My only exposure to the Norwegian playwright, Isben...A Doll's House very cleverly tricks the reader into a dialogue concerning social justice. Isben sets up the premise-and indeed points out the shortcomings-of a society where women are simply "dolls" to be doted upon, but never taken seriously. Isben noted, "A woman cannot be herself in contemporary society, it is an exclusively male society with laws drafted by men, and with counsel and judges who judge feminine conduct from the male point of view." (thanks, wikipedia).

Very worth the read!! Even more worth going to the play.