Ibsen's concerns about the equality, lack of authority and responsibilities of women in late 1800's society are brought to life in "A Doll's House". He believed that women had a right to develop their own individuality, but in reality, their role was often self-sacrifical. The married coupling of Nora and Torvald Helmer demonstrate these ideas throughout the play. Women were not treated as equals with men, either in relation to their husbands or society. Women could not conduct business or control their own money, for which they needed the authorization of the man who "owned" them whether it be their husband or father. They were not raised to be responsible. Nora shows both of these flaws, by taking out a loan without the authority of her husband or father, and by believing that she could get away with forging a signature.
             In the beginning of "A Doll's House" we see Nora as a victim, a doll who is controlled by Torvald. She relies on him for everything, from movements to thoughts, much like a puppet that is dependent on its puppet master for all its actions. At this stage of the play Nora enjoys playing the role of Torvald's wife. Like Torvald, Nora is content in society and plays along with what society expects of her. "Free. To be free, absolutely free. To spend time playing with the children. To have a clean, beautiful house, the way Torvald likes it." (Act 1) While describing her anticipated freedom, Nora highlights the very factors that constrain her. She claims that freedom will give her time to be a mother and a traditional wife who maintains a beautiful home, as her husband likes it. But the message of the play is that Nora cannot find true freedom in this traditional style household. As the play progresses we see Nora realise that she has been fed disillusions that it her duty to be the ornament and prize to her husband, the role which society has given to her. The point in the play
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