Nora Helmer, in Henrick Ibsens A Doll House seems like a nave character that doesnt have knowledge of the outside world and the importance of life. She sounds like a happy person that hasnt gone through hardship, and doesnt know how to make the right choices for herself. When she starts to realize that life shouldnt be like this, we see that she isnt as happy as she seems. Ibsen uses her husband Torvald Helmer to criticize Nora Helmers choices.
Ibsen has an intelligent way of criticizing the choices Nora makes by using Torvald to insult her decisions. Nora says, Come in here Torvald, see what Ive bought. (I.37-39) Torvald then responds, Has my little spendthrift been spending money again? (I.41) She doesnt take criticism from her husband as a negative, but instead reacts affectionately to her husband. Torvald also calls Nora, silly girl many times. He calls her silly girl because of the choices Nora makes like with the familys money, which she spends carelessly.
In the beginning, Nora seems excited about her husbands new job and the money it will bring her family, and instead of using it wisely she thinks that she can use it for extra items. After Torvald argues with Nora for a bit about how she cant be reckless with the money they are getting, Nora says, Yes Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, maynt weyou are going to have a big salary(I.46-48). Torvald then responds, Yes, after the new year(I.49-50) Nora then responds, Pooh! We can borrow until then! (I.51) Nora thinks that the extra money can be used for anything even though Torvald wants to save it.
Helmer says, You cant deny itits a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a great deal of money. Nora then replies, Its a shame to say that, I really do save all I can. (I.124) Helmer then says, Youre an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and as soon as you got it, it melts in your hands. (I.129-134) He criticizes Nora for always taking the money away from him, but then he confuses her by being nice to her afterwards. Nora says, Ah, I wish I had inherited many of my papas qualities. (I.135) Helmer then says, and I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, my sweet little skylark. (I.136-137)
Towards the end, Nora becomes more rebellious towards Helmers reactions. Helmer makes comments such as, Doesn't she look remarkably pretty? Everyone thought so at the dance. But she is terribly self-willed, this sweet little person. What are we to do with her? You will hardly believe that I had almost to bring her away by force. (3.186-189). These comments usually would make Nora pleased, but now she wants to be alone and doesnt want him to make comments such as those. She responds, Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it were only for half an hour. (3.190-191)
Although in the end, Nora gets her way of leaving her doll-like life, the past will never go away. She has lived her life in a trapped world where she didnt get to experience the outside world. She was also greatly criticized by her husband about how she isnt able to handle money, and even though she is leaving her doll-like life it will always stay with her in some way. Ibsens used Helmer to be critical of Noras choices.
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