Contrasting Characterizations: Nora and Kristine in A Doll’s House

In literary works, authors create minor characters to enhance the text by providing the audience with a subplot to accompany the initial narrative. In addition to the main plot, the subplot can also formulate themes from the text. In A Doll’s House, Ibsen utilizes contrasting characteristics between Nora Helmer and Kristine Linde, regarding relationships, employment, and their status in society to emphasize his anticipative progression of women.

The perception of relationships differs greatly between Mrs. Linde and Nora. Nora understands relationships to be for love and the comfort of a companion, but Mrs. Linde searches for security. As Mrs. Linde discusses her husband’s death, Nora expresses her condolences, “Oh, you poor thing, what you

Linde is much more proficient than Nora. She comprehends the fact that her priorities must be in order if she desires to survive. Mrs. Linde begs Nora not to be angry with her when she admits, “One has nobody to work for, yet one has to be on the lookout all the time. Life has to go on, and one starts thinking only of oneself. Believe it or not, when you told me the good news about your step up, I was pleased not so much for you sake as for mine” (Ibsen 1817). Mrs. Linde’s response to Nora provides evidence that she has plenty experience with the outside world; she has had several occupations, as well encountering other issues. She does not allow her mother’s or husband 's death consume her. She understands that she has to be selfish because she can only depend herself, which is why when Nora shares her good news, Mrs. Linde admits that she sees it as an opportunity for her own excellence. Mrs. Linde figures The Helmer 's promotion could also benefit her. Unbeknownst to Nora, this is Mrs. Linde’s primary intention for the visit. Nora does not understand that until later though due to her lack of exposure to the demands of the outside world. Because she has never had to get a steady job, she cannot relate to Mrs. Linde regarding one 's own benefit through someone else 's breakthrough. Initially, Mrs. Linde does not think that Nora has any struggles. She is only subject to be at Mr. Helmer’s every request; in return, he provides her