"A Doll's House", the most famous play of Henrik Ibsen, stirred up controversy regarding women, their rights and their place in society. The central plot of "A Doll's House"" is about a woman who lives her entire life accepting her menial role in society and the awakening she went through as she began to discover her true self. .

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             The play starts with a stereotypically happy family - a wife (Nora) who loves her husband and kids and a caring husband (Helmer) on his way to big success at work. The character of Helmer is very dominant. He's controlling and rules over Nora, all under the guise of care and protection. An example of this is when Helmer doesn't let his wife eat a macaroon because he's afraid she will harm her teeth. Nora eats them anyway, but does so in secret.

             What Nora enjoys in life are often things she needs to do secretly. The way she addresses her husband seems to have a sense of begging to it - as if she wants his permission to allow her to speak to him. Helmer calls her childish names and treats her as if she is a child. He shows no respect for Nora and he obviously dominates the marriage. Nora pretends to be happy but her relationship with her husband causes her a lot of inner pain and anxiety. It can be argued that Helmer represents society and what it wants and expects from women. The struggle for Nora to discover her true self, despite the oppression of Helmer, is reflective of the uphill battle for independence and rights women faced in the Victorian period. .

             Nora's self questioning can be seen when she meets up with her childhood friend Mrs. Linde. As Mrs. Linde tells Nora about what she's been doing, Nora sees that Mrs. Linde is proud and happy for what she achieved for herself - even if she's not perfectly happy. Mrs. Linde sees Nora as a spoiled little girl even though she throws the secret that she has been hiding from her husband. In line 159 Nora says: "You're just like the others.