Through the use of symbols, Henrik Ibsen turns two-dimensional, fictional characters into profound, sincere personas that relay Ibsen's themes to the reader. These symbols, including the macaroon, Dr. Rank's disease, and the Christmas tree, divulge the intricate ideas that lay beyond the simple events in the plot.
             In the beginning of the play, Nora is seen nibbling secretly at a macaroon, which she hides from her husband. This macaroon is the symbol of Torvald's control over Nora. Torvald's control is so extreme that he even dictates what Nora can and cannot eat. Being the man of the household, Torvald also takes care of Nora's monetary spending, frequently sarcastically calling her "his little spendthrift." The macaroon also symbolizes Torvald's extraction of the "sweet things" in Nora's life. With all her freedom robbed, Nora is not able to make most decisions by herself, and frequently finds herself missing the great joys of adulthood. Because Nora feels restricted by Torvald she feels that she has to lie to escape his control. Her situation grows so severe that she even has to lie about the little macaroon to please Torvald.
             Dr. Rank's disease also held much symbolic meaning throughout the play. His disease was described simply as "a consumption of the spine" The specific type of disease was never discerned, as it held no significance in Ibsen's task. The spine has always been known as the center for morality, strength, and, purity. The consumption of Rank's spine indicated his moral decay and the end to his purity. Dr. Rank's presence during the play always stirred ill feelings in the reader. His character was always related to darkness and corruption. Dr. Rank became so debauched that he was able to flirt with Nora, his good friend's wife.
             The Christmas tree was another symbol mirroring Nora&
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