What does Torvald say about reputation?
Torvald was so concerned with his reputation that he refused to take on clients who didn’t meet his standards, even if that meant making less money. This detail shows that appearances and perceived respectability matter more to Torvald and Nora than anything.
Why does Torvald say the most wonderful thing of all?
Stage directions tell us that, “A hope flashes across his mind” and then Torvald says, “The most wonderful thing of all?” (3.381). He’s referring to the conversation he and Nora had right before she walked out of the room.
What does Torvald symbolize?
Because Nora has been so sheltered all her life, Torvald represents all the outside world she knows. For the author, Torvald stands for all the individual-denying social ills against which Ibsen has dedicated all his writing. As a victim of his narrow view of society, Torvald inspires sympathy rather than reproach.
What does Torvald say about borrowing money?
Early in Act 1, when Nora asks Torvald about borrowing a little money to spend on Christmas decorations and gifts, he reminds her of these. He says, No debts! No borrowing!
How was Torvald controlling?
In the play, “A Doll House”, Torvald Helmer is a controlling, overbearing character who seems to care only about his reputation. He’s the most controlling when it comes to his wife, Nora. He controls her behavior so that it is to his liking and as a result hit reputation will be sturdy.
Does Torvald respect Nora?
Although Torvald is a responsible husband and father, he lacks respect for his wife and views her as his possession. Between Torvald’s oppressive, objectionable treatment of Nora and her deceitfulness, the Helmer marriage is in jeopardy.
What is the message of a doll’s house?
The main message of A Doll’s House seems to be that a true (read: good) marriage is a joining of equals. The play centers on the dissolution of a marriage that doesn’t meet these standards.
How does Torvald define himself?
Report Ad. Another important character trait in Torvald is his exalted sense of self. He sees himself as an idealistic, morally upright individual whose morals are unquestionable. He dictates the same morals to his wife, and also to his friends.”A songbird must have a clear voice to sing with-no false notes.”
What seems to be Torvald’s main concern in life?
By the end of the play, we see that Torvald’s obsession with controlling his home’s appearance and his suppression of reality have harmed his family and his happiness irreparably.
Why was Torvald angry with Nora?
Torvald is angry because Nora has betrayed his trust with several lies. She lies to Torvald about borrowing the money, and she lies to him how she spends the “household” money and about taking odd jobs to get extra money in order to pay back the money she has borrowed.
How did Torvald treat Nora like a doll?
He treats Nora more like a child than a wife. He calls her silly names and scolds her for eating macaroons. When he gets her to do things like dress up and dance for him, we see Nora is actually less than a child in Torvald’s mind. She’s only a plaything—a doll, if you will.
What did Torvald think of his coworkers?
Torvald is much more concerned with what his coworkers will think of him rather than the actual business. The fact that he thinks he would be a “laughingstock” for listening to his wife shows how little he considers her opinion.
What does Torvald say to Nora in a doll’s house?
After Krogstad rescinds his blackmail threat and returns the loan document with the signature Nora forged, Torvald is relieved and tells Nora he forgives her. However, Torvald uses his forgiveness as an additional means of objectifying and controlling Nora by saying he now owns her doubly.
Why did Torvald think his wife would be a laughingstock?
Torvald is much more concerned with what his coworkers will think of him rather than the actual business. The fact that he thinks he would be a “laughingstock” for listening to his wife shows how little he considers her opinion. Isn’t it an insult to imply that I should be frightened by the vindictiveness of a depraved hack journalist?
What did Torvald say to Mrs Linde in a doll’s house?
Torvald says this to Mrs. Linde as he reminds her to take her knitting. We learn earlier in the play that Torvald does not like to see knitting out, and his lines here explain why: Torvald thinks the act of knitting is less graceful than the hand movements in embroidery.