Act II is largely a continuation of themes and character development
             that were introduced in the first act: Helmer's preoccupation with beauty in
             the household continues to be prevalent in Act II. Nora says "Yes, Torvald
             knows how to make it nice and pretty around here." Nora seems to have
             been raised in a setting that valued appearance and beauty as well. Mrs.
             Linde comments that Nora also knows how to make things "nice and
             pretty" undoubtedly, because she is "her father's daughter." As for Helmer,
             Nora says that "Torvald can't stand having sewing around." This is probably
             because he likes the idea and the appearance of a carefree wife who does
             not have to work, but is mostly a showpiece.
             Nora herself uses Helmer's pet names for herself when she is trying
             to get something out of him, because she knows he likes it. Her own speech
             shows how part of her wifely duties seems to be putting on a cute show:
             "Squirrel would run around and do all sorts of fun tricks if you'd be nice and
             agreeable . . . Lark would chirp and twitter in all the rooms, up and down .
             . . I'll be your elfmaid and dance for you in the moonlight, Torvald."
             The idea of moral corruption being transferred to the children of the
             morally decrepit is carried on in Act II as well. While in Act I, Helmer tells
             of the phenomenon of young criminals being the result of a household full of
             lies, in Act II Nora explains Rank's poor health by saying that his father was
             Nora continues to demonstrate her perception of gender roles in
             Act II. Referring to the money-borrowing business, she says "A man
             manages these things so much better than a woman." Helmer adds to the
             idea of a subservient wife when he teases Nora by ridiculing the idea that a
             woman has a right to choose whether or not to obey her husband. Helmer's
             delight in Nora's dependence on him is also shown when he uses "you
             helples...