A Doll House Essay

703 Words3 Pages
In A Doll House, Henrik Ibsen illustrates issues with deceitfulness and dishonesty. Nora manipulates and lies to her husband throughout their marriage. She always has something to hide from him. Nora ultimately learns from her mistakes and discovers her true self. Through her actions, interactions, and interactions with other characters Nora is characterized as manipulative and deceiving, yet a true friend. First, Ibsen reveals Nora as manipulative towards Torvald. She continually begs him for more money for the Christmas holiday. Torvald states, “payday isn’t till the end of the quarter,” and Nora replies, “That does matter. We can always borrow,” implying that they should borrow money for Christmas (Ibsen 1089). Additionally, when Torvald asks Nora what she wants for Christmas; she pretends that she does not want anything for herself. Then, he asks her again and again and she quickly says, “Some money, Torvald. Just as much as you think you can spare. Then I’ll buy myself something one of these days” (1090). She tries to convince Torvald into giving her more money for Christmas. Later, Nora is trying to keep Torvald from seeing the letter that Krogstad left in the mail box for him. When Torvald goes to see if there is any mail, Nora says, “No, no! Don’t Torvald!” (1129). She goes on, “I won’t be able to dance tomorrow if I don’t get to practice with you” (1129). She persuades her husband to practice with her so he will not check the letter box. Nora deliberately manipulates her husband for money and her own well-being. Nora also exposes a very devious side of herself. For instance, Torvald notices she is looking “a little-sly” and then he asks her if she has eaten any macaroons (Ibsen 1091). Nora responds, “No, really, Torvald,” but she is really hiding the macaroons from him (1091). Later, she confesses a secret to Mrs. Linde of borrowing money from someone.
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