Once again he must show that he is the dominant partner. "He is completely unaware that Nora is capable of making serious decisions He has failed to consider that she might have any serious needs or that her desires may contradict his own- (Galens and Spampinato 109). However as the audience we know differently.
Nora's rebelliousness is exemplified through the symbolic use of macaroons and a dance entitled the Tarantella. Early on in the play it is visible that Torvald has rules for Nora. For instance, Torvald tells her that she is not allowed to eat macaroons however she willingly disobeys him. "Drawing a bag of macaroons from her pocket, she eats a couple ()."" After a minute when she is aware that he is about to enter the kitchen where she is, she's found "putting the macaroon bag in her pocket and wiping her mouth (971)."" Nora goes so far as to lie to Torvald about her whereabouts and the fact that she indeed was eating macaroons. .
Helmer: My sweet tooth really didn't make a little detour through the confectioner's? .
Nora: No I assure you, Torvald ".
Helmer: Hasn't nibbled some pastry?.
Nora: No, not at all.
Helmer: Nor even munched a macaroon or two?.
Nora: No, Torvald, I assure you, really ".
Helmer: There, there now. Of course I'm only joking.
Nora: You know I could never think of going against you (973).
Nora's rebelliousness is not only visible but once again Torvald's dominancy becomes evident once again with his use of the pet name. Others recognize Nora disobedience as well. Dr. Rank, a good friend of the Helmer's, calls her on it later on the play. He and Nora are engaged in conversation when she says, " Dr. Rank, a macaroon on that- (982)? and Dr. Rank replies, "See here, macaroons! I thought they were contraband here- (982). Nora again lies so that Dr. Rank will not report the incident to her husband. She states, "Yes, but these are some that Kristine gave me- (982).
