In this passage from A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen we see many different characters each with its own quality and it is highlighted very well. This book was written in 1879 and shows how life was back then. He highlights how women were not an equal participant in society as up until the twentieth century women could not open bank accounts, they could not vote, women could not borrow money etc. But today its all changed women have the same rights as men. In this essay we are going to focus on two main questions: .
• What kind of relationship exists between Nora and Torvald?.
• What role does money play in their relationship?.
The relationship between Nora and Torvald often mirrors that of the relationship between a child and an adult, rather than that of two adults. Through his consistent use of pet names and the word "little," Torvald controls Nora's self-image. Torvald calls Nora, "my little squirrel . . . my little skylark . . . my dear little Nora". Torvald perceives Nora as a foolish woman who is ignorant of the way society works, but he likes Nora's foolishness and ignorance because they make her helpless and therefore dependent on him.
A Doll's House opens with Nora's return from her Christmas shopping. When Torvald sees all the gifts Nora uses her money for, they discuss the relative need for caution when spending. Nora's generous tip to the porter in the play's opening scene shows that she is not a selfish woman. Torvald and Nora's first conversation establishes Torvald as the member of the household who makes and controls the money and Nora as the one who spends it. Torvald repeatedly teases Nora about her spending. Nora, knowing that Torvald will make more money with his promotion, does not worry. Torvald, however, reminds her that he will not receive that money until the new year. Nora has no source of money other than Torvald. At one point, Torvald says, "Nora, what do you think I have got here?" And she replies, "Money!" .