The opening line of the play A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen is "Hide that Christmas tree away, Helen, the children mustn't see it before I've decorated it this evening" (1072) by Nora. This sets the tone of the play, which is concealing the raw truth until it is decorated to perfection. This is a common theme of the play, practiced by all of the main characters. As one critic commented, "Our first impressions of Nora, Torvald, and Krogstad are all eventually undercut". The first impressions of each are the facades they put up. As the play progresses, however, the truth is revealed.
             In the opening act, Nora seems flippant. She flutters around their city apartment preparing for Christmas and chattering about meaningless things with Torvald. She plays the innocent, helpless pet for her husband until they each get a visitor, and they part. An old friend of Nora's, Mrs. Linde, comes to Nora in need of assistance. In the course of their conversation, Nora reveals that in the past, when her husband was ill, she took out a loan to help him get better. In doing so, she forged her father's signature. Torvald is still unaware of her previous actions. While paying back this loan, Nora continuously lies to Torvald to obtain extra money. These actions reveal a more independent side of Nora. When faced with blackmail from Krogstad, who discovered the forgery, Nora tries her hardest to do as Krogstad wishes, but fails. Nora is willing to sacrifice herself so her family doesn't suffer, which is a testimony to her honor. At the end of the play, Nora realizes the role that she and her husband play, and she even has the strength to leave him. The change from a helpless plaything to an independent woman is a complete turnaround.
             Torvald constantly plays the role of a strong provider. He feels empowered when Nora asks him for help, saying condescendingly, "So lit
             ...