Although “A Doll House” by Henrik Ibsen is primarily about the topic, people are often too concerned with their reputations in society. This can lead to the destruction of a person. Ibsen’s play uses characters to highlight the need for reputation. Living a life that values reputation more than something, shows us that trustworthiness can come from living a life where you have a higher reputation than others. Ibsen demonstrates how Torvald and Mrs.Linde are worth their names in “A Doll’s House”. Ibsen’s character Torvald is shown in the play’s beginning as a disapproval for his over-obsession of reputation. Torvald is extremely concerned about his reputation. It’s what drives him and sets the tone for his actions. Torvald must have the world believe in his family before any conflict ever happens. Torvald makes Nora leave the party early because “she was successful, a tremendous success.” Did I have to allow her to stay? Spoil it! No thanks!” The scene shows the reader Torvald’s obsession about reputation. Torvald is determined to make a good impression at the party. Once that impression is made, he will leave Nora’s house. Ibsen shows that Torvald cares so much about how his coworkers read him, that he refuses Nora any influence. Your father’s reputation of being a public servant was not unfounded. My reputation is good, and I hope it will stay that way, so long as my office remains.” Torvald runs from the possibility of ruining his name and endangering his wife. His traits and dissatisfaction are seen as undesirable and unattractive by Torvald. Ibsen demonstrates that Torvald is not a person to be idolized. Torvald accepts his wife’s guilt and agrees to stay along. Ibsen uses this situation to expose Torvald’s true colors and not the sugar-coated act that he displayed during his happy marriage. This scene shows that Torvald doesn’t care about his marriage and is only concerned with how people can understand him after his wife is convicted of forgery. Torvald’s death is a direct result of the ending. Ibsen portrays Torvald as a critic of idolizing a perfect image.
Mrs. Linde, another main character of “A Doll’s House”, doesn’t care what society thinks about her reputation. Mrs. Linde’s character isn’t the “woman mold” Nora was expecting. She is “looking for work” when she arrives in town. The play was written in the era when men were believed to have been the workers and provided for the women. Mrs. Linde searches for work, eventually receiving a job at the bank. Mrs. Linde has no interest in how society sees her operating woman. She just needs to find a steady income. Through the entire book, she continues to care for her tolerance of society. She even does so after she marries Krogstad. Krogstad asked Mrs. Linde if she would do it. Tell me – are you familiar with my past?”, which Krogstad replies with a straight “Yes”. Krogstad is impure and has been convicted of a crime, but Mrs. Linde does not care about it. Like Torvald but not, Mrs. Linde puts love above honor. Ibsen considers Mrs. Linde’s positive action because he gives her a chance at a brighter future. Krogstad and Linde are considered outcasts by society. She said, “Nils. How would it look if we both shipwrecked folks could join forces?” Krogstad & Mrs. Linde have no involvement in their respective reputations. This proves that they are Nora & Torvald’s exact opposite. Krogstad and Linde end-up together, which means their relationship is one that everyone should emulate. Ibsen is impressed by Mrs. Linde & Krogstad’s relationships. They don’t judge love on how respectable the other one is, but on how much love they are willing to offer. Their eight-year relationship was ruined by Nora’s concern for her reputation. Ibsen points out that placing a reputation on others can lead to ruin. Instead, it is possible to build a bond of mutual understanding and love. Ibsen shows Nora some redeeming qualities towards ending the play, to get rid of her obsession with reputation. Torvald says that “nobody gives up his honor for the one they love,” and Nora responds with “Hundreds of thousands of women have.” Nora clearly recognizes her futile and absurd generosity. Nora is now aware that Torvald can always place his name above hers and that it has a huge impact on him. Ibsen uses dialogs to make the readers feel sorry for Nora. He also condemns putting reputation last. She recognizes that Torvald wasn’t worried about me, but what might happen. She is able to see the flaws in Torvald’s preoccupation and his image. Nora’s own views and opinions shine through when she confronts Torvald about the reputation. She criticizes Torvald’s inability to see his inner character and not be influenced by others.
This play concludes that “A Doll’s House”, the character, values their reputation more then others. Torvald only cared about his reputation and used his wife to build it. Mrs. Linde is another character who doesn’t care much about what others think about her. Krogstad was her only concern. Respecting each other is what makes reputation. What I have concluded is that people care more about their reputations than they do about others.
