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Often in literature characters are presented as victims of society. There are many examples of this in Henrik Ibsen's controversial play, "A Doll's House." Written during the Victorian era, Ibsen's play would have raised a lot controversy on the roles of males and females in society. The audience would have noticed the constant similarities between themselves and the characters that are presented as victims of society. A lot of the audience would have found the play shocking and disturbing. Torvald, a character who is a typical Victorian era husband, with a sweet wife, three children, a nanny, a maid and a well paid job; would have represented a large percentage of the play's male audience. Only people, who were well off as Torvald, could go to the theatre and have such luxuries, in that period of time.
Torvald is a victim of society, forced by the need to fit into society's circle and to be classified as high in social status. Torvald is aware of the pressures of society and is willing to adhere to them. Although Torvald is a victim of society, it's quite evident that he is happy and comfortable with the idea. Torvald has everything he could possibly want, and everything society could possibly expect him to have, in life. A family, a beautiful wife, a home, a good respectable job, which has given him a higher status in society, a office of his own, to do his man to man business, and plenty of money so that he can spoil his pet, Nora. This is the major reason why Torvald does not want to do anything such as "touch any case that isn't - well - nice" in case it affects his image and gives his name a bad reputation.
Torvald would do anything to stop having to "cut costs to an absolute minimum" and "save every cent", ever again. This is evident in the last scene when he tries to cover up Nora's actions, so it doesn't leave a bad mark against his name. " I must try to buy him off somehow. This thing must be hushed up at any price. " (Act 3, pg 94) Torvald tries his best to live up to every expectation society sets for him. The idea of maintaining a strong and crucial role in the family, is an image, which is important to Torvald. He feels if he maintains this image, he will be comfortably similar to everybody else, in society. As the male and husband of the family, he feels that it is his duty to be the breadwinner, the provider and the head of the household. "you will not find me lacking in strength or courage.
I am a man enough to bear the burden for us both. " (Act 2, pg 63) In Act 3, we are able to see how the affects of society have taken the toll on Torvald's moral thoughts. It would kill Torvald, to know that society was aware of Nora's actions. Torvald would feel ashamed that his own wife had to support him and save his life. "he's so proud of being a man- it'd be so painful and humiliating for him to know that he owed anything to me (Nora). " Society works in the opposite way, the man is to support his family and to protect them against any harm and danger. Torvald resides to the level of society and comments that "often I wish some terrible danger might threaten you, so I could offer my life and blood, everything, for your sake. " (Act 3, pg 92) Due to society's pressures and expectations Torvald's only opinion and way of thinking is the same as the society's stereotypical views. He knows no better.
In society, women are just there to take care of the children and please their husbands. The most obvious example which shows Torvald's need to follow to society's ideas and expectations, is when Nora dances the tarantella and we see Torvald's physical control over her. Nora pretends that she needs Torvald to teach her every move in order to relearn the dance. The reader knows this is an act, and it shows her submissiveness to Torvald. After he teaches her the dance, he tells Nora "When I saw you turn and sway in the tarantella- my blood was pounding till I couldn't stand it. " (Act 1), showing how he is more interested in Nora physically than emotionally.
When Nora responds by saying "Go away, Torvald! Leave me alone. I don't want all this. " (Act 1), Torvald asks, "Aren't I your husband?" (Act 1). By saying this, he is implying that one of Nora's duties, as his wife is to physically please him at his command. Both in Torvald's eyes and society's eyes, Nora, is merely a possession who like a pet can be played with affectionately until tired and given presents and treats to keep her happy. "Now, now! My little songbird mustn't droop her wings...
Is little squirrel sulking? Nora; guest what I've got here!" (Act 1, pg 25) Torvald's constant use of pet names throughout the play is an example of way he treats her like a child or a pet. Speaking to her and patronising her, belittling her, in order to make her look sweeter and precious in society's eyes. Making her seem like a better prize on Torvald's arm.
Torvald uses Nora to gain public interest and acceptance. "Main thing is- she had a roaring success. Was I going to let her stay, on after that and spoil the impression? I took my beautiful little Capri signorina - under my arm and the beautiful apparition disappeared. " (Act 3, pg 85) Torvald's need to be accepted into society is further shown when Torvald finds out about Nora and Krogstad's agreement. It's not only obvious Torvald is pathetically reliant of society to be happy and content, but it's now evident that Nora and Torvald's ideal home and marriage had been a fabrication for the sake of society.
Torvald voices society's opinions and crushes any false images that Nora had that he truly loved and cared for her. "As regards to our relationship- we must appear to be living together just as before. Only appear of course. " (Act 3, pg 94) In frustration Torvald tries to make sense of the situation, but not for Nora's sake, but for his own. Torvald's character and tone change dra...
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