A Doll's House

How is Torvald a victim of 19th century social expectations?

How is Torvald portrayed as a victim in the play A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen?

How is he a victim of societal expectations during the 19th century?

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Male gender expectations of this time period suggest an otherness between male patriarchy and their families. Torvald has built his middle-class living through his own work and not from family money. Focused on business, Torvald spends a great deal of his time at home in his study, avoiding general visitors and interacting very little with his children. In fact, he sees himself primarily as responsible for the financial welfare of his family and as a guardian for his wife.