Final answer:
A Doll's House was controversial because it presented a realistic portrayal of ordinary people and challenged 19th century societal norms of gender roles, specifically a woman's role as a mother and wife. Nora's decision to leave her family was radical for its time, causing backlash and requiring an alternative ending.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why A Doll's House Was Controversial
Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, first premiered in 1879, was a revolutionary play that sparked significant controversy due to its critical look at gender roles and individual self-discovery within the confines of 19th century marriage. The protagonist, Nora, makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children in search of her own identity, defying the societal norms of the time which dictated that a woman's duty was to her family and husband above herself. This radical departure from traditional endings and exploration of women's rights challenged the perceptions of a woman's role in society and the institution of marriage itself.
Moreover, Ibsen's play introduced a form of realism that was new to the theatre scene. His characters, rooted in their environment, were representative of ordinary people rather than nobility, engaging in dialogue recognisable from everyday life. With Ibsen's focus on inner psychological motivations rather than asides and soliloquies, his portrayal of a woman taking control of her life and making such a profound decision was seen as a direct challenge to the societal structure, making the play exceedingly controversial.
The ending of the play, marked by the sound of Nora's departure through a shutting door, was a significant moment - a non-violent but powerful action that left audiences questioning their own perspectives. Ibsen faced such backlash that he penned an alternative ending where Nora stays, though he referred to this version as 'a barbaric outrage.'