Evaluate Helmer as a representative of the male-dominating society.

Answer

Evaluate Helmer as a representative of the male-dominating society.

Henrik Ibsen’s (1828-1906) play A Doll’s House (1879) is one of the first modern plays that questions the position of women in society. Through the character of Torvald Helmer, Ibsen shows how men dominated women both at home and in public life. Helmer represents the traditional husband who wants to control his wife’s actions, thoughts, and behavior. His character helps Ibsen expose the unfair system of patriarchy in nineteenth-century society.

Helmer’s Controlling Nature: From the beginning of the play, Helmer treats Nora more like a child than an equal partner. He gives her sweet nicknames like “my little skylark” and “my little squirrel.” Though these names sound loving, they actually show his attitude of superiority. He thinks of Nora as a doll that always needs to be taken care of. Helmer decides what Nora should eat, spend, and even think. For example, he scolds her for eating macaroons. It shows his need to control even her smallest actions. This behavior reflects the male-dominated society of that time, where women were expected to obey men without question.

Marriage as a Power Relationship: In Helmer’s eyes, marriage is not a partnership but a system where the man is the ruler and the woman is the follower. He often reminds Nora that she has duties as a wife and mother. He says:

“Nora! The same little featherhead.”

When Torvald calls Nora a featherhead, it means he does not think she is smart. Her thoughts are just empty fluff, like birds’ feathers. When Torvald learns about Nora’s secret loan, instead of understanding her sacrifice, he only worries about his own reputation. He says,

“Do you understand now what it is you have done for me?”

He thinks that Nora has destroyed all his happiness and reputation. His reaction proves that he cares more about social image than about love or equality. He even thinks that Nora is immoral and