Ibsen Journal 4

            The social expectations of women and classes discussed in “Nobody’s Angel” by Elizabeth Langland are reflected in Ibsen and ultimately shows that interaction between the different social classes help the reader see that the gap between the social classes in not very large. People of different classes rarely married each other in the early 1800s, “Nobody’s Angel” discussed how commutation between social class is beneficial. Mrs. Sorby is a servant in Werle’s estate, but she has a public relationship with Werle where she even “[enters] with Werle on her arm” (126) at his dinner party in front of all his wealthy, high-class friends. Mrs. Sorby is treated differently than other servants by being on a wealthy man’s “arm,” is able to speak to guests and make household decisions such as “abolish[ing] [the] precious smoking privilege” (126) and is able to enforce and stand by her decision  to “abolish,” even when confronted by an upper class male. Women, especially servants, were expected to stay at home and do household chores without interfering, or even being seen. Mrs. Sorby has gained respect from the high class man and is treated almost like an equal to members of the upper class. The relationship and sense of equality between the servant Mrs. Sorby and Werle prove that when various social classes interact, it is clear that the different between the social classes are not big.

            The realism in drama incorporated throughout Ibsen allows the audience to feel like they could be part of the play. Realism is based on events that could happen in real life; these struggles are relatable to almost all people and help people become in touch with the characters on a deeper level. The characters use common speech such as “hm, what does your father say to that?” (163) which can be understood by all types people. “Hm” is how people would really talk; it is informal giving the audience the impression that they are watching people they know speak. The extensive description of props such as “a portrait camera cover with a cloth, a stand, a couple of chairs…” (179) depict real items that could be the common man’s room. Realism in Ibsen enables the audience to feel comfortable as if they are actually in the play, watching people talk and act out events that could actually be happening.