Gender and power

• Nora's gender and status as a wife is a driver of Torvald's dehumanisation, infantilism and power over her
• "Oh Nora, how like a woman"
• "It's incredible what an expensive pet she is for a man to keep"
• Women are expected to shoulder many burdens and not complain
• "Well, a wife can't borrow money without her husband's consent"
• Torvald's fragile manhood is a source of weakness and not strength as he believes he has the power and turns toxic
• "How painful and humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to know that he owed me anything"
• A03: married women were considered the property of their husbands in law and didn't receive the same education as men
• Torvald believes he has power over Nora and that she's fully submissive to him but her anagnorisis emphasises that she's gaining power and control of her life
• Their relationship is based off stereotypes - Nora a docile housewife and Torvald protective breadwinner
• Torvald says "Your wildly beating little heart will find peace with me"
• "It was great fun-almost like being a man"
• Nora wants more power and enjoys having control of her life but wants to protect her marriage and Torvald's power and masculinity
• "All this wonderful beauty that's mine, mine alone"
• Torvald tries to seduce Nora and take advantage of her - marital rape
• "Knitting... that's an ugly business"
• Torvald tries to convince Mrs Linde to try embroidery (everything a woman does is under the male gaze)
• "first and foremost you are a wife and mother" - torvald
• "I am first and foremost a human being" - Nora