A Doll’s House
by
Henrik Ibsen
(Character
of Torvald Helmer)
In the play, Torvald believes, that a
man’s role in marriage is to protect and guide his wife. He enjoys the idea
that Nora needs his guidance, and he interacts with her as a father would. He
instructs her with moralistic sayings, such as: “A home that depends on loans
and debt is not beautiful because it is not free.” He also teaches Nora the
dance, she performs at the costume party. Torvald likes to see himself as
Nora’s savior, asking her after the party, “Do you know, that I’ve often wished
you were facing some terrible dangers, so that I could risk life and limb, risk
everything, for your sake?”
Although Torvald has the power in his
relationship with Nora and refers to her as a “girl,” it seems, that Torvald is
actually the weaker and more childlike character. Dr. Rank’s explanation for
not wanting Torvald to enter his sickroom— “Torvald is so fastidious, he cannot
face up to anything ugly”—suggests, that Dr. Rank feels, Torvald must be
sheltered like a child from the realities of the world. Furthermore, Torvald
reveals himself to be childishly petty at times. His real objection to working
with Krogstad stems not from -deficiencies in Krogstad’s moral character but,
rather, Krogstad’s overly friendly and familiar behavior. Torvald’s decision to
fire Krogstad stems ultimately from the fact, that he feels threatened and
offended by Krogstad’s failure to pay him the proper respect.
Torvald is very conscious of other
people’s perceptions of him and of his standing in the community. His
explanation for rejecting Nora’s request that Krogstad be kept on at the
office—that retaining Krogstad would make him “a laughing stock before the
entire staff”—shows that he prioritizes his reputation over his wife’s desires.
Torvald further exhibits his deep need for society’s respect in his reaction to
Nora’s deception. Although he says, that Nora has ruined his happiness and will
not be allowed to raise the children, he insists, that she remain in the house
because his chief concern is saving “the appearance” of their household.
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