In Isben's, A Dolls House Nora, the protagonist is treated like a doll - the property of Torvald Helmer. There are many clues throughout the play that hint at the kind of marriage Nora and Torvald have. As critic William Archer states, "She is her husband's doll- It seems that Nora is a doll controlled by Torvald. She relies on him for everything, from movements to thoughts, much like a puppet that is dependent on its puppet master for all of its actions. Torvald Helmer calls her his little lark, his squirrel, provides for her every need, and enjoys her charms of person. "He forgets she has a soul "and is sure he loves him most devotedly- (Simonds 1).
The most obvious example of Torvald's physical control over Nora is his re-teaching her the tarantella. Nora pretends that she needs Torvald to teach her every move in order to relearn the dance. This act shows her submissiveness to Torvald. After he teaches her the dance, he proclaims "When you were dancing the tarantella, chasing, inviting-my blood was on fire; I couldn't stand it any longer- that's why I brought you down so early-(1218), showing how he is more interested in Nora physically than emotionally. When Nora responds by saying, "Leave me now, Torvald! I don't want all this-(1218), Torvald asks "I am your husband aren't I?-(1218). By saying this, he is implying that one of Nora's duties as his wife is to physically pleasure him at his command. .
Torvald also does not trust Nora with money, which exemplifies Torvald's treating Nora as a child. On the rare occasion when Torvald gives Nora some money, he is concerned that she will waste it on candy and pastry. Nora's duties, in general, are restricted to caring for the children, doing housework, and working on her needlepoint. "Nora seems passive, childish, and all too willing to please and appease her dictorial and pompous husband- (Bloom 2). A problem with her responsibilities is that her most important obligation is to please Torvald, making her role similar to that of a slave.