The two statements that best describe the conflict are:
- "Helmer is controlling and does not want to be seen as one who lets his wife sway or control him.
"
- "Helmer does not like the way Krogstad tries to be his equal, and he wants to fire him from the bank.
"
Explanation: In "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen, it is socially unacceptable for Helmer to be swayed into changing his mind by his wife - society dictates that Helmer should have more power in their marriage. He fears that if he changed his mind for her, his employees would lose respect for him, "Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of outside influence?"
Krogstad was familiar with Helmer ever since they were young boys, and although Helmer claims to want to fire him for his moral character, he actually wants to fire him for his overly friendly behavior. Helmer feels uncomfortable and disrespected by open Krogstad is with their familiarity, "... he thinks it gives him the right to adopt a familiar tone with me, and every minute it is 'I say, Helmer, old fellow!' and that sort of thing. I assure you it is extremely painful for me.
