To meet the needs of others, characters are often faced with making importantdecisions. In A Dolls House, Nora, Mrs. Linden, and the nurse must all make decisionscrucial to the importance of their lives. It is very evident throughout the story that thesewomen must give up important aspects of their lives not only for themselves, but also forothers. The nurse is a key importance in Noras life. She has been the only mother Norahas known. In order to be Noras mother, however, the nurse ultimately had to give upher own child. When Nora is speaking with the nurse at one point, she asks, How couldyou have the heart to put your own child out among strangers? The nurse tells her thatshe had to do it in order to take care of little Nora. The nurse plays a major role in thelives of Nora’s children also. She is responsible for being their mother when Nora is toobusy to deal with them. Now that Nora is leaving, the nurse has no other choice but to bea mother to these children. Nora is certain that her children are in good hands and will beraised well by the nurse. By raising Nora, and now Noras children, the nurse seems toaccept the fact that she gave up her own life to benefit others. Mrs. Linden is one of the strongest female characters in the story. She knows thatwork is hard, but it is something she needs in her life in order for happiness. In the finalscenes, the reader discovers that Krogstad and Mrs. Linden were once in love. The onlydownfall to this is Mrs. Linden was forced to give up her love to Krogstad for a wealthyman. Mrs. Linden tries to make Krogstad understand why she had to leave him when shetells him, You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two little brothers. Wecouldnt wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed hopeless then. Mrs. Linden has spenther entire life working to support her mother and brothers. She now realizes that work hasbeen her only real pleasure in life, and now that her mother has passed away and herbrothers are grown, she needs someone to work for and be appreciated by. This is shownwhen she tells Krogstad that she would love to be with him again and have someone towork for. Nils, give me someone and something to work for. After Krogstad agrees tocontinue seeing Mrs. Linden, she is overwhelmed with joy. In the end, Nora is faced with leaving behind her children and husband. She doesthis because she finally sees that something must be done for herself. She tells Torvald, Ibelieve that before all else, I am a reasonable human being, or that I must try to becomeone. Nora knows that the nurse, rather than herself, will raise her children well. Sheunderstands that the nurse can be a better mother to the children at this point in her life. When Torvald asks if she is taking the children with her, she responds by, I wont see thelittle ones. I know they are in better hands than mine. As I am now, I can be of no use tothem. Nora feels it is very necessary to leave her husband. Throughout the story, Norafelt as though Torvald would rescue and comfort her when she exposes her secret. Whenhe reacts the opposite way, Nora realizes she can no longer live with him. Torvald tells herhe would do anything for her, but, No man would sacrifice his honor for the one heloves. This statement is evidence to Nora that she was not first priority in his life. Theonly thing he was worried about was how he looked to society. When she decides toleave, she sees what she was to Torvald. I have existed merely to perform tricks for you, Torvald. Its your fault that I have made nothing of my life. This play expresses many themes, one of them being sacrifice. The nurse, Nora, and Mrs. Linden each possess a strong character, illustrating the hardship they each facein giving things up to meet the needs of themselves and others.
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