discussion post on Drama

Torvald and Nora seem to be a happy couple at the outset of the play, but they do have completely different ideas about money. Nora immediately displays her attitude toward money, namely embracing immediate gratification and what might be mistaken as generosity. When she asks the porter the price for their services, Nora gives them a considerable tip (Ibsen, 1165). I say mistaken for generosity because Nora then immediately eats a pair of macaroons, which, even in the time the play was written, was a rather pricey dessert (Ibsen, 1165). This is due to the skill required to make them. We can see within the first few words and actions in the play, Nora doesn’t really care about the cost of things, aside from having the money to purchase them in the first place. Most of her dialogue in the opening pages of the play, and her talk with Mrs. Linde, revolve around not needing to worry about how she spends money anymore due to her husband’s promotion (Ibsen, 1167-1169).

            Torvald is the exact opposite. He clearly is frugal and prefers not to overspend. While he clearly has affection for his wife and does realize she is often indulgent, it doesn’t seem to affect their relationship much. I imagine this is due to the year this play takes place, likely around 1879 when it was written, where Torvald likely would have been in complete control of the family’s finances. One of the first things Torvald says is, “Still, you know, we can’t spend money recklessly” (Ibsen, 1165). Torvald teases Nora about her being unable to save money a little later in the conversation (Ibsen, 1166). Torvald also plainly states his attitude against debt and borrowing money as well (Ibsen, 1165). The couple are clearly polar opposites when it comes to how they view money. As one might expect, a problem begins to present itself regarding these attitudes near the end of the first act.