Then and Now

Views on women have changed greatly since the 19^th century.  In previous times, women were regarded as inferior to men.  There were many stereotypes attributed to the female race which included: submissiveness, piety, purity, and domesticity.  Women who strayed from these characteristics may have been ostracized or looked down upon.  A Doll House portrays some of these views of women through the interactions between Nora and her husband Torvald.  Torvold was a puppeteer and Nora was his puppet.  He controlled a lot of what Nora did and she obeyed (at least he always thought so).  Nora behaved obediently at the start of the play, but whenever she did something that was uncharacteristic of a “woman” Torvald said that she was "not acting herself".  This reference refers to a societal view that most women should always be obedient and if they are not then the only explanation is sickness, or temporary madness.               

In today’s society, things have changed dramatically.  Women have become more independent; it has been more socially accepted for them to do so.  Also women have branched out in the workforce; and been given more freedom to do so.   Nowadays, some women are primary providers of their households.  This is a huge shift from the 19^th century when men were the sole providers and workers among their families.  Women are going further in education as well; attending colleges.  Most colleges have more female than male attendance (60/40).  While these positive changes have been made in the U.S. other parts of the world have not been so lucky.  In the Middle Eastern countries, women are still regarded very low.  They must cover themselves completely and are considered inferior to the male race. 

Changes will continually be made which shift the measures of society.  There may be a day when women of all countries get the freedom and equality that they deserve, but for now it can only be wished for.