, independent individuals in society. Furthermore, two notable authors that recognize the strength of the female individual through their works are Henrik Ibsen and Alan Moore. The works which underline the strength and individuality of women are Ibsen's "A Doll House" and Moore's "V for Vendetta.".
In the three-act play, "A Doll House," by Henrik Ibsen, the writer shines the spotlight upon its female protagonist, Nora Helmer, a submissive and spendthrift housewife. Initially, Nora is seen in the first act of the play as a childlike housewife who is enamored by money and is heavily reliant on her husband: Torvald. One can see that Nora is almost literally playing the role of a doll in Torvald's life because she is an object of hilarity and enjoyment to him. Moreover, Torvald's stable job as a banker fuels her seemingly careless lifestyle and it seems that she is submissive to him because he brings money to their family. This dynamic is accentuated whenever Torvald addresses Nora: "Now, now, the little lark's wings mustn't droop. Come on, don't be a sulky squirrel. [Taking out his wallet.]" (Ibsen 786). Here, Torvald is certainly degrading Nora because he addresses her as if she is his pet or small child. Ibsen does a fine job of illustrating the dehumanizing and oppressive nature that men impose on to women during this time period through this particular dialog. In addition, it becomes clear that Torvald doesn't see his wife as an equal partner in their marriage, but instead as a thoughtless and compliant trophy-wife.
