How Is Torvald Selfish

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Selfishness appears commonly in today's day and age. As William E. Gladstone, the Prime Minister of Great Britain says, “Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race.” In the play A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, each character represents a role in society. The protagonist in the story, Nora Helmer is married to a man by the name of Torvald. Torvald shows positive traits such as his caring personality. As Torvald says, “Nora, do you know that I’ve often wished you were facing some terrible dangers that I could risk life and limb, risk everything for your sake?” (57) He also shows negative traits and flaws. Torvald is a self centered man that only cares about his role and position in the society. Torvalds mistreatment of Nora displays …show more content…

He specifically shows his selfishness in the way he treats Nora. First, he treats her more as child then an adult. At points, Torvald calls Nora names such as, “My little Nora” and “Little Miss Stubbornshoes” (35). Torvald’s relationship with Nora seems more like father and daughter, rather than husband and wife; and because of this Torvald doesn't treat Nora like a true husband should. Torvalds selfishness correlates with his love for Nora and the way he treats her. Torvald doesn't truly love Nora. Instead, he uses her as a decoration, making him feel good about himself and his appearance in society. In addition, his selfishness is shown when he receives Krogstad's letter regarding Nora's forgery. Torvalds self-centered personality can be shown as he accuses her of damaging his good name rather than being grateful for the loans. Instead of acting calm about the situation he insults Nora and screams at her. As Torvald expresses, “You’re speaking like a child. You don’t understand the society you live in” (64). He once again, refers to her as a child and attempts to remind Nora of the kind of society they live in, in efforts to not ruin his own reputation. In addition he says, “You that I carried with my two hands throughout our entire marriage. Do you understand what you’ve done to me?” (59) Ultimately he doesn't show love for Nora and instead selfishly blames her for jeopardizing

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