A Doll's House By Henrik Ibsen

Trovold Helmer is a key character in Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” who. He is obviously the head figure of the Helmer family, but he does not always treat his wife as if she were his right hand in the family. He is clearly knowledgeable in the realm of money. He is not stingy, but is cautious with money and warns Nora, his wife, to do the same. In fact, he practically complains about the way she spend money without concern for the next day. Trovold explains to her “Suppose… I borrowed fifty pounds today… then on New Year’s Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me” (Ibsen 1.770). Of course, she did not like the scenario, but he still makes his argument. Furthermore, as a husband, Trovold treats Nora as a child. He questions her loyalty

She proves to have very little respect for the limitations set for the women of her society and time. She regards money as something that allows them to “be a bit more reckless” (1.770). Nora practically does not recognize money’s negative influence on life, as she seemingly borrows it without her husband’s consent, which was also illegal at the time. She seems to have good interest and motivation, but she is reckless and childish in her finances. Lastly, the reader finds very quickly that Nora surrounds herself with secrets, and not good secrets. Even though this is made clear to the reader, she denies it to her husband Trovold. When he confronts her about eating macaroons she responds with a repetition of denial; “No, I assure you… No, certainly not… No Trovold, I assure you really” (1.772). Knowing that she is lying allows the reader to conclude to her deceptive attitude towards satisfying her husband. These secrets that she surrounds herself with become the main plot of the drama, but they also reveal the true deceptive nature of Nora, rather than the humble submissive preset that her society has in