A Dolls House Characters Essay Example

requests for money. Additionally, it is revealed that Helmer has received a promotion, indicating an increase in his power and wealth. Nora takes advantage of this by implying that he can afford to be less stringent with their finances, as they now have more money to spare. She believes they can indulge in luxuries without worry. Conversely, Helmer remains concerned about potentially ending up penniless again, like they have in the past, and wishes to avoid this outcome at all costs.

Helmer's strong morals and aversion to borrowing create a rift between him and Nora. The introduction of the borrowing issue early on in the play highlights its significance throughout the entire storyline. It also reveals Helmer's expectation for Nora to share his values. Despite Nora's declaration of never disobeying Helmer, her previous act of indulging in macaroons against his wishes proves her lack of complete compliance. This suggests that Helmer lacks control over Nora's actions behind his back, hinting at undisclosed instances where she may defy his wishes. Nora convinces Helmer to provide her with money, exemplifying their relationship dynamic.

Nora possesses knowledge of his vulnerabilities and effective tactics to convince him to fulfill her desires. However, he does not grant her immediate satisfaction. She must influence his perspective slowly. In contrast, Nora must promptly accept his opinions regardless of her agreement or else an argument is likely. Mrs Linde, Nora's childhood friend, enters the scene and engages in a conversation with Nora. Mrs Linde, a widow without any children, becomes the subject of Nora's boastful display of her own position.

The text showcases Nora's lack of empathy for her friend Mrs. Linde's tragic life

situation. Nora is too preoccupied with her own problems and surroundings to care about what has happened to Mrs. Linde. She is only concerned with how she can benefit from the situation and feel powerful as a result. Mrs. Linde makes Nora feel pity for her and asks Nora to speak to her husband Helmer, who is now the manager at the bank and has the authority to hire and fire employees. Mrs. Linde desires to be a part of something positive and happy, as she has experienced hardships in her past.

Linde seeks sympathy for the hardships she has endured and desires Nora to feel remorse for the numerous tragedies that have befallen her. Additionally, Linde desires Nora to empathize with her pain. Nora discloses to Mrs. Linde her act of borrowing money to save Helmer's life. This reveals that Nora can trust Mrs. Linde with her secrets, as Mrs. Linde has previously divulged the horrors she has faced in her own life. Furthermore, this emphasizes the fact that Helmer strongly disapproves of borrowing money under any circumstances, highlighting Nora's deliberate defiance of his wishes, similar to her disobedience in consuming macaroons. This demonstrates that Nora refuses to allow others to control her actions and instead acts according to her own convictions, regardless of others' opinions of her.

Dr Rank enters and converses with Mrs Linde and Nora. He mentions that Krogstad is currently engaged in a conversation with Helmer, which immediately distresses Nora. Just moments ago, Nora had confided in Mrs. Linde about borrowing money from an unknown person, and now she fears that Krogstad might reveal her secret to her husband. Additionally,

Dr Rank discloses his own illness, which serves as a somber indication of the troubled atmosphere within the house. It foreshadows upcoming events that are likely to be dark and gloomy. Dr Rank further discusses the presence of other afflicted individuals, including Krogstad, asserting that excessive work can adversely affect one's health, just as it has for Krogstad and Mrs.

Linde - Dr. Rank's belief that they both have an illness might indicate that they are hiding something from society, which could potentially be scandalous. It's possible that both of them have done something that they are ashamed of, which is evident in their posture and their distance from society. After Krogstad departs, Helmer enters and Nora asks him if Mrs. Linde could work at the bank. Helmer agrees, suggesting that something between Helmer and Krogstad has put Krogstad's job at the bank in jeopardy. Helmer exits with Dr. Rank and Linde, while the nurse brings in the children and Nora engages them in games.

Nora's only moment of happiness and playfulness occurs when she is with her children, as they are unaware of societal expectations and therefore do not judge others. However, when Krogstad enters, Nora must hide her connection with him from society, even though she feels a connection to him. This secrecy amplifies her anxiety because she is unaware of his motives for seeking her out. Ultimately, Krogstad blackmails Nora into helping him regain his position at the bank.

The central conflict in the play revolves around Nora's marriage to Helmer and her potential influence over his decisions regarding job assignments. However, if she fails to secure Krogstad's employment, he threatens to expose her actions

to the public. This fuels Nora's anxiety about his intentions and how they will impact her relationship with Helmer. Additionally, she worries about Helmer's reaction and her own course of action once he discovers the truth. Nora asserts that she will not vouch for Krogstad and claims to no longer fear him. In retaliation, he threatens to inform Helmer about Nora borrowing money from him. Despite attempting to stand her ground, Nora struggles to maintain her composure in front of Krogstad and suppress her true emotions. It is ultimately revealed by Krogstad that Nora forged her father's signature on an IOU.

Nora's fear and nervousness increase, putting her in a worse position than before. It would ruin her public image and destroy her marriage with Krogstad. In this moment, Krogstad would have complete control over Nora, demonstrating his superiority and power over her. She would be terrified of the consequences he could impose on her life. Krogstad discloses his past forgery and society's rejection of him as a result. This parallels Nora's actions and hints at the potential consequences she may face if Krogstad reveals her secret. The audience gains insight into the potential outcome for Nora and Helmer, foreshadowing future events in the play.

Krogstad leaves, giving him the upper hand and leaving Nora devastated and unable to cope with the impending consequences. Upon returning, Helmer notices Nora's instability and distress, prompting him to inquire about the visitor. Hoping to maintain a facade of normalcy, Nora lies and claims that no one was there. However, Helmer can see through her act, causing him to question the events that transpired. Eventually, he reveals that he witnessed Krogstad's

departure. This demonstrates Nora's tendency to conceal information from Helmer, as she strives to shield him from her actions and their repercussions.

This text reflects the lack of openness in their relationship. The woman cannot be honest with her partner, indicating a troubled relationship where they are not equal and unable to support each other. The woman pleads for her partner to spare Krogstad's job, fearing that her partner's reputation may be tarnished if he is dismissed. She worries about her partner's decision, as he is unaware that he is jeopardizing his own employment and social standing with his actions. This further highlights the gap in their relationship, as she asks for her partner's help without explaining the reason behind it, revealing that he falsely believes he knows everything about her while she keeps many things hidden. The man discloses his dislike for Krogstad, citing the harm he caused to children through his criminal behavior.

Nora is increasingly anxious about Helmer discovering her actions, knowing that he will view her with the same judgment as he does Krogstad, making it more difficult for her to confess. Helmer establishes his superiority over Krogstad by using his first name. Nora instructs the nurse to keep the children away and ponders the impact her crime will have on her family. She fears that Helmer will look down on her and that she may suffer the same social disdain as Krogstad, preventing her from making any progress in life.