Thus, illustrating the social constraint which tyrannizes Nora in the life she chooses to lead.
The inventiveness of Ibsen is translucent throughout the play because the audience can't even imagine what Nora is capable of as an individual. The writer does an excellent job in introducing the superficialities of Nora during the opening acts of A Doll House. However, he creates a kind of "iceberg" effect because the audience can only see what's on the surface of Nora, when in actuality, the depth of her character is unfathomable. There is definitely so much more to Nora than meets the eye, and she is more than just a doll to be played with. What is more, the audience learns that Torvald previously had a serious medical condition and Nora made a life-changing decision to acquire a loan to save his life. Nonetheless, she is blackmailed by Krogstad after it is learned that she forged the signature on the loan to save Torvald's life! The entire perception of Nora's character is altered at this point in the play, and she can no longer be seen as a money loving housewife without any real depth. Nora displays determination and a strong sense of character because she is willing to do anything to protect her husband in his time of need. However, she is only repaid by rage and resentment when Torvald learns of this entire transgression, "Now you've wrecked all my happiness--ruined my whole future. Oh it's awful to think of." (Ibsen 835) Which suggests that her meaning in life is derived through the confined individual role that Torvald has set for her and as such she is treated like a doll: she is only a mere object of momentary happiness. It is only now after her husband reacts so cruelly that Nora realizes how greatly she has been wronged, that she is only a mere doll to Torvald. The play ends with a strong sense of optimism because Nora ultimately walks away from the oppression of the doll house! Moreover, Ibsen dramatizes Nora's ability to realize that she is capable of more as an individual and seeks to finally live a meaningful life.
