Power & money

• In an increasingly industrialised Europe, power and money shifted to lawyers and bankers such as Helmer - The power of such individuals is depicted when Helmer becomes a bank manager - Both Nora and Helmer know this increases their social power dramatically - Nora is excited at the thought of her husband’s control over Krogstad - She enthuses about the “pots and pots” of money they will have 
• Ibsen exposes bourgeoisie attitudes to wealth and security in the play - While Nora’s large house and staff suggest her comfortable position, she and Helmer discuss the need for frugality - Both she and Helmer discuss how his promotion will end their financial troubles
• Helmer uses his power and money to control Nora - He suggests he will increase her allowance if she acts in a pleasing way - He criticises her inability to budget, suggesting she is extravagant with his money - This becomes ironic when Nora reveals to Mrs Linde that she has budgeted so carefully she has been able to meet all her loan payments 
• Nora - restricted access to money in a patriarchal society reflects her powerlessness - She tells Torvald all she wants for Christmas is her own money - She is proud that she acquired a loan and paid for her husband’s convalescence - It made her feel almost like a man
• Ibsen further explores the limitations of money and power through Mrs Linde and Krogstad - both struggling single widowers
• Mrs Linde & Krogstad - Both lose social power as a result of circumstances beyond their control - With limited choices they make personal sacrifices in order to support themselves and their families
• Krogstad - Threat to Nora is a result of his own powerlessness and a need for social mobility
• A Doll’s House challenges patriarchal restrictions on women’s financial agency
• Ibsen challenges the social constructs that lead to crime and personal sacrifice
• The play exposes hypocrisies and weaknesses amongst those with more power than others
• Ibsen comments on 19th-century social and financial hierarchies 
• Desire for security leading to sacrifices and limitations in individual choices