A Doll's House
Henrik Ibsen
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Character Analysis: Nils Krogstad
For the majority of the play, we see Nils Krogstad as the antagonist. This is because of his cruel ways of manipulating Nora to make sure he achieves his agenda, which is to maintain his position at the bank and climb the corporate ladder to improve his reputation; all while using Nora to influence Torvald. In fact, both Torvald and Dr Rank call Krogstad “morally sick,” which then leads to Torvald lecturing Nora about how moral corruption comes from the mother. However, it is ironic that Torvald is disgusted towards Krogstad’s crime in forgery, yet Nora is in the same position as him. In fact, Ibsen makes explicit parallels between Nora and Krogstad; not only did they commit the same crime, they are also in the same position in the social hierarchy. This is because Nora believes that she has a certain amount of power over Torvald since she uses her position as a “helpless and naïve” woman to influence Torvald (and even boasts about it), and Krogstad believes that he has a level of power over the Helmers because he has the bond that shows Nora’s crime in forgery. However, both characters are suppressed by Torvald and society, whether it’s due to gender or social class.
As the play progresses, Krogstrad’s role as the “antagonist” slowly diminishes as Ibsen reveals his true motives. His moment of humanity is shown when he asks Nora: “Have you or your husband ever thought of (my children)?” after Torvald was fired. In fact, we see more of his human side when he reunites with Mrs Linde, showing that his bitterness has been caused by Mrs Linde marrying another man for financial reasons:
“When I lost you, it was just as if the very ground had given way under my feet. Look at me now – a shipwrecked man clinging to a spar.”
This shows that Krogstad isn’t as morally corrupt as society has portrayed him since he acknowledges his wrongdoings. In fact, it reveals that his motherless children are the main reason why he has been harsh to Nora since he wants to ensure that his children don’t have the same soiled reputation as him and therefore will not need to suffer like him. Thus, Ibsen uses this to show that the true antagonist is society for continuously branding Krogstad for being morally corrupt even though he has worked hard to clean up his reputation over the past few years.
Even if Krogstad’s methods were initially harsh, the significance of his character is reflected through Nora’s epiphany as she learns the cruel reality of the law, as well as learning the importance of honesty within a relationship.
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A Doll's House
Sample Essay
We are introduced to Nora Helmer, wife of Torvald Helmer, on Christmas Eve in Norway. She enters the room with an armful of packages and calls Torvald to look at what she bought. Shocked, he enters the living room and teasingly scolds her for her spending habits. Their conversation reveals that Torvald had recently been promoted to a bank manager, giving Nora a reason to indulge in shopping. They both reflect over the last few years when they were in a less privileged position.
Their conversation is interrupted by their maid, announcing the arrival of Dr Rank who is referred to Torvald’s study, and Mrs Linde, Nora’s old friend. Nora and Mrs Linde reconnect, explaining how Mrs Linde is widowed with no fortune or children. Nora then explains her struggle of receiving a loan so they could go on a vacation to save Torvald, as well as slowly paying off her debt. Meanwhile, Krogstad visits Torvald to discuss his position at the bank. However, Torvald conceals the details of their conversation, dismissing it as “bank business.” We then learn that Torvald is planning to dismiss Krogstad, forcing Nora to convince Torvald to not fire him.
After Christmas Eve celebrations, Nora is distressed over the thought of Torvald knowing her crimes, so she tries to distract herself with embroidery. She is interrupted with Dr Rank’s entrance, as he speaks about his impending death due to a disease in his spine. Nora considers using Dr Rank’s emotional vulnerability to inherit his wealth as she flirts with him. However, this leads to Dr Rank confessing his love to Nora, making her uncomfortable. Later, an angry Krogstad blackmails her by telling her he will reveal her crimes to Torvald if she can’t help Krogstad get his position back. Distressed, Nora considers committing suicide as Krogstad leaves the letter in the letter box. To distract Torvald from opening the letter box, she purposefully dances the tarantella wildly so he could “help” her practice for the party. Meanwhile, Mrs Linde learns of Nora’s crimes and offers to help her deal with Krogstad since they were once in love.
Mrs Linde reconnects with Krogstad and suggests the possibility of rekindling their love since both are widows. Krogstad excitedly accepts her offer, and Mrs Linde persuades him to leave the letter for Torvald since she believes it right for him to know. Once Krogstad leaves, Torvald returns, dragging Nora into the living room. Mrs Linde quietly urges Nora to tell Torvald the truth before leaving. Torvald goes to collect the letters. He eventually reads Krogstad’s letters, resulting in him verbally abusing Nora for destroying his happiness and career. However, he instructs Nora to stay so they can maintain their image. During his rage, Krogstad sends another letter with the bond, stating that he will no longer blackmail them. However, Nora finally realises that their marriage hasn’t been genuine; she desires independence and individuality. Distraught, Torvald initially dismisses this, before reluctantly letting Nora experience reality. She leaves with her belongings, slamming the front door.
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