Navigating Affect and Possible Worlds: Nora’s journey in Ibson’s a Doll House

This study explores the nuanced interplay between Brian Massumi's affect theory and Marie-Laure Ryan's possible worlds theory, particularly as they relate to the themes of love and disappointment in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll’s House. By examining how affect shapes the characters' decisions and experiences, we reveal the emotional journeys reflected in their choices. Central to our analysis is the delineation of three realms— the knowledge world, obligation world, and wish world— which illustrate how affect guides the characters' emotional trajectories and creates profound conflicts among these spheres. We argue that the conflicting desires and emotional tensions within Nora’s relationships act as catalysts for transformative moments that challenge societal norms. Love, while enabling personal growth, also complicates self-discovery, highlighting the importance of individual agency amidst societal constraints. Through our examination of love and disappointment, we uncover an intricate emotional landscape that informs the characters' choices and the complex relationship between desires and obligations. Ultimately, we propose that within the realm of disappointment lies a glimmer of hope, where love transcends external influences to manifest as self-love, promoting autonomy and personal development. This fusion of Massumi's and Ryan’s theories reveals profound layers of meaning in Ibsen’s play, illuminating the characters' quests for self-realization and cognitive independence. By elucidating the dynamic interplay between emotional experiences and narrative possibilities, our study enhances the understanding of Ibsen's work and the emotional currents that shape human relationships.

کلیدواژه ها:

Henrik Ibsen ، Cognitive Poetics ، Marie-Laure Ryan ، Possible Worlds Theory ، Brian Massumi ، Affect Theory