A Doll's House

What literary device is used when Dr. Rank says he at the next party he will be "invisible"?

A metaphor is used when Dr. Rank says he at the next party he will be "invisible".

According to Krogstad, what effect did the separation have on him?

According to Krogstad, the separation caused Krogstad to become "a shipwrecked man clinging to some wreckage".

According to Nora, what would be the "greatest miracle of all"?

According to Nora, the "greatest miracle of all" would be Torvald taking responsibility for Nora's actions.

According to Torvald, what is Nora's primary responsibility? What is it according to Nora? Who do you agree with? Why?

According to Torvald, Nora's primary responsibility is to be a wife and mother. According to Nora, her primary responsibility is to be a human being. I agree with Nora because you do not have to be a wife or a mother but you are still responsible for them, at least your children.

According to Torvald, what would someone like Krogstad need to do in order to be forgiven?

According to Torvald, someone like Krogstad would have to confess his fault and take the punishment in order to be forgiven.

Why was Anne-Marie forced to give up her own child?

Anne-Marie was forced to give up her own child because it was to give up her job or give up her child.

Who does Christine believe to be the source of the loan money?

Christine believes Dr. Rank to be the source of the loan money.

Why does Christine have faith in Krogstad?

Christine has faith in Krogstad because they can both help each other.

Why is Christine waiting for Krogstad?

Christine is waiting for Krogstad because she needs to talk to him.

What does Christine offer to do in order to help Nora?

Christine offers to go talk to Krogstad in order to help Nora.

Why does Christine tell Krogstad if she gave up her position at the bank it wouldn't benefit him?

Christine says that if she gave up her position at the bank it would not benefit him because it wouldn't give Krogstad his job back.

Why does Christine tell Krogstad to leave the letter for Torvald to find?

Christine tells Krogstad to leave the letter for Torvald to find so Nora and Torvald can be honest with each other and hopefully fix their relationship.

Why does Christine tell Nora that Torvald learning the truth is the best thing for both Nora and Torvald?

Christine tells Nora that Torvald learning the truth is the best thing for both Nora and Torvald because she thinks that it will improve their marriage and you should not keep secrets from your spouse.

Why does Christine want to meet Krogstad at the Helmers' house?

Christine wants to meet Krogstad at the Helmers' house because she has no private entrance to her room and they are alone at the Helmers' house.

How does Dr. Rank blaming his father for his current illness reinforce the theme of parental influence?

Dr. Rank blaming his father for his current illness reinforces the theme of parental influence because when ever something goes wrong, the person blames it on his father like Dr. Rank did.

How does Dr. Rank demonstrate his feelings for Nora when he says she could attend the next masquerade party as "Charmed Life"?

Dr. Rank demonstrates his feelings for Nora when he says she could attend the next masquerade party as "Charmed Life" because he is he knows the real her and thinks she perfect.

How does Dr. Rank describe Krogstad?

Dr. Rank describes Krogstad by saying that he is morally diseased.

Why does Dr. Rank leave a calling card with a black cross over the name?

Dr. Rank leaves a calling card with a black cross over the name because he thinks he is going to die.

Why does this prevent her from asking him for money to repay the loan?

Dr. Rank telling Nora his feelings for her prevents her from asking him to repay the loan because it freaks Nora out and helps her realize how wrong it is.

Do you agree or disagree with Torvald's assertion that "when it really counts, I have strength and courage enough as a man to take on the whole weight myself"? What evidence from the text supports your opinion?

I agree with Torvald's assertion that "when it really counts, I have strength and courage enough as a man to take on the whole weight myself". The evidence from the text that supports my opinion is that until recently both Nora and Torvald believe that Torvald is man of the family and supports the family.

Do you agree or disagree with Nora's statement: "A man handles these problems so much better than a woman—." Would Torvald agree or disagree? Why?

I do not agree with Nora's statement: "A man handles these problems so much better than a woman" because woman can handle money. Torvald would agree with Nora's statement because he feels that woman are not capable of doing things.

In the context of the story, why is it appropriate for Nora to call her children dolls and then play with them?

In the context of the story, it is appropriate for Nora to call her children dolls and then play with them because Torvald does the same with her.

How much time has passed between Act II and Act III?

It has been 12 hours or a day on the evening of December 26 between Act II and Act III.

What is ironic when Torvald tells Nora:"A songbird needs a clean beak to warble with. No false notes"?

It is ironic when Torvald tells Nora: "A songbird needs a clean beak to warble with. No false notes" because Nora has her secrets or "false notes".

Who does Krogstad blame for forcing him back into deceitful actions? Why does he say he can never forgive this person?

Krogstad blames Torvald for forcing him back into deceitful actions. He says that he can never forgive Torvald because he wants Nora to worry.

Why is Krogstad confident Torvald will give into the blackmail?

Krogstad is confident that Torvald will give into the blackmail because he will ruin Torvald and Nora's reputation.

What causes Krogstad to be terse with Christine when he first enters?

Krogstad is terse with Christine when he first enters because Christine left Krogstad for a rich, older man many years ago.

What does Krogstad plan to do with Nora's note? Why?

Krogstad plans to give Torvald Nora's note. He wants to do this so he can get the money from Torvald.

What does Krogstad say he will do if Nora does decide to commit suicide?

Krogstad says that if Nora decides to commit suicide, he will still take the power form Torvald.

What makes Krogstad suspect Christine's motives?

Krogstad suspect Christine's motives because Christine left him many years ago.

Why is Krogstad's position at the bank so vitally important for him?

Krogstad's position at the bank is so vitally important for him because he committed a crime and worked hard to earn a job so if he loses his job he will be kicked to the bottom again.

What is happening in Mrs. Linde's life to make her feel "unspeakably empty"? What is she seeking from Nora?

Mrs. Linde feels "unspeakably empty" because she has nobody to take care of and live for due to the death of her husband and her brothers growing up. Mrs. Linde is seeking a job at the bank from Nora.

What does Nora accredit for Dr. Rank's illness?

Nora accredits Dr. Rank's father being a man "who committed all sorts of excesses" for Dr. Rank's sickness of his spine.

Who does Nora believe will take the blame for her actions if she commits suicide? Do you agree? Why?

Nora believes that Christine or Torvald will take the blame for her actions if he commits suicide. I do not agree because Nora should take responsibility for her own actions.

What does Nora believe Torvald will do if he finds out about the loan?

Nora believes that if Torvald finds out about the loan, Torvald will pay the rest of the loan for her.

Why does Nora blame her father and Torvald for her lack of individuality?

Nora blames her father and Torvald for her lack of individuality because she realizes they treated her like she was a doll.

Why did Nora choose to stop telling Torvald about her friends?

Nora chooses to stop telling Torvald about her friends because he does not listen and felt that Nora's friends stole her from him.

How does Nora demonstrate her quick ability with deception when Torvald opens the mailbox?

Nora demonstrates her quick ability with deception when Torvald opens the mailbox because she tries to keep him away from the mail.

How has Nora managed to make the payments on the loan? What does this demonstrate about her character?

Nora has managed to make payments on the loan by taking the money that Torvald has given her for clothes and taking odd jobs such as embroidery. This demonstrates that Nora's character is strong and hard working but also secretive. She is also smart and resourceful with money.

Why does Nora have trouble recognizing Christine Linde?

Nora has trouble recognizing Christine Linde since they have not seen each other in a long time and Christine looks older.

What is Nora planning to do when she heads for the door as Torvald reads his mail?

Nora is planning on leaving and saying goodbye to the children when she heads for the door as Torvald reads his mail.

Why is Nora pleased to learn Krogstad works for Torvald's bank?

Nora is pleased to learn that Krogstad works for Torvald's bank because Krogstad is the one who Nora owes money to and she thinks that if Torvald is his boss then Torvald can get rid of Nora's loan for her.

Why is Nora unable to retrieve Krogstad's letter herself? What does this indicate about Nora and Torvald's relationship?

Nora is unable to retrieve Krogstad's letter herself because it is in the mailbox, which has a lock on it. This indicates that at times Torvald does not trust Nora.

Why is Nora unperturbed when she learns Christine was unable to speak with Krogstad?

Nora is unperturbed when she learns Christine was unable to speak with Krogstad because she still thinks something good is going to happen.

Why does Nora refuse to allow Torvald to contact her?

Nora refuses to allow Torvald to contact her because she wants to move on and start over.

Why does Nora refuse to see her children at the end of Act I?

Nora refuses to see her children at the end of Act I because she does not want to poison them like Torvald says people like her will.

Why does Nora say borrowing the money from a friend would have created an "intolerable situation"?

Nora says that borrowing the money from a friend would have created an "intolerable situation" because it would not be right to do so.

Why does Nora say she has thirty-one hours to live?

Nora says that she has thirty-one hours to live because she only has around thirty-one hours until Torvald finds out about the loan.

How does Nora symbolically absolve Torvald of any responsibility once she leaves?

Nora symbolically absolves Torvald of any responsibility once she leaves by giving him her wedding ring and taking his wedding ring back.

Why does Nora tell Krogstad she has little influence with her husband?

Nora tells Krogstad that she has little influence with her husband because she does not want to help him and she wants Krogstad to believe that she does not have influence.

What technique does Nora use to draw Torvald into a conversation about Krogstad (p. 34)? How would a modern day audience react to this scene?

Nora uses playing dumb, begging a little, sucking up to Torvald, and basically manipulation to draw Torvald into a conversation about Krogstad. A modern day audience will not like the scene because Nora manipulates Torvald and it is sexist.

How will Nora be affected by Torvald's attitude about this topic?

Nora will be affected by Torvald's attitude about this topic because it disturbs her because she knows what she did and she does not want to destroy her home or children.

Why would Nora like to be able to rip apart the masquerade clothes? How is her life like a masquerade at this point?

Nora would like to be able to rip apart the masquerade clothes because they are old, damaged, and a costume. Nora's life is a masquerade at this point because she is acting like everything's fine when it is not and is hiding herself from the world.

Compare Nora and Torvald's attitudes toward borrowing and debt. What does this indicate about their personalities?

Nora's attitude about borrowing and debt is that it is ok since they will pay it back but Torvald's attitude about borrowing and debt is that is not ok at all. This indicates that they have different personalities.

Why is Nora's comment "Hm, if you only knew what expenses we larks and squirrels have, Torvald" an example of foreshadowing?

Nora's comment "Hm, if you only knew what expenses we larks and squirrels have, Torvald" is an example of foreshadowing because Nora has expenses from her loan plus what Torvald expects her to have to pay for.

What is Nora's defense for committing her crime? Is this a valid defense?

Nora's defense for committing her crime is that she did it for love, to save her dying father from anxiety and to save her husband's life. This is a valid defense, but what she did is still against the law.

How does Nora's description of her marriage on page 66 relate to the title of the play?

Nora's description of her marriage on page 66 relates to the title of the play because Torvald played with Nora like she was a doll.

What does Nora's lie about the source of the macaroons indicate about her?

Nora's lie about the source of the macaroons indicates that she is secretive and can lie whenever she wants to.

How does Nora's questioning of religion and the law show more evidence of change in her character?

Nora's questioning of religion and the law shows more evidence of change in her character because before she accepted it as it was but now she is questioning it because she does not understand.

How does Nora's response to Torvald "there's no use forbidding me anything" prove she is a dynamic character?

Nora's response to Torvald "there's no use forbidding me anything" proves she is a dynamic character because at the start of the play she would listen to Torvald but since she said this, it shows that she has changed.

How does Nora show herself to be a more mature character when she tells Torvald "You're not going to suffer for my sake. You're not going to take on my guilt"?

Nora's shows herself to be a more mature character when she tells Torvald "You're not going to suffer for my sake. You're not going to take on my guilt" because she takes responsibility for her actions.

How does Nora's statement "I believe that, before all else, I'm a human being, no less than you—or anyway, I ought to try to become one" express the major theme in the play? Why would this statement have been controversial in the time period in which the play was first written and produced? Would it have been so shocking coming from a man? Why?

Nora's statement "I believe that, before all else, I'm a human being, no less than you-or anyway, I ought to try to become one" expresses the major theme in the play because it shows that everyone, including woman, are humans and are not "dolls". This statement would have been controversial in the time period in which the play was first written and produced because women did not have any rights during that time. It would not have been so shocking coming from a man because men had rights, unlike women.

Describe one incident that shows Nora's ability to manipulate Torvald.

One incident that shows Nora's ability to manipulate Torvald is when she makes Torvald hire Mrs. Linde.

What action do both Nora and Krogstad admit not having the courage to do as a means of escape?

The action that both Nora and Krogstad both admit to not having the courage to do as a means of escape is to run away

What assurance does Christine give him that she is trustworthy?

The assurance Christine gives Krogstad that she is trustworthy is having Krogstad not take back the letter.

Who is the author of the play? In his work, on what type of issue did he like to focus?

The author of the play is Henrik Ibsen. In his work, Ibsen liked to focus on political and social issues.

What bad news does Dr. Rank bring to Nora?

The bad news that Dr. Rank brings to Nora is that he is going to die.

What comfort does Nora receive from Anne-Marie?

The comfort Nora receives from Anne-Marie is that Anne-Marie is like her mother and not to worry because she still has her children.

What comparison does Torvald make between himself and Nora's father?

The comparison that Torvald makes between himself and Nora's father is that Nora's father is suspicious because he had to be investigated but Torvald has not been investigated so he is not suspicious.

What confession does Nora make that shocks Torvald?

The confession that Nora makes that shocks Torvald is that she does not love Torvald any more.

What circumstances have forced Mrs. Linde to become self-reliant?

The death of Mrs. Linde's husband, the lack of money Mrs. Linde inherited, and her brothers growing up caused Mrs. Linde to become self-reliant.

What diversion does Nora use to keep Torvald away from the mailbox?

The diversion that Nora uses to keep Torvald away from the mailbox is that he has to help her practice her dance.

Explain the dramatic irony in the following dialogue: Nora: Call it back, Torvald! There's still time. Oh, Torvald, call it back! Do it for my sake—for your sake, for the children's sake! Do you hear, Torvald; do it! You don't know how this can harm us. Helmer: Too late. Nora: Yes, too late.

The dramatic irony in this dialogue is that Torvald does not that know the reason Nora wants to keep Krogstad is she does not want him to know about the loan.

Dr. Rank tells Nora that he will be easily replaced in the Helmer household after he is gone. What effect could this have on Nora?

The effect of Dr. Rank being replaced in the Helmer household could cause Nora to change her position in the household.

What fantasy does Nora envision when she wishes for an escape from the loan?

The fantasy Nora envisions at times when she wishes for an escape from the loan is for an old, rich man to fall in love with her, the man to die, and then leave Nora all of his money.

What grievance with Krogstad does Torvald have that Nora calls "petty"? What does this demonstrate about Torvald's personality?

The grievance with Krogstad that Torvald has that Nora calls "petty" is that Krogstad does not call Torvald "Mr. Helmer" since they are childhood friends. This demonstrates that Torvald is very controlling and self-centered.

What is ironic in Nora's belief that Torvald knowing the truth about the money would destroy their "happy home"?

The ironic part of Nora's belief that Torvald knowing the truth about the money would destroy their "happy home" because her keeping the secret could destroy the "happy home" and Nora saved his life.

Explain the irony in Nora's statement: "Oh, Torvald, you're going to regret you didn't indulge me, even for just a half hour more."

The irony in Nora's statement "Oh Torvald, you're going to regret you didn't indulge me, even for just a half hour more" is that he is going to find out about the letter, everything will be fine, and she will be leaving soon.

What is ironic in Torvald's statement to Nora "time and again I've wished you were in some terrible danger, just so I could stake my life and soul and everything for your sake"?

The irony in Torvald's statement to Nora "time and again I've wished you were in some terrible danger, just so I could stake my life and soul and everything for your sake" because they are in a situation and he doesn't save her.

What kind of effect does Torvald believe someone like Krogstad would have on his/her home and children?

The kind of effect Torvald believes that someone like Krogstad would have on his/her home and children is it poisons the home and makes the children take in evil.

How does the line "From now on happiness doesn't matter; all that matters is saving the bits and pieces, the appearance—" reflect Torvald's philosophy about life?

The line "From now on happiness doesn't matter; all that matters is saving the bits and pieces, the appearance" reflects Torvald's philosophy on life because Torvald doesn't care about true happiness, just his reputation and how things look from the outside looking in.

What literary device is used in the lines: "These past few days I've been auditing my internal accounts. Bankrupt!"?

The literary device in the line: "These past few days I've been auditing my internal accounts. Bankrupt!" is a metaphor.

What metaphor does Christine and Krogstad use to describe their current situation?

The metaphor that Christine and Krogstad use to describe their current situation is " a shipwrecked man clinging to some wreckage" and "a shipwrecked woman clinging to some wreckage". Also, the "two shipwrecked people" should join together.

What miracle does Nora expect to happen?

The miracle Nora expects to happen is to get out of the loan and Krogstad will take the letter back.

What other type of "unpleasantness" does Krogstad hint at when he threatens to expose Nora's secret?

The other type of "unpleasantness" that Krogstad hints at when he threatens to expose Nora's secret is to tell that Nora forged her father's signature.

List the pet names Torvald uses for Nora. What do these names indicate about Torvald's attitude toward Nora?

The pet names Torvald uses for Nora are "little squirrel", "little featherhead", and "little skylark". These names indicate that Torvald feels that Nora is not person, but a thing or a doll.

Krogstad tells Nora her act of forgery is no worse than what he did years ago. Considering this what could be the possible consequences for Nora?

The possible consequences for Nora is to go to court and possibly to jail.

What predications can you make about what will happen in Act III?

The predications that I can make about what will happen in Act III is that Torvald will figure out Nora's secret and Nora's life will change from the way it was before.

The previous Christmas, what was Nora actually doing instead of making ornaments? Why did she tell Torvald the cat destroyed the ornaments?

The previous Christmas, Nora was actually working instead of making ornaments. Nora told Torvald that the cat destroyed the ornaments because she needed to cover for the lack of ornaments that she was supposed to make.

What proposal does Christine make to Krogstad? Why?

The proposal Christine makes to Krogstad is that they come together, so Krogstad's children have a mother and Christine can have someone to take care of. They do this so they can both solve their issues.

How does the reader know Nora believes Torvald to be a man of honor and principle?

The reader knows that Nora believes Torvald to be a man of honor and principle because she always talks good about him and was afraid that if she revealed to secret to him, he will be upset since his honor. He also takes care of his family and thinks he is good to Nora.

What reason does Nora give for not firing Krogstad?

The reason Nora gives for not firing Krogstad is that if Torvald does fire Krogstad, Krogstad will write badly about Torvald in the newspapers.

What reason does Christine give for marrying someone else?

The reason that Christine gives for marrying someone else is she had to take care of her mother and her little brothers and she needed money to do so.

What secret does Dr. Rank reveal to Nora?

The secret that Dr. Rank reveals to Nora is that Dr. Rank has feelings for Nora.

What is the setting of the play?

The setting of the play is Nora and Torvald's house in Scandinavia in the early 1900's.

28.Explain the significance of Nora's comment "I'm beginning to understand everything now."

The significance of Nora's comment "I'm beginning to understand everything now" is she is understanding everything about the world and her relationship with Torvald.

What does the slamming of the door at the end of Act III symbolize?

The slamming of the door at the end of Act III symbolizes that Nora is done will playing all of the games and is leaving the "Doll's House".

How much time has elapsed between Act I and Act II?

The time that has passed between Act I and Act II is two days.

What is the true meaning behind Nora's wish that Dr. Rank "sleep well"?

The true meaning behind Nora's wish that Dr. Rank "sleep well" is he has a peaceful death.

What type of education does Nora tell Torvald she will have to discover on her own?

The type of education that Nora tells Torvald she will have to discover on her own is on herself.

What type of future does Krogstad see for himself at the bank?

The type of future that Krogstad sees for himself at the bank is to be the manager of the bank.

What types of restrictions does Torvald foresee for Nora as a result of her actions?

The type of restrictions Torvald foresee for Nora as a result of her actions are she has to act like nothing is wrong and she can not raise the children.

Dr. Rank tells Nora to keep Torvald away from his sick room because "Helmer with his sensitivity has such a sharp distaste for anything ugly." What could this foreshadow for Nora and Torvald later in the play?

This could foreshadow that Torvald will not want to see and talk to Nora later in the play because he will think what he did is ugly.

Nora's dance, the tarantella, has its origin in the belief that in order to rid oneself of a tarantula's venom one must "dance wildly to distribute the poison throughout the body and sweat it out." Why is this type of "wild" dance appropriate for Nora's situation?

This type of "wild" dance is appropriate for Nora's situation because she is about to "die" or lose the life she currently lives and she needs to save the life she currently has.

Why does Torvald assume Krogstad visited Nora?

Torvald assumes that Krogstad visited Nora because he thinks that Krogstad will beg Nora for his job.

From where does Torvald believe Nora acquired her spendthrift attitude?

Torvald believes that Nora acquired her spendthrift attitude from her father.

Who does Torvald blame for Nora's "weakness"?

Torvald blames sickness and her father for Nora's weakness.

How does Torvald demonstrate his arrogance and self-centered attitude as he speaks to Nora about his forgiveness?

Torvald demonstrates his arrogance and self-centered attitude as he speaks to Nora about his forgiveness because he says "I forgive you" when he should be saying "I'm sorry".

What does Torvald believe will happen at the bank if he changes his mind about Krogstad?

Torvald feels that if he changes his mind about Krogstad, the workers at the bank will think that he changes his mind often which Torvald does not want.

Which parent does Torvald feel is primarily responsible for the development of the child? Do you agree?

Torvald feels that the mother is primarily responsible for the development of the child. I do not agree because I feel both parents are responsible.

What type of business for the bank does Torvald want to complete during the holiday?

Torvald has to fire and hire people for the bank which he wants to complete during the holiday.

Why is Torvald so proud of Nora after the dance?

Torvald is so proud of Nora after the dance because she did a good job and she belongs to him.

Why is Torvald surprised by Nora's statement that they've never had a serious conversation?

Torvald is surprised by Nora's statement that they've never had a serious conversation because he thought she couldn't bear serious issues.

What does Torvald say when he reads Krogstad's letter? What does this tell the reader about him?

Torvald says when he reads Krogstad's letter that they are saved. This tells the reader that he is self-centered and worries about his reputation.

Why does Torvald tease Nora about her interest in Dr. Rank's "scientific research"?

Torvald tease Nora about her interest in Dr. Rank's "scientific research" because he thinks Nora is not smart enough to understand.

How does Torvald's action of snatching the letter addressed to Nora illustrate his attitude toward her role and rights in their marriage?

Torvald's action of snatching the letter addressed to Nora illustrates his attitude toward her role and rights in their marriage because Torvald thinks that he is above Nora and she has less to none rights compared to him.

What do Torvald's comments about embroidery versus knitting demonstrate about his personality?

Torvald's comments about embroidery versus knitting demonstrates his personality is very over-controlling in every situation and self-centered.

How does Torvald's conversation with Nora on page 57 illustrate that her physical nature is more important to him than her emotional or intellectual nature?

Torvald's conversation with Nora on page 57 illustrates that her physical nature is more important to him than her emotional or intellectual nature because he wants Nora to look perfect all the time and doesn't care what she thinks or feel about.

What is Torvald's immediate reaction when he learns the truth? Why?

Torvald's immediate reaction when he learns the truth is he is angry. He is angry because Nora didn't tell him, is a criminal, and worries about his reputation.

When Dr. Rank recognizes Mrs. Linde but Torvald does not, what does this indicate about the relationship among Dr. Rank, Nora, and Torvald?

When Dr. Rank recognizes Mrs. Linde but Torvald does not, this indicates about the relationship among Dr. Rank, Nora, and Torvald that Dr. Rank pays more attention to Nora than Torvald does.

What does Krogstad mean when he says, "Does your husband's love for you run so thin?" to Nora?

When Krogstad says, "Does your husband's love for you run so thin?" to Nora, he means to ask "Does Krogstad love you?".

When Mrs. Linde says her deceased husband didn't leave "even a sense of loss to feed on", what does this indicate about their relationship?

When Mrs. Linde says her deceased husband didn't leave "even a sense of loss to feed on", this indicates that Mrs. Linde did not have a close relationship with her husband.

What does Nora really mean; when she asks Torvald to take care of her before she begins to practice her dance?

When Nora asks Torvald to take care of her before she begins to practice her dance, she really means that she wants him to take care of her even after he knows about the loan.

How does Torvald respond when Nora implies she will commit suicide?

When Nora implies she will commit suicide, Torvald responses by his anger.

When Torvald says "...this place is unbearable now for anyone but mothers" as the children enter the house, what does this reveal about his role in raising the children?

When Torvald says "...this place is unbearable now for anyone but mothers" as the children enter the house, this reveals that he does not really raise his children and does not particularly like them.

What is Torvald concerned about when he says "I'm in a cheap little grafter's hands; he can do anything; he wants with me, play with me like a puppet-and I can't breathe a word"? What does this demonstrate about his character?

When Torvald says "I'm in a cheap little grafter's hands; he can do anything he wants with me, play with me like a puppet- and I can't breathe a word" he is concerned with himself and worries about Krogstad. This demonstrates that his character is very self-centered and he only cares about himself.