In "A Doll House," by Henrik Ibsen, Ibsen shows specific insights on what marriage is all about during the 19th century. Ibsen creates a character by the name of Nora Helmer. At the beginning of the play, she is the prototypical or the epitome of the 19th century wife. In the end of the play, she changes and shows her real character to her husband, Torvald. By doing this, Nora challenges what the roles of women actually were and what marriage meant during this period of time.
             The 19th century is a time when in a marriage it is the man's job to solely provide for the entire family regardless of any circumstances. If the wife wants to work, it's her problem and it's not going to happen. It insults a man if they "rely" on their wives for anything. Not to mention that it is socially unacceptable. The men go to work while the wives stay at home and take care of the children. It is a time wives do what their husbands want them to do. Society feels this is the norm.
             Nora Helmer begins this play as a completely happy wife and a loving mother who comes across to be "silly" as her husband calls her and somewhat oblivious to the outside world. Nora is actually a very intelligent woman, trapped in the lifestyle and marriage of the 19th century. Although Nora is unhappy with her marriage and is inevitably not in love with her husband, she does what she can to make things seem wonderful. In reality, Nora just wants something of her own. She wants to do something for herself to show that she is more than just a wife and a mother. However, she doesn't know exactly what she wants.
             Torvald pampers Nora in a childish manner, rather than treating her like an adult. She despises the fact she ultimately has no freedom in their marriage. Everything she does must go through Torvald. Some of the most pathetic ways of control are Torvald gets mad and doesn't allow Nora to ...