for Freedom is nothing but the continuous pursuit of the idea of Freedom. He who possesses Freedom otherwise than as something to be striven for possesses something dead and meaningless, for by its very definition Freedom perpetually expands as one seeks to embrace it, so that if, during the quest, anyone stops and says: Now I have it! he shows thereby that he has lost it. According to Ibsens view of Freedom, it is not something that can be given to someone, the way Denmark had "given" it to Norway, with the stipulation that Sweden be the big sister in the relationship. Norway was considered free by the Swedes. They had thier own crown, and government, but it was so closely intertwined with that of Sweden that any Norsk individuality was lost. Sweden, like Noras husband Torvald, was undoubtedly dominant. Norway had freedoms, and could be involved in the legislation of itself. Nora had freedoms, and was allowed her own life, to some degree. But any concern for Noras (or Norways) personal being was purely superficial. Eventually both became tired of having thier Freedom restricted and took action. The search for Freedom for Nora, like Norway, began from within. The most direct historical comparison that can be made with the play is with the woman it is based on. Laura Kieler was a woman whose conduct was admired greatly by Ibsen. So much so that he based his most rebellious character on her, clearly solidifying the connection between context and art. Laura, unlike Nora, did not, however, leave her husband. It swiftly became common knowledge that this was the woman that Nora was based on, and Lauraa life was all but ruined. Ibsen expressed much concern and regret upon learning what effect his play had had on her, but by then there was nothing to be done. A Dolls House had many critics, and the ending we know was not the one shown all over at first. One actres...
