Previous
Irony
Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Key Examples in A Doll's House
Act One
Explanation and Analysis—My Little Sky-Lark:
A few times throughout the play, Torvald metaphorically compares Nora to various small animals, thus highlighting his perception that she too is small, delicate, in need of protection, and more of a pet or a possession than an actual living, breathing human adult. The first of these metaphorical pet names occurs on the very first page of the play:
Is that my little sky-lark chirruping out there? [...] Is that my little squirrel frisking about? [...] When did my little squirrel get home?
Related Themes:
Act Two
Explanation and Analysis—My Little Sky-Lark:
A few times throughout the play, Torvald metaphorically compares Nora to various small animals, thus highlighting his perception that she too is small, delicate, in need of protection, and more of a pet or a possession than an actual living, breathing human adult. The first of these metaphorical pet names occurs on the very first page of the play:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Is that my little sky-lark chirruping out there? [...] Is that my little squirrel frisking about? [...] When did my little squirrel get home?
Related Themes:
Act Three
Explanation and Analysis—Under Torvald's Wing:
In Act Three, following the discovery of the IOU letter, Torvald tries to calm Nora down and win back her affections after blatantly turning against her. As he does so, he returns to his metaphorical pet names, this time in a much more deliberate, conscious, and manipulative manner:
Unlock with LitCharts A+You try and get some rest, and set your mind at peace again, my frightened little song-bird. Have a good long sleep; you know you are safe and sound under my wing. […] What a nice, cosy little home we have here, Nora! Here you can find refuge. Here I shall hold you like a hunted dove I have rescued unscathed from the cruel talons of the hawk, and calm your poor beating heart.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—A Dark Cloud:
Torvald’s metaphorical assertion in Act Three that Dr. Rank’s pain and loneliness was akin to dark clouds that make the sunshine appear brighter and more desirable is deeply revelatory of how he views his marriage to Nora:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His suffering and his loneliness seemed almost to provide a background of dark cloud to the sunshine of our lives. Well, l perhaps its all for the best. For him at any rate. [Pauses.] And maybe for us as well, Nora.
Related Themes:
