In the drama play "A Doll House", Torvald appears as an overly controlling and degrading husband towards his wife, Nora. He becomes more authoritarian throughout the play, thus treating his wife more like a child than a woman. The interactions between Torvald and his wife come across more like a father speaking to his child. In his head, Torvald believes that he is better than others and his mentality is easily manifested through his actions not only towards Nora, but also towards others. Torvald is described as a moralist who believes that a husband should have the most power within a marriage. At the beginning of Act I, Torvald uses phrases considered degrading towards his wife. “When did my squirrel come in?” (Ibsen, 1106) Torvald seems to dehumanize his wife with nicknames. Although Nora continues the conversation as if it doesn't bother her, Torvald believes he has the most power in the relationship, thus speaking to Nora in a childish manner. Throughout this same scene, Torvald shows signs that his job is more important than what his wife asks of him. After Nora asks Torvald to come see what she bought, he replies that he “can’t be bothered” (Ibsen, 1106). Although Torvald then gets up to see what she has bought, it is clear that the money is more important than Nora's demands. Later in Act I, Torvald stereotypically describes women as frivolous spendthrifts. “Nora, Nora, how you look like a woman!” […] you know what I think. No debts! Never borrow! (Ibsen, 1107) In this scene, Torvald is vaguely alluding to the fact that women in general like to spend money in the relationship, while men are the breadwinners. Towards the end of Act I and the opening of Act II, Nora attempts to persuade her. int husband...... middle of paper ......8) Torvald sees himself as a husband who tries to protect his wife from everything. Ibsen's play, "A Doll's House" was heavily influenced by the gender roles of the 20th century, the era in which he chose to write the play itself. During her time, women were portrayed as inferior counterparts to men. “Women were denied participation in public life; their access to education was limited; their social life was tightly limited; and they could not legally do business, own property, or inherit. (A Doll's House) The way women were depicted in the 20th century reveals Ibsen's reasoning for creating such a husband, Torvald. Nora appears to be inferior to Torvald due to receding gender roles in previous generations. Throughout the play, Torvald undoubtedly provides evidence that he portrays Nora more as a child than a wife..