ally figures out that she was just a toy to Torvald. She says to him, Ive lived by doing the tricks for you Torvald(Ibsen 919). Nora also realizes their life and marriage is like a dollhouse, and they have each been playing the roles. Our home has been nothing but a play pen. Ive been your doll-wife(Ibsen 919). Nora knows that their love was not true. She knows they had been lying to themselves throughout the entire marriage. Their happiness was only a facade. She finally tells him, I cant help it. I dont love you anymore(Ibsen 921). Unlike Torvald, Nora knows this marriage was a fantasy, and was only based on appearances. Most critics see that the relationship between Nora and Torvald is one of dependence. Gosse realized, the egotistical fondling of the men on whom she depends on for emotional existence(221). Nora treats Torvald as if he is her father. She is completely dependent on him for everything. However, eventually Nora begins to realizes that their marriage is not perfect. She gradually senses that her relationship with Torvald Helmer is that of a charming child to a parent(Salome 227). Nora finally sees that she has been living as Torvalds doll. Bernard Shaw describes Torvald as, The pillar of society who owns the doll, is a model husband, father, and citizen(225). Torvald wants to keep his family together and appearing perfect even after he explodes on her. He is more worried about his image, than the fact that his marriage is not based on love. But Nora realizes this and leaves him. Gosse says, Nora shall no longer be a doll(221). She finally can escape her doll-like life. Ibsen shows many reasons throughout the play, why Nora and Torvald are not truly in love. Torvald treats Nora like a little pet. He makes her do tricks and dance, just for his entertainment. If Torvald truly loved Nora, he would not get so angry with her. He also would not be as controlling of her. Nora may have started out being dependent on Torvald, ...
