In five pages this paper presents examples of thematic self deception as they relate to characters featured in works by Ibsen and Dostoevsky. Two sources are cited in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_MBlitdos.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
one might consider, of an artists eye for detail, a psychologists questioning mind, and the courage of a skydiver. In other words, the writers own unique voice is something that
no matter what the plotline or the characters, the story will be different from anyone else who contrives to tell the tale. However, it can be said that the universal
truths of self-deception remain the same, regardless of the character or the author. Such is the case for Dostoevskys Underground Man and Ibsens Nora. One of the biggest characteristics
of Henrik Ibsens writing it can be said is his exploration of the human condition and his accurate portrayal of the delicate balancing act between male and female personalities. In
his A Dolls House, Ibsen quite firmly shows the grim reality of a womans lot in life during the Victorian Era and how Nora avoids the truth about her domineering
husband, though it can be said that subconsciously she already knows him for what he is. For example, Torvald seems to take almost perverse pleasure in ridiculing Noras ideas and
treating her as if she had not a cognitive thought in her head. What this seems to serve to do, however, is show him to be the simpleton, not Nora,
but she doesnt seem to realize it. One of the very first scenes between them the reader realizes that he is going to be a domineering and demeaning person
to Nora as he down plays her suggestions with trite phrases such as you and your frivolous ideas and just like a woman(Ibsen, pg. 2). Torvald seems to take a
proprietal manner toward Nora when she does attempt to extend herself as is evident when Nora becomes interested in Dr. Ranks procedures. He states, "Look at our little Nora talking