At this moment, we are studying "A Doll's House" by Ibsen. I have yet to get to the end of the play but much has already been revealed of the characters. From the exposition Ibsen has made it seem as the family's room is quite ordinary, with typical furnishings. However the line "furnished inexpensively, but with taste" tells me that this family is quite wealthy but would like to be higher up in the social ladder. Their wealth is further supported when Ibsen mentions that they own a piano, "handsomely" bound books, carpet, many doors and a separate study which suggests that the man of the house focuses much of his time on work.
Nora's entrance is very cliché of a housewife, cheerfully bursting in the room, humming a small tune. Just like the room, Nora at first seems very normal. However we soon see that she is hiding something when she secretly eats macaroons.
When Helmer (Nora's husband) talks to Nora he treats her like a doll, something to tease and admire but not treat as an equal. He shows this through the diminutive names he calls Nora. Such as: "skylark", something beautiful and a "squirrel", something always trying to scavenge. He comes across as a man driven by work as he is always busy "I'm busy!". Helmer is also shown to be a man whose actions and emotions are greatly affected by society’s expectations. He works hard for more money and higher social status. Helmer is sensitive and always will have a need for acception and respect by the people around him. "There's something constrained, something ugly even, about a home that's founded on borrowing and debt."
Nora and Helmer's relationship from what I've read all looks like a show. They want to seen like a happy normal cliché couple and in the process try to burry their troubles to stay seemingly happy and fine in the eyes of others. They need each other to fulfil their own fantasies of a perfect life. However their love for each other is not true and neither is the happiness they think they have together. This idea has come from the theme of their conversations, which are mainly about money and status. Unlike real loving relationships, they talk little about each others real troubles and emotions.
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