In the play, A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, and the novel, The Awakening by Kate Chopin both authors exhibit the anima and animus engergies of males and females. The anima is a man's feminine energy, while the animus is a woman's male energy. In order to be balanced you must have an understanding of both your masculine and feminine energies. Both Edna and Nora, in A Doll's House and The Awakening, developed their animus energies through leaving repressive relationships with their spouses by taking the initiative, realizing false freedom, and ultimately liberation.

Taking the initiative to release their inner animus is a big step in the development of one's animus. Nora first takes the initiative when she find away to take care of her very sick husband, Torvald, by "borrowing" money to go to Italy. This money was actually not borrowed, Nora forged a check in order...