The perception of manliness is also discussed, though in a much more subtle way. Nora’s description of Torvald suggests that she is partially aware of the lies inherent in the male role as much as that of the female. Torvald’s conception of manliness is based on the value of total independence. He abhors the idea of financial or moral independence on anyone. Nora Helmer is the main character of the play. She has never lived alone, going immediately from the care of her father to that of her husband. She is inexperienced in the ways of the world as a result of this sheltering. Nora is impulsive and materialistic. This play q

uestions the extent to which these are mere masks that Nora uses to negotiate the patriarchal oppression she faces every day. One major controversy that Nora faces is what she has done to save her husband’s life. While Torvald was deathly ill in Italy, Nora was willing to do anything to save her husband’s life, after all that is what a good wife would do. And so, Nora borrowed money, knowing that this was the only way that she could save her husband. She had never told anyone before until she encountered her old friend, Christine Linde. It is after Nora tells Christine that the reader realizes that Nora plays games just to keep her husband happy. It is evident within one line, “And, besides, how painful and humiliating would it be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations altogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now (Ibsen 13).” This goes to show that Nora feels that she must make her husband feel inferior, she could never tell him of her secret for many years because she knew that it would jeopardize her “happy” life. Torvald is no help in making Nora not feel subordinate. He is very degrading upon her for he feels that in no way should she have her independence. It is her job to take care of his children and make sure that the public thinks everything is perfect. A prime example of this is when Nora pleads to Torvald to allow Krogstad to keep a position at the bank. She knows that her reputation relies on this. But Torva

Some topics in this essay:
Nora Nora, Linde Nora, Henrik Ibsen, Torvald Nora, Nora Helmer, Italy Nora, Doll House, play torvald, save husband’s, save husband’s life, fun played, play nora, torvald nora, life torvald, ibsen 35”, throughout play, husband’s life, names torvald,