The male figures demonstrate they are not able to help their spouse when they most need it. When Nora needs Torvald’s help for Krogstad to keep his job, he is unable to offer help. Instead, Torvald tells Nora he cannot help Krogstad keep his job because “[they] [are] on a 1st name basis” (Ibsen, 78). This reiterates Torvald cannot help his wife because he treasures his self-representation to others. Even more, Torvald is concerned more about his self-desires and employment which allows him to worry less about his relationship with his wife and her feelings. Torvald desires for everyone to respect him for his high status of being the manger of the bank. In like manner, John is unable to provide help when his wife asks him about it. In particular,
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Torvald appears he is not capable of understanding Nora’s crime is committed to save him. To illustrate, when Torvald has knowledge on what Nora has done he says, “from now on happiness [does] [not] matter; all that matters is saving the bits and pieces, the appearance” (Ibsen,106). Evidently, Torvald does not appreciate what Nora has done to save his life. Instead, Torvald worries about how what is left will appear to society. Meaning, Torvald wants to save anything remaining of his respectable reputation. He wants to make sure his status still has value to his community. To Torvald, his employment and reputation matter more than saving his relationship with Nora and being grateful for what she did for him. Similarly, John is unable to understand why his wife dislikes her room. John tells his wife to not “let any silly fancies run away from [her]” (Perkins Gilman, 5). Through this quote, it is distinct John thinks the wallpaper has no affect on his wife and her well-being. Rather he believes she needs to use self-control to manage herself and her condition. Of course, John is thinking the wallpaper is not harming her, but this is what leads to her breakdown. Both men represent this trait with their spouse for different purposes. Torvald cannot come to a conclusion Nora’s crime is done for his sake because he remains worried
Torvald appears he is not capable of understanding Nora’s crime is committed to save him. To illustrate, when Torvald has knowledge on what Nora has done he says, “from now on happiness [does] [not] matter; all that matters is saving the bits and pieces, the appearance” (Ibsen,106). Evidently, Torvald does not appreciate what Nora has done to save his life. Instead, Torvald worries about how what is left will appear to society. Meaning, Torvald wants to save anything remaining of his respectable reputation. He wants to make sure his status still has value to his community. To Torvald, his employment and reputation matter more than saving his relationship with Nora and being grateful for what she did for him. Similarly, John is unable to understand why his wife dislikes her room. John tells his wife to not “let any silly fancies run away from [her]” (Perkins Gilman, 5). Through this quote, it is distinct John thinks the wallpaper has no affect on his wife and her well-being. Rather he believes she needs to use self-control to manage herself and her condition. Of course, John is thinking the wallpaper is not harming her, but this is what leads to her breakdown. Both men represent this trait with their spouse for different purposes. Torvald cannot come to a conclusion Nora’s crime is done for his sake because he remains worried