In many literary works, there are characters in which portray both similarities and differences. In the Play "A Doll's House," by Henrik Ibsen, two of the characters have many oppositions and congruencies. These characters go by the names of Nora Helmer and Mrs. Linde. Ibsen characterizes these women by describing their comparable and contrasting personalities. He does this by describing their financial situations as well as their family lives. He describes these women, as opposites while in fact there are some distinct similarities. They share many of the same values and goals. Both Nora and Mrs. Linde are strong women with a weak exterior. Nora is described as a fragile woman that has been spoiled throughout her lifetime. The men in her life, her father and husband, have taken the roll of the authority figures. Nora is accustomed to relying on men to support and pamper her. She never has a care in the world. Though she appears to be content, in her heart she is not happy. She feels the urge to be set free to live her life the way she wants to, not they way her male authorities tell her to. A childhood friend of Nora's, Mrs. Linde, shares many of the same qualities. Both women have been having recent financial problems. Nora even mentions that she had to find a job as well as Mrs. Linde. She states, "Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crochet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing (Ibsen 360)." She says this as if she is disgusted by the fact that she must work to survive. Her husband gives her the idea that he is there to provide for her. Mrs. Linde's husband had passed away three years before and unfortunately left her without a dime. From this cause, Mrs. Linde had the same burdensome experience that Nora had to face. The two characters also have the characteristic of the desire for independence. While Nora found a way to "save her husband's life," by taking him to rest in the south, Mrs. Linde had to take over ...
