Children Quote by Henrik Ibsen
““HELMER:—To forsake your home, your husband, and your children! You don’t consider what the world will say. NORA:—I can pay no heed to that. I only know what I must do. HELMER:—It is exasperating! Can you forsake your holiest duties in this world? NORA:—What do you call my holiest duties? HELMER:—Do you ask me that? Your duties to your husband and your children. NORA:—I have other duties equally sacred. HELMER:—Impossible! What duties do you mean? NORA:—My duties towards myself. HELMER:—Before all else you are a wife and a mother. NORA:—That I no longer believe. I think that before all else I am a human being, just as much as you are—or at least I will try to become one.””
About This Quote
Source Play: A Doll's House, 1879
A woman asserts her right to self‑definition over imposed domestic roles, challenging patriarchal expectations.
In simple terms: A woman chooses herself over family duties.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize personal identity.
Themes
identity
gender
individualism
family
society
Mood
defiant
reflective
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- career decisions
- personal growth
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
feminism
existentialism
autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal values justify redefining traditional roles?
- How can one balance self‑care with family obligations?
A Different Perspective
May overlook responsibilities to dependents.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
