Krogstad

(Pages; 169-176, 197-200, 207-211)

a) what role does Krogstad serve in the play?

b) In what ways does Ibsen develop the character, i.e. how does he change and what are the reasons?

c) What themes does Krogstad assist in conveying to the audience

Krogstad is created initially to play the "villain" in the play A Doll's House. In the first two scenes with him present, he comes across rude, aggressive and determined. He has caught wind that Torvald Helmer is firing him from his post at the Bank and comes to Nora to blackmail her into persuading Torvald to repress his decision. "...let me tell you that the thing that I once did that ruined my reputation was nothing more - and nothing worse - than that.", Krogstad believes that by intimidating Nora that Torvald will come to her rescue and inevitably his and agree to his terms and be able to stay posted at the Bank so he can continue to build up his reputation.

Nora came to Krogstad because she didn't know anyone else that had the means of getting a loan or who would be willing to help, however though Krogstad agreed to help and did find the money he did not make it easy on Nora "-the way you made difficulties although you knew how desperately ill my husband was" suggest that Krogstad had no sympathy towards Nora and partook in the deal solely for his own enjoyment.

The third scene he is in, is one between himself and Mrs Linde, who is revealed to be his old love, however Mrs Linde broke it off with him and married a richer man. This is the scene where the audience sees a completely different side to Krogstad than what has been portrayed previously. Nils Krogstad was devastated when Mrs Linde left him and he never completely understood the reasoning for it, "Was there anything to understand - except what was so obvious to the whole world: a heartless woman throwing a man over when someone richer turns up?". Mrs Linde wants Krogstad back in her life again and has learnt that money nor status can ever make you truly happy. This event forces Krogstad to change his perception on things and immediately regrets what he has done to the Helmer's wishing he could "undo it". Mrs Linde's love is what changes Krogstad from the "villain" of the play and forces the audience to rethink their initial opinions of the man.

Relationship Between Mrs Linde and Nora Helmer

Mrs. Linde is the most functional character in terms of plot development, as by having her in the play serves as a way for Nora to tell the audience of her 'other' life.

Immediately you see two main differences between Nora and Mrs Linde, not really in their characters but in their relationship/marriage roles. Nora and Torvalds relationship appears to be very typical of that era. There is no fairness in their relationship, with Torvald controlling everything Nora does. Nora's most important role is to please her husband and Torvald considers himself superior to her by calling her names like "skylark" and referring to her as "little" which is diminutive, whereas the relationship between Mrs Linde and Krogstad is much more open and equal.

They both, however, have the unselfish personality trait as they have both made major sacrifices to protect the ones they love. Nora - taking out a loan secretly to save her husband and Mrs Linde - refusing her love (Krogstad) marriage proposal in order to keep her family happy. This lead her to being so submissive and not being able to have her own mind, which she hated.
Nora also is in a marriage that is very domineering which she also wishes to escape.

The occurrence of a wife leaving her husband to become their own individual was very rare, almost unheard of, and certainly frowned upon in that day and age, therefore for two women to be going through exactly that, or been through that and to know each other is extremely rare which also shows their likeness.

Torvald Helmer

Re-reading the book A Doll's House, trying to get a better insight in the character of Torvald, I noticed a great deal more traits about Torvald that I failed to note the first time. One scene that really stood out and gave me a greater understanding of Torvald was in Act III, near the beginning. Torvald and Nora have just come back from the dance upstairs when Torvald tells Nora how much he cares for her and how "[he wishes] that [Nora] could be threatened by some imminent danger so that [he] could risk everything [he] had - even [his] life itselfs - to save [her]" (page 219), yet just moments later when Torvald has read the letter and that exact situation has presented himself, one where his wife is in need of his help and he is able to "save [her]", his mood changes completely and yells at her; "You've completely wreaked my happiness!", "I shall not allow you to bring up the children...I shouldn't dare trust you with them".

This symbolizes to me Torvald's ego and his hypocrisy which adds another layer to the character. Not only is he a work and status orientated man, believing that he is of the upper most class and standing with a controlling behaviour towards his wife, he is also a hypocrite and very fickle.

Reviewing EPIC Essays.

"In allowing Nora the right to satisfy her need for an identity separate from that of wife and mother, Ibsen is percieved as endorsing the growing "woman questioning". To his contemporaries, it was a frigthening prospect."

"the question of women's rights and feminist equality is an important aspect of understanding A Doll's House. Ibsen himself stated that for him the issue was more complex than just women's rights"

"Torvald views his public persona as more important than his private, he is unable to understand or appreciate the suffering of his wife. His reaction to the threat of public exposure is centered on himself....For Nora to emerge as an individual she must reject the life that society mandates. To do so, she must assume control over her life; yet in the ninteenth century, woman have no power. Power resides with the establishment, and as a banker and lawyer, Torvald clearly represents the establishment."

This essay theme is on how different Nora and Torvald is and how the nineteenth century rules restricted Nora. Torvald is very typical of the nineteenth century. Controlling, self rightious and very concerned with the public opinion of himself and his family. Nora, on the other hand, is not typical of the nineteenth century. Nora wants rights. She wants control of her life and to make the decisions and she resents her husband for restricting her so.