Self-Deception of Nora in "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen and Oedipus in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles. A Comparison
Essay from the year 2009 in the subject Literature - Comparative Literature, grade: 2,0, , language: English, abstract: This paper deals with the theme of self-deception in Henrik Ibsen’s "A Doll’s House" and Sophocles’ "Oedipus Rex". The way the protagonists Nora and Oedipus are presented in both texts show many similarities, such as their characterization. In the plays both protagonists deceive themselves and others. In both cases the deception plays significant roles in the characterization of both figures. The self-deception and deception of others utilizes the theme of the willingness to ignore the truth in "Oedipus Rex". The use of self-deception in "A Doll’s House" is used to convey the theme of secrecy. Through looking at the theme of self-deception, one sees how similar and different these texts are. However, overall, self-deception is what leads to both Oedipus and Nora leaving their families behind. In "A Doll’s House", Nora’s deception and self-deception leads to leaving her family behind in order to finally gain freedom. In "Oedipus Rex" the self-deception leads to the downfall and sacrifice of Oedipus. Many differences between the uses of self-deception in both plays exist, as well."A Doll’s House" is a play written by Norwegian author Henrik Ibsen and published in 1879. Ibsen was considered a pioneer as he was the first one at that time to criticize how society oppressed women and how they were controlled by their husbands, using this play. The play presents a struggle of Nora the protagonist with herself, her marriage and family. Nora is married to Torvald Helmer, a bank officer who is promoted to a higher position in the beginning of the play. The tragedy "Oedipus Rex", written by Sophocles is part of a collection of Oedipus plays, the Oedipus cycle. In this play, Oedipus is confronted with many issues that he himself created. Oedipus killed his father, becomes king of Thebes and without knowing marries his mother.
