Question

Comment on the relationship between Mrs Linde and Nils Krogstad, and the decisions made by them.

Answer 1

1. A relationship in the past, which could not thrive due to the sacrifice of personal happiness that Mrs Linde had to make for the sake of her family (which is also a recurrent idea in the play).
2. Krogstad interpreted her marriage as a rejection of him and a betrayal.
3. Comment: Mrs Linde’s choice of marrying a wealthier man was not what she wanted but a necessity of the times - the limited social choices available to women, and the roles and expectations placed on women by society in general—struggles for women’s self-identity in a patriarchal society.
4. The plot is set in motion by her appearance in Helmer household as she seeks a job in Torvald’s bank - Torvald thinks of giving Krogstad’s job to Linde after dismissing him from the bank - the job Mrs Linde seeks would replace Krogstad which sets the blackmail into action.
5. Without children or responsibilities as such she seeks work in order to make ends meet and find some purpose in life. Her life is seemingly a complete contrast to the sheltered life led by Nora.
6. Mrs Linde suggests that even the dishonourable man needs to earn a living and that is the time we as readers get a whiff of her relationship with Krogstad.
7. Mrs Linde's unconventional action of proposing to Krogstad, a widower with several children, a doubtful reputation and no money is most likely a marriage of convenience to guard against the loneliness in old age.
8. Mrs Linde’s offer is sincere and independent of the situation involving Nora. Mrs Linde has it in her power to avert the disclosure of Nora's forgery by persuading Krogstad to withdraw his incriminating letter to Helmer, but she does not do so - believes in honesty and that the Helmers must recognise the truth about themselves.
9. Mrs Linde and Krogstad’s possible relationship seems to be a complete contrast to Nora and Helmer’s - by clearing up the past and acceptance of each other’s failings there is hope that lies and manipulation are not essential.