However, Nora is a self-determined woman who opposes society's expectations. She stands up for her rights to earn an education as a woman:.
I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being just as you are-- or, at all events, that I must try and become one. I know quite well, Torvald, that most people would think you right and that views of that kind are to be found in books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say or with what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get to understand them. (Ibsen 68).
Nora is stating her belief that she, and every human being, deserves their own knowledge to separate themselves from others and understand life. She tells Torvald that she needs to leave him to think over things by herself, to understand the world and herself. In this time period, speaking out against your husband was very disobedient and was considered wrong. Despite society's standards of a good wife Nora leaves her husband in order to educate herself; " I must stand quite alone if I am to understand myself and everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you any longer" ( Ibsen 67). As soon as Nora leaves her husband, she begins a path to independence. Torvald is the person holding Nora back from discovering herself and knowledge because he limits her duties to taking care of the home and pleasing him. Nora, leaving Torvald in pursuit for education, demonstrates her independence.
Nora also shows independence through her financial sufficiency. In this time period, women did not financially provide for the family. It was an embarrassment for the man if the women provided for the family, so the woman was in charge of the domestic needs. In A Doll's House, Nora saves Torvald's life by getting him the proper medical treatments in Italy. To get the money for the trip she goes behind his back to get a loan from Krogstad.
