Step 1: Read Henrik Ibsens play A Dolls House and review the section on new historicist criticism in Chapter 42 Critical Strategies for Reading.

Ibsen once wrote a different ending for the play to head off producers who might have been tempted to change the final scene to placate the publics sense of morality. In the second conclusion, Helmer forces Nora to look in on their sleeping children. This causes her to realize that she cannot leave her family even though it means sacrificing herself. Ibsen called this version of the ending a barbaric outrage and didnt use it.

Is Nora a person dedicated to recapturing rights she feels she’s lost?

Is Nora a dedicated mother who wouldn’t leave her children? Therefore, the ending seems out of character.

In a one-page essay, respond to Ibsen’s “barbaric outrage” comment and address if you agree with him. Is the rewritten ending a “barbaric outrage”? If so, why? If not, why not? Use one piece of analyzed textual evidence in your body paragraph. Please ensure that your work is APA 7th edition formatted and includes direct quotes from the play and textbook.