As the play reveals, Nora does delight in material wealth, having been labeled a spendthrift from an early age. She has the attitude that money is the key to happiness. However, it is also clear that Nora's simplistic approach to the world is not entirely her fault. Torvald's treatment of Nora as a small helpless child only contributes to Nora's separation from reality. Just a

When Nora took upon herself to borrow money to save Torvald’s life, she was taking the first step to realizing that she can be in some control of her life. However, when pressed as to whether she will ever tell Torvald about the loan, she replies that she would, but only in time. For now, she believes that it would upset the lies that have built her home: Torvald's "manly independence" and even the basis of their marriage (Ackerman, 104). This suggests that Nora is at least vaguely aware that Torvald's position as the manly provider and lawgiver is just as fabricated as her role as the helpless child-wife and mother (Ackerman, 104). She proved herself not to be helpless like Torvald implied: "you poor helpless little creature"

However, Nora does not at first realize that the rules outside the household apply to her. This is evident in Nora's meeting with Krogstad regarding her borrowed money. In her talk with Krogstad, Nora seems unable to accept that what she sees as acts of love could be seen as illegal and wrong. She refuses to believe that she is just as guilty as Krogstad. In her opinion, it was no crime for a woman to do everything possible to save her husband's life. She also believes that her act will be overlooked because of her desperate situation. She fails to see that the law does not take into account the motivation behind her forgery. Thus her first encounter with rules

Some topics in this essay:
Henrick Isben, According Ibsen, Krogstad Nora, Ackerman Nora, Similarly Torvald, Doll's House, Written Victorian, doll's house, outside world, father husband, ackerman 104, borrow money, rules outside,