Is Helmer ‘a monster’ or do you
find sympathy for him?
Helmer is one of the central characters of A Doll’s House. At the beginning of the play he is seen as the loving husband, a little patronising, but kind and caring nevertheless. However, by the end of the play our views of him have changed, he is not seen as such an admired figure. Throughout the play there are times were Helmer is a bigot and this gives you a sordid view of his character.
Helmer is a typical nineteenth century respectable husband. He follows the rules society has set; this is how he has been brought up. A very stereotypical man of this patriarchal time. You cannot condemn him for this, nor can you dismiss it. He has fitted this role without consideration. Although the people of the time had the desire for social approval, Helmer takes this to the extreme and is guilty of elitism.
He treats his wife as a pet “my little squander-bird” and “little squirrel” to use, but two of the many times he speaks of her as more of a possession rather than a wife a person. He enjoys this role, he loves being in control and his security depends on this superior feeling. This dominance over Nora is further shown to the audience in the games he plays with her and moreover in the way he holds financial control, he holds the purse strings, therefore has the power. He dresses Nora up and makes her dance the tarantella at a party, then on their return proceeds to tell her, “I pretend to myself that you’re my secret mistress” this shows he treats his wife with little respect, regard and is very arrogant in his approach to her. However, Nora plays up to this role at several points in the playing saying things like “I can’t get anywhere without your help.” He has knowledge far greater than hers giving him a further hold over her. She is dependant on Helmer to guide her to some extent and Helmer gladly fulfils this role. The most obvious way Helmer upholds his authority over Nora is with money, he playfully reprimands her for spending so much, but enjoys having this hold over her. Money is a key theme throughout the play and ultimately destroys the marriage. Helmer’s attitude at the end of the play shows a great deal about him and shows he is a finally monster. Nora is willing to lay down her life for Helmer, but he is unwilling to do the same for her. He does not support her at the time she needs it most and lets her down at the most crucial point.
