that he believed "each person must obey his or her own will to grow" (Jenkins 232). Nora's story is one of personal growth and understanding of self. Her boldness in going against accepted views illustrates Ibsen's beliefs that an individual should be allowed the opportunity to discover their own heart and not be bound by the expectations of society. Nora's breaks from the norms of society are subtle, but very deliberate. She does what she feels is right despite the fact that she is going against what society expects of her. Ibsen uses Nora's secessions to show the faults in society. When Nora decided to take out a loan, she knew that this was not allowed because she is a woman. Forgery is wrong and still is illegal today, but what Ibsen is critical of is the fact that Nora is forced to forge because of her gender. Ibsen also scolds social expectations of a marriage. Although it isn't the only theme, one critic stated that "this play focuses on the way that women are seen, especially in the context of marriage and motherhood" (Hodge). Ibsen illustrates this by showing how Nora is basically mandated to play a role rather than be herself and how this required acting leads to the eventual deterioration of their marriage. During the entire play Nora is looked down upon and treated as a possession by Torvald and as a child by both he and the other characters. Her main purpose in life is to please Torvald and be available for show. However, Torvald is looked upon as the provider and the decision maker; as a person. This situation would have been deemed as perfect by the Victorian Era society. Ibsen is critical of the fact that a marriage lacked love and understanding, as shown by Torvald's anger with Nora for taking out the loan even though she saved his life. The theme of secession from society was a public criticism of the current and accepted view on women and marriage. Nora's rift...