Theme - Money

Money is a key theme that runs throughout the entirety of both texts and ultimatly fuels the drama and tragedy that occurs in the final resolutions of the plays.

A DOLLS HOUSE

Torvald

• As Torvald is a victim of 19th century ideals, he places his worth and value in society on the money that he earns and the company that he keeps. He is the breadwinner of the family, and provides for Nora and the children although he is rarely seen to interact with them. 
• Like many others in a 19th century society, he belives that money should be earned legitamitly and that borrowing money brings shame upon him and his family which is shown through 'No debts, never borrow!'  and 'There's always something inhibited, something unpleasant, about a home built on credit and borrowed money.' which is ironic as the house and marriage was unpleasent anyway and foreshadows the disintegration of their family at the end of Act 3 when Nora leaves. 

Nora

• Although Nora seems to be a spendthrift at the beginning of Act One, we soon learn that she is coveting money to pay back the debt that she earned when borrowing money from Krogstad to save Torvald's life.
• Unlike Torvald, Nora doesn't see the importance of money regarding status in society and has flippant, carefree attitude towards it which is shown through 'Pooh! We can always borrow in the meantime' which is an attitude that is met with horror. 
• Money is the ultimate catalyst which enables the process of Nora to leave Torvals and her children behind, disregarding 19th century society and it's strict rules. 

Mrs. Linde

• Mrs. Linde has a conventional attitude towards money and marriage which is that married women should not handle money, and should consult their husbands before doing so as she has been conditioned to think that her gender is of the weaker sex which is what 19th century society has taught her. 
• In many ways, Mrs. Linde is unconventional as she is the breadwinner for herself as she has been left alone with no husband and no family as they are all long deceased. 'I have no father to fall back on for the money, Nora.'
• Mrs. Linde thinks in ways of practicality, basing her relationships on money and the benefits that it can bring herself and her family, selflessly sacrificing her real true love Nils Krogstad. 

Krogstad

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