Does the introduction announce the layout of the rest of the paper? What lets you know this?Has the writer made you want to learn more? Why or why not?Body:
Underline the topic sentences on the paper. Is there a clear connection between each of the paragraphs and the thesis? If not, where do you see problems?Are points substantiated with evidence? Is the evidence pertinent, reliable, and/or verifiable?Are paragraphs unified (exploring only one idea)? Point out paragraphs that lack unity.Are paragraphs developed (is there enough information in each paragraph)? Point out paragraphs that lack development.Are there in-text citations in MLA style if sources are used?Conclusion:
Is the thesis restated (and, if possible, reworded)? Is the length of the conclusion appropriate? Does it need to be tightened or expanded? Why?What strategies does the paper use to close the discussion (ex: brief summary of points, recommendation)?Are you interested in learning more about (has the author made the topic relevant to you)? Why or why not?Overall Recommendations:
Are there issues related to grammar and punctuation that the author needs to address? If so, what are they?Have sources been quoted correctly, if sources were used?Is the Works Cited formatted correctly, if sources were used?List three strengths (what you feel the author did well) and three weakness (areas that need improvement) of the paper.Essay one
Torvald Helmer and Mrs. Linde
In the Play A Dolls House the theme of love and marriage is present in almost all the characters. Henrik Ibsen portrays how marriage in the recent past was set up and the challenges that couples went through. It was interesting times based on how the society perceived a woman. Unlike now, where women are enjoying a lot of equality, at the time the play was written women were held in low regard. Marriages are faced with a lot of challenges and counseling has proven an important conflict resolution strategy. This essay will assume Torvald and Mrs. Linde are a couple and offer them marriage counseling on the challenges they are going through.
Torvald views himself as a superior and intellectual. He holds his wife as a minor, someone who is supposed to be watched over, instructed and censured. He constantly disrespects her and wants to control her all the time. He never considers her partner as equal in the relationship. Mrs. Linde, on the other hand, is a hardworking, intellectual and modern woman. She believes in equality and the role women play in marriage. Although she recognizes her role in the society as a woman (caregiver and nurturer) she admits to how she finds meaning and satisfaction in work. This makes the couple interesting because the two are financially able and intellectual and do not shy away from fighting for their rights. Even if the society takes women in low regard Mrs. Linde does not. She is hard working, learned and has a job for herself.
My first goal is to make sure I change how Torvald and Mrs. Linde view marriage. The two should view marriage as a necessity and a permanent partnership. It should be objective and aimed at improving both entities. The two should stop blaming each other and instead view marriage as a process that needs everyone to be on board for it to be successful. Torvald thinks that marriage comes after his reputation and is willing to forego marriage for the sake of his reputation. Mrs. Linde on the other side puts work and financial stability before her marriage. Krogstad tells her What else is there to understand, apart from the old, old story? A heartless woman throws a man over the moment something more profitable offers itself. (823) It is important for the two to learn to prioritize their marriage and be willing to fight for it. If they would change how they view their marriage and make it the main foundation upon which they can build the other desires and needs then they would have an easy time.
Secondly, I will work towards eradicating defective behavior with the couple. I will make sure that I change how the two behave with each other. Some of their bad behavior is responsible for either physical, mental, or economic problems to the marriage. Torvald, for example, demeans women a lot and this does not work well with Mrs. Linde who takes herself in high in regard. This, in turn, creates resistance from Mrs. Linde and Torvalds perceives it as indiscipline. The only solution is for Torvalds to acknowledge Mrs. Linde as the equal partner she is. If he would consider her as a responsible and honest person that she is then there would be no resistance from her. The more he continues to belittle his wife its the more a rift builds between and the connection fades away. I noted that Mrs. Linde does not have a lot of destructive behavior but she should also improve her presence to her husband and avoid being absorbed by her duties. She acknowledges All my life I have worked, for as long as I can remember; that has always been my one great joy (824). This will help improve meaningful interactions between them and improve their connection as a couple.
It is also important for the couple to reduce emotional avoidance. This occurs when couples are afraid of expressing their personal feelings toward each other. This makes them be emotionally apart which is important for a healthy relationship. When one tries to avoid their emotions this only increases their suffering and emotional distress. Torvald is afraid to express himself because he is afraid of being perceived as weak and hence opts to keep his feelings to himself. This makes him look hypocritic because it does not support his behavior of belittling his wife. Mrs. Linde on the hand has been through a lot and is afraid of offending or getting the wrong reaction from expressing herself. Even if love is meant to be built on positive emotions (love, respect, and attraction) it is also important for one to express negative emotions as the other party gets a chance to change their behavior. Based on emotional openness couples are able to understand each other better and increase intimacy between each other. It is always good to feel that your partner is not hiding anything from you. It also makes sure that couples are able to value closeness.
One of the most important tools in marriage is communication. When communication is sufficient and effective conflicts are avoided. Honest communication means that couples do not ridicule and are not abusive to each other. Effective communication increases how couples understand each other and improve intimacy. By referring to his wife as a little squirrel (787), little pet (787), little lark (787), Torvald reduces the chance of honest communication between them. Honestly, communication is one of the fuel for a satisfying and complete marriage. In difficult and rough times, couples in a relationship feel compelled to destroy communication which only worsens the situation. Miscommunication leads to dissatisfaction, questions, strain, and mistrust. Torvald and Mrs. Linde should learn to explore the different types of communication to strengthen their connection and closeness. This is the foundation within which other aspects of the marriage are able to thrive. If Torvald and Mrs. Linde can achieve effective communication then the marriage attains a high chance of being healthy and happy.
Lastly, I would like to build on the strengths of this relationship. I would like to point out the success and potential of this marriage. One of the strengths of this couple is financial security this is mainly because both the spouses are employed and earn This will help them focus more on other issues that they might be going through and also help them enjoy their relationship more. Another strength of this relationship is Mrs. Linde, she is a devoted woman and is in for a long time, she yearns to have her own children. She is also committed to her marriage and acknowledges that two on the same wreckage would stand a better chance than each on their own (824). The two are also intelligent and well enlightened and have been through a lot. Torvald has already lost his first wife and Mrs. Linde lost her first husband. This puts them in a situation where they value their relationship and are willing to solve their issues. They have proven this by asking for help.
Works cited
2 Your name: _______________________
Name of the person you are responding to: ___________2__________________
Peer Evaluation Worksheet (use the back of the sheet if you need more room)
Introduction of the paper:
Find the thesis. Underline it on draft, or write it here.How does the thesis limit the focus of the paper? Is the thesis too general?Does the introduction include adequate background information? List some specifics here.Should the introduction be expanded or tightened? Why?Does the introduction announce the layout of the rest of the paper? What lets you know this?Has the writer made you want to learn more? Why or why not?Body:
Underline the topic sentences on the paper. Is there a clear connection between each of the paragraphs and the thesis? If not, where do you see problems?Are points substantiated with evidence? Is the evidence pertinent, reliable, and/or verifiable?Are paragraphs unified (exploring only one idea)? Point out paragraphs that lack unity.Are paragraphs developed (is there enough information in each paragraph)? Point out paragraphs that lack development.Are there in-text citations in MLA style if sources are used?Conclusion:
Is the thesis restated (and, if possible, reworded)? Is the length of the conclusion appropriate? Does it need to be tightened or expanded? Why?What strategies does the paper use to close the discussion (ex: brief summary of points, recommendation)?Are you interested in learning more about (has the author made the topic relevant to you)? Why or why not?Overall Recommendations:
Are there issues related to grammar and punctuation that the author needs to address? If so, what are they?Have sources been quoted correctly, if sources were used?Is the Works Cited formatted correctly, if sources were used?List three strengths (what you feel the author did well) and three weakness (areas that need improvement) of the paper.
2. Nora Helmer and Tom Wingfield
From a professional standpoint, it appears the difficulty within the marriage of Nora and Tom is their financial issues, lack of communication, and necessity for self-discovery. Self-discovery is the process of probing awareness of ones own identity. It appears to me that Nora is accustomed to a marriage where the man is the head of household. However, marriage in modern day relationships have drastically changed since the 1800s and the 1930s. Marriage in those times involved the men being the bread winners. The world was a male dominated society. Men were superior to women and the women were the caregivers. Women were to stay at home and take care of the children as well as the household. However, modern day relationships consist of an equally adequate partnership. Women today are able to work, attend school all while caring for their home and children.
The first few years of marriage is usually the hardest. Problems with finances, lack of communication, and self-discovery that were never addressed tend to arise within this time period. Nora never worried about financial issues until she married her ex-husband Torvald. Nora asked him, We can squander a little now. Cant we? (Ibsen). During her marriage with Torvald, she was very unhappy and felt trapped in the marriage. She felt unhappy because she was in debt financially in order to protect his pride. Nora told him It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done (Ibsen). Compared to women today, Nora felt she did what was necessary in order to save her husband.
Her lack of communication regarding the loan she acquired is what led to her divorce with Torvald. Torvald states A hypocrite, a liar, worse, worse, and a criminal! How infinitely disgusting (Ibsen). Torvalds distasteful outburst during their marriage, causes her to continue to withhold secrets from her current husband, Tom. She also withheld secrets from Torvald regarding Dr. Ranks love for her. Dr. Rank states You can command me, body and soul (Ibsen). This proves Nora purposely withholds information that could affect others. Nora now believes that if she expresses herself to Tom then he will ultimately react in the same manner as her ex-husband Torvald.
Nora never had the chance at self-discovery. Nora went from being spoiled and living with her father to marrying her ex-husband Torvald. Nora always had the company of men. During our counseling session, Nora remembers a conversation she had with her ex-husband where she told him, I passed out of papas hands into yours, you arranged everything to suit your own tastes (Ibsen). Unlike most adults, she has yet to break free completely of the sheltered life she once had. Although she was able to remove herself from the emotional and mental attachment she had with Torvald. Nora is still financially in debt from her relationship with Torvald.
Nora is an intelligent woman who cares a great deal about her family. However, she can be childlike who lacks wisdom of the unknown world. Her eagerness to be in control of her life is a great step in learning who she truly is. Nora is aware that she is a mother and a wife. Unfortunately, if that were to be taken away from her she would have no self- individuality. She would be completely lost in the outside world. Therefore, being incapable of gaining real world experiences or obligations other than being a wife or mother can ultimately hinder her and Toms marriage.
Noras quest to self-discovery without communicating with her husband can alter their partnership. In order to have a successful marriage two people must be completely whole and sure of themselves before coming together in marriage. Otherwise, the marriage will fail. Two broken and lost souls on a path to self discovery does not make for a successful marriage. In addition, communication is the foundation to every relationship and/or partnership.
However, Tom is the complete opposite of Nora in certain aspects. Tom is very vocal when expressing his feelings and communicating with others. Toms honest communication with his mother regarding his unhappiness with his life causes him to struggle with communicating with Nora, who does not communicate efficiently. Tom tells his mother Ive got no single thing in my life that I can call my OWN! (Cummings) . He does not withhold information that could affect those he is close with. His need to have an open and honest dialogue about his unhappiness with Nora, who does not communicate effectively, can be difficult for their marriage.
Tom also struggled financially. He had to work at a job that made him unhappy in order to financially support his mother and sister. Once his father abandoned them, Tom had to become the bread winner. During our session together Tom remembers an argument he had with his mother where he mentions his father absence. Tom tells her, Mother Id be where he is- GONE! (Cummings). Despite his unhappiness, he felt responsible for his family and worked at a job he loathed. Tom states But I get up, I go! – I give up all that I dream of doing and being ever! And you say self (Cummings). Compared to some men today, Tom was the primary source of income. It became his responsibility and obligation to care for his single mother that was raising him and his sister.
Comparable to Nora, Tom also struggles with self-discovery. He has abandonment issues that stems from his nonexistent relationship with his father. Ultimately, causing Tom to abandon his mother and sister as well. Tom recalls the time he decided to leave his family in order to pursue his desires. He said I am more faithful than I intended to be (Cummings). He needed to experience life on his own terms. Tom wanted to be in control of his own life without the responsibilities of his family. Although his family relied heavily on him for financial stability, he also relied on them. His mother would wake him for work by yelling Rise and Shine! (Cummings).
However, Tom does have a little more insight to things that interest him. Tom enjoys reading literature and writing poetry. During his imprisonment at home he would dream of escaping and seeing greater things. Tom states I know I seem dreamy but inside Im boiling (Cummings). Although, he cared a great deal for his family, he needed to break free of the mental and physical shackles of abandonment and imprisonment. Tom states House! House! Who pays rent on it, who makes a slave of himself? (Cummings). This proves he felt trapped in his own home and needed to do what was best for him no matter the consequences. Tom says I am more faithful than I intended to be (Cummings). This statement also shows Tom was more concerned with his own happiness than that of his family.
Based on the analysis of both Nora and Tom, its been proven that they have difficulty with financial issues, lack of communication, and necessity for self-discovery. Nora has difficulty with communicating effectively. While Tom has no problem communicating at all. This will create a connection barrier within their marriage. In addition, they both are still struggling with self-discovery.
During an interaction session between both Nora and Tom, I advised them to switch roles within their marriage. During this time, Nora was able to understand the stress she causes Tom when he needs to have an open conversation with her. In addition, Tom was able to grasp the emotional toll it takes on Nora when having serious discussions. More importantly, they both were able to understand they have a lot of growing to do separately. Based under these circumstances, it is with my professional opinion that Nora and Tom will continue to have a difficult marriage until they realize who they are outside of the marriage.
Works Cited
Cummings, E.E. “The Glass Menagerie.” (1945).
Ibsen, Henrik. “A Doll’s House.” (1879).
