1. Rodolfo Brandon Bernardino
P3
The Symbolism of “A Doll’s House”
Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” is a great example of
symbolism in literature. Some of these symbols are subtle,
while others are the opposite. Many of these symbols are
The doll is a prominent symbol in “A Doll’s House”.
Torvald Helmer, Nora’s husband, treats Nora similar to a doll.
He uses Nora for amusement and treats her like a petty child.
This is clearly evident throughout the play. “Is that my little
lark twittering out there?” In this quote, Helmer addresses
Nora as though he is talking to one of his children. Torvald
also refers to Nora as his skylark.
The skylark is also a prominent symbol. The skylark
represents Torvald’s treatment of Nora as an appeasing childish
dependent. Early in the play, Torvald frequently refers to Nora
as his skylark or lark. This passage shows evidence of this:
“Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings...”
Nora also loathes his belittlement and her treatment as an
inferior. This is evident in this passage: “… Only you had not
sufficient knowledge to judge of the means you used. But do
you suppose you are any less dear to me, because you don’t

2. understand how to act on your own responsibility…” Torvald’s
treatment of Nora soon leads to the deterioration of the
relationship of the two.
The Christmas tree symbolizes the deterioration of the
relationship between Torvald and Nora. During Act 1, the tree
was described having a lively appearance. This symbolized
the marriage at first, appealing and infallible. In the beginning of
Act 2, the tree is shown lacking any ornaments and having
burned down candles on its branches. The unappealing tree is
a metaphor for their marriage. Nora’s deceit was a huge
influence on the downfall of her marriage.
In “A Doll’s House”, Noras deceit is symbolized by
macaroons. The macaroons symbolize her deceit to her
husband because she eats macaroons secretly even though
she is forbidden from doing so. “…You couldn’t know that
Torvald had forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid
they will spoil my teeth. But gracious! –once in a way…” The

3. play also shows Nora hiding her fradulent loan problem from her
husband. Nora’s deceit would soon lead her to the downfall
of the Helmer family.
The letter written by Krogstad is symbolic because it
represents the Nora’s demise. Nora is frequently scared