Money, Power, and Patriarchy in Ibsen

Knowledge and evidence: In an increasingly industrialised Europe, power and money shifted to lawyers

and bankers such as Torvald The power of such individuals is depicted in the play when

Torvald becomes a bank manager: Both Nora and Torvald 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 Torvald discuss the need for frugality

Both she and Torvald discuss how his promotion will end their financial troubles