Archives of Humanities & Social Sciences Research

Nora and Gretes Quest for Self-Identity and their Transformation in a Dolls House and the Metamorphosis: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Rahman M. Mahbub, Shahnaj Parvin and Jiniya Bhoraty

This research provides a comparative investigation of Nora and Grete in Henrik Ibsen›s play A Doll›s House and Franz Kafka›s novella The Metamorphosis. It examines the challenges they have in establishing their individual identities within a patriarchal leadership structure and evaluates them through a feminist lens. Both texts explore women›s aspirations for self-identity, the notion of male supremacy and dominance, and the progression of women›s evolution. Despite Nora and Grete belonging to different social backgrounds, their aspirations are identical. The study identifies the pursuit of individuality and self-discovery as a crucial link between Nora and Grete. This research also highlights the challenges encountered by women who are subjected to the mistreatment of males resulting in significant transformations in their lives. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing references from relevant texts and secondary sources to substantiate the article›s claim. This study also shows that Nora and Grete were subjected to oppression; but, in spite of this, they show resilience and reject social conventions in order to define who they are. This study claims that, despite women›s inherent worth, society consistently views them as inferior and treats them less favorably than men. This paper invites the reader›s comprehension by examining these literary works.

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