orvald Helmer, Ibsen shows how men dominated women both at home and in public life. Helmer represents the traditional husband who wants to control his wife’s actions, thoughts, and behavior. His character helps Ibsen expose the unfair system of patriarchy in nineteenth-century society.

Helmer’s Controlling Nature: From the beginning of the play, Helmer treats Nora more like a child than an equal partner. He gives her sweet nicknames like “my little skylark” and “my little squirrel.” Though these names sound loving, they actually show his attitude of superiority. He thinks of Nora as a doll that always needs to be taken care of. Helmer decides what Nora should eat, spend, and even think. For example, he scolds her for eating macaroons. It shows his need to control even her smallest actions. This behavior reflects the male-dominated society of that time, where women were expected to obey men without question.

Marriage as a Power Relationship: In Helmer’s eyes, marriage is not a partnership but a system where the man is the ruler and the woman is the follower. He often reminds Nora that she has duties as a wife and mother. He says:

“Nora! The same little featherhead.”

When Torvald calls Nora a featherhead, it means he does not think she is smart. Her thoughts are just empty fluff, like birds' feathers. When Torvald learns about Nora’s secret loan, instead of understanding her sacrifice, he only worries about his own reputation. He says,

“Do you understand now what it is you have done for me?”

He thinks that Nora has destroyed all his happiness and reputation. His reaction proves that he cares more about social image than about love or equality. He even thinks that Nora is immoral and unfit to be the mother of his children. Helmer’s attitude represents a society where the husband’s pride and authority mattered more than the wife’s emotions or struggles.

The Importance of Social Reputation: Helmer’s character also shows how the male ego was tied to public reputation. As a bank manager, he values respect and status above all else. When Krogstad threatens to reveal Nora’s loan, Helmer becomes terrified of public shame. His fear of society reflects how men were controlled by the expectations of the outside world, while women were trapped inside the home. In this way, Ibsen shows that patriarchy not only limits women but also forces men to live dishonestly. Men care more about appearances than truth.

Nora’s Rebellion and Ibsen’s Message: In the end, Nora realizes that Helmer never truly loved her as a human being. When he forgives her only after the danger is over, she sees that his forgiveness is selfish, not genuine. Her decision to leave the house is a bold rejection of male domination. She says:

“I cannot spend the night in a strange man's room.”

Through this act, Ibsen gives a voice to women who were treated as dolls in their own homes. Helmer, therefore, stands as the perfect example of the proud, controlling husband whose authority destroys real love and equality.

In conclusion, Torvald Helmer represents the typical male of a patriarchal society—outwardly kind but inwardly proud and dominating. His treatment of Nora shows how women were denied independence and treated as property. Through Helmer, Ibsen criticizes the false values of marriage and the injustice of male power. By making Nora walk out at the end, he declares that true freedom and self-respect are more important than social rules or male authority.