A Dolls House

Nora and Torvald 's marriage is typical of couples in 17th Century England . In fact , their marriage embodies the social institution of that time . Whatever flaw or strength their relationship has , it is inextricably linked to the prevailing ideologies of the society they live in . A critique , therefore , of Nora and Torvald 's union would necessitate a probe into the accepted matrimonial roles men and women play in 17th Century England

One of the weak points of the couple 's marriage is the pride of the middle-class intellectuals , of which Torvald belongs

. The family crisis erupts when Torvald suddenly fell ill . Knowing her husband to be an obstinate man of morals , Nora is aware that her husband will never stoop down to borrow other people 's money . Torvald 's dignity and self-worth is much too lofty to accept help from other people . Torvald has his pride- most men have- he 'd be terribly hurt and humiliated if he thought he owed anything to me (Ibsen 161 ) Such was his distaste for any indication of weakness from his part that he easily snapped when he found out about Nora 's illegal loan . Torvald loathed his wife with utmost vile and rebuke calling her a hypocrite liar ' and criminal just because she tainted his much-cared for reputation . Torvald was so mad because Nora has ruined what he regards as his happiness and future Torvald 's world revolves only on his image . But no man would sacrifice his honor for the one he loves (Ibsen 230 ) He cannot bear the thought of surrendering his pride for anyone , not even for his wife who has unconditionally risked going to prison just to save his life

The first thing that Torvald thought after learning the truth was how he can salvage their image to the public . We must seem to go on just as before . but only in the eyes of the world of course . (Ibsen 221 .from now on there 'll be no question of happiness , but only of saving the ruin of it - the fragments - the mere fazade (Ibsen 222 Nora and Torvald 's union is friable because it lacks mutual respect and understanding . Torvald is an egomaniac fool who thinks it 's his lawful and god-given right to deride his wife and abuse her goodness

With Torvald 's self-centered machismo comes his error of misogyny Torvald grew up at a time when patriarchal superiority is the norm . Men think that their biological assignation grants them supremacy at home and in society . Case in point , all of Torvald 's terms of endearment to his wife pertain to a silly pet ( my little lark ' my little squirrel ' my little song bird . These labels speak so much of his condescending attitude towards his wife . The pet names are cute and cuddly , but they also connote helplessness and absurdity . Other foolish tag lines : little girl ' extravagant little person ' my little bride ' and little featherhead ' echo men 's infantilization of women in the family . Betty...