In five pages these themes are examined as they are represented in Ibsen's The Master Builder, The Wild Duck, Hedda Gabler, and A Doll's House. There are three other sources cited in the bibliography.
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plays as well which leaves us with a positive understanding of the themes presented. Four of his plays, "A Dolls House," "Hedda Gabler," "The Wild Duck," and "Master Builder" are
all plays that have very strong themes of truth and illusion. In the following paper we examine each play separately, examining these themes and illustrating how Ibsens work clearly seems
to present truth to those who would rather live in a world of illusion. Some of his characters are ultimately destroyed by facing truth, while others grow stronger.
A Dolls House The most significant use of truth and illusion in this particular story comes from the character of Nora. She is at first seen as nothing more than
a flighty little bird with perhaps the brain of a bird. She is pretty and does what is required of her. That is her position and she seems somewhat happy
with it at first. But, as she develops the illusion of her identity slowly vanishes. She is slowly seen as an intelligent woman who desires more from life than that
which is offered in the position of wife and mother. We begin to see the illusion drop when we note Nora talking to others, behind her husbands back, illustrating
that she has thoughts and ideas that are not necessarily normal for a simple woman. She has a fire, and that fire is the element of truth that grows and
grows until the illusion is broken and she sets herself free by confronting her husband. Her husband, however, cannot even begin to understand this truth. His world is made up
of illusion where his wife should be perfect and demure. She should possess no strengths other than perhaps keeping house well and taking care of the children. Her presentation of