Comparing Perception In Oedipus The King And A Doll's House

Men are often believed to be the wisest, strongest, and more intelligent of the two genders. In narratives they are often shown to be compelling and brilliant. However frequently coupled with man’s brilliance is a trait of ignorance. That is just the case in the play, “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen; and in the tragedy, “Oedipus the King”. In “A Doll’s House”, the main male character is man by the name of Torvald Helmer. Torvald’s dominance over his wife, Nora, is repeatedly shown throughout the play. Torvald adopts the belief that a man’s role in marriage is to protect and steer his wife. He clearly enjoys the idea that Nora needs his guidance, and he interacts with her as a father would. Ironically, Torvald seizes all the power in the marriage
How people perceive you can often influence your words and actions. In both “A Doll’s House” and in “Oedipus the King” perception is a driving force behind the characters actions. Torvald and Oedipus are both very conscious of how they are perceived amongst their peers, or subjects. In “A Doll’s House”, after Nora pleads with Torvald to allow Krogstad’s position at the bank to be reinstated Torvald’s response is Krogstad would, “make him a laughing stock of him before the entire staff”. This illustrates how Torvald prioritizes his appearance over the request of others. Another example exemplified in the play, “A Doll’s House” is Torvald’s reaction to Nora’s dishonesty. Torvald condemns Nora’s character, and says she ruined their family’s happiness. Yet when she presses to leave, his main concern is to uphold “the appearance” of their household. In “Oedipus the King”, the citizens of Thebes hold Oedipus upon a pedestal due to him saving the city in years past; but now that a plague has rocked Thebes the citizens view of King Oedipus is shaken. Oedipus responds to their distress saying, “Here I am myself—you all know me, the world knows my fame: I am Oedipus…You can trust me, I am ready to help.” Oedipus attempts to mold a positive image of himself by alluding to his past success and explaining that he is willing to do anything for his subjects. Both characters understand that how people perceive them
Oedipus is seen to have a very open and exposed life style. He doesn’t object if others know about his personal affairs; he actually invites them. This is expressed when Creon has traveled back from Delphi with news from the god, Apollo. Creon states that he feels this is a private matter and should be spoken within the concealed walls of the palace. Oedipus then opposes stating, “Speak out, speak to us all. I grieve for these, my people; far more that I fear my own life.” Oedipus feels that his bare lifestyle will make him seem inviting as a king, but what he doesn’t understand is citizens shouldn’t know everything that is going on in the government. Censuring to an extent can prevent anarchy. This is opposite of Torvald’s life style. Torvald has more of a closed off and intimate life style. He doesn’t feel the need to express his personal affairs to anyone, not even his own spouse. In “A Doll’s House”, it seems whenever a situation becomes tense and uncomfortable Torvald retreats to his office to get away from the situation. This is made known when Krogstad and Nora get in a heated argument over her debts. This quarrel is right down the hall of Torvald Helmer, but he is oblivious because he is in his study. This seems to be Torvald’s true weakness. It is his ignorance to the things in plain sight. The differences in of the two characters seem to be