Who wears the pants in your family? In society today it's accepted if either parent wears the so-called pants. However in the late nineteenth century this was not the case. The woman was expected to stay at home and care for the children while the husbands went out and worked and handled the business aspect of their lives. The woman was to have no say in money matters. Such was the case in Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll House."" Nora Torvald, the wife in the play, "she is viewed as an object, a toy, a child but never an equal- (Galens and Spampinato 109). Ibsen uses many symbolic items to generate, Torvald's treatment of Nora through the pet names he often called her, Nora's rebelliousness through the use of the macaroons and the tarantella dance, and the changes that will take place in the Helmer's marriage through the use of a Christmas tree. .
The "lark-, "little squirrel-, and "little spendthrift- Torvald calls Nora is symbolic of Torvald's demeaning attitude towards Nora. "He refers to his wife in the diminutive. She is always little, a play thing, a doll that must occasionally be indulged (Galens and Spampinato 109)."" This attitude is shown from the beginning of the play. From the beginning he asks, "When did my squirrel get in- (971)? And " Has the little spendthrift been out throwing money around again- (971)? He treats her like this to prove that he is the head of household, he alone has power. Nora is just the weak helpless wife. In order for Nora to receive anything from her husband she must beg and act childish. It is then that Torvald gives in and offers her whatever it is that she has asked for. .
Nora: Yes, whatever you say, Torvald.
Helmer: Now, now, the little lark's wings musn't droop. Come on don't be a sulky squirrel. Nora guess what I have here.
Nora: Money!.
Helmer: There, see. Good grief I know how costs go up in a house at Christmastime (972). .
Even as he offers her gifts he is belittling.