👨 Masculinity & Power

  • Torvald aestheticises reality — blind to social truths.

  • Described as “sensual and egotistical.”

  • Attracted to Nora’s fragility.

  • Wants exclusive possession of her.

  • Fantasises about her as virgin/mistress.

  • Believes he can “bear the burden for both.”

  • Cannot imagine equality in marriage.

  • Reflects performative masculinity rooted in honour culture.

  • Honour ideology: woman’s purity tied to male status.