While pride is important to all of the primary characters in A Doll’s House, the nature of pride differs based on gender. For the male characters, pride is a public affair, because a man’s reputation impacts his socioeconomic opportunities.

• Krogstad’s reputation was severely damaged by his forgery. As a result, he has limited employment opportunities and is forced to employ underhanded means to provide for his family.
• By contrast, Torvald’s reputation is flawless, and he has recently been rewarded with a promotion at the bank.

During their confrontation in act III, Torvald tells Nora that “no man” would sacrifice his reputation for his wife. From Torvald’s perspective, his argument is valid, because his reputation is his means of providing for his family. However, Nora suggests that Torvald’s insistence on maintaining appearances is cowardly.

In contrast to the public nature of masculine pride, Ibsen suggests that feminine pride is found through personal sacrifice. Both Mrs. Linde and Nora pride themselves on the hard work they do on behalf of their families.

• Mrs. Linde selflessly married a man whom she did not love in order to provide for her mother and brothers.
• Nora prides herself on having saved Torvald’s life by taking out the loan. In her mind, forging the signature was better than disturbing her dying father or distressing Torvald while he was ill.
• Nora’s nursemaid, Anne-Marie, gave up her daughter in order to make a living raising Nora.

Though all three women suffer hardships as a result of their decisions, they also take pride in knowing that they have helped their families. Whereas masculine pride is focused on the careful cultivation of outward appearances, feminine pride is built on true accomplishment and sacrifice.