Henrik Ibsen's realist play "A Doll's House" revolves around a family living in a society where the gender roles were already pre- decided. The character of Nora is the submissive wife who had to consult her husband in all matters, which also led to her rebellious act in the end. Torvald Helmer, on the other hand, was the dominating husband who liked his position in being the master of the house.
The given excerpt in the question shows Nora recalling how they had to manage and make ends meet during the first few years of their married life. Act I shows her conversing with her friend, Mrs. Christine Linde, about the importance of money for every affair. Thus, the theme of the importance of money can be seen in this Act I conversation between the two women.
I think that with his statement, Jefferson meant that human beings are equal, and features like their race don't matter. This phrase causes conflict in American society because Jefferson said 'all men', and interpretations of that can mean that Jefferson was only referring to men, and not women.
