Henrik Ibsen's play 'A Doll's House' has caused controversy since its first production in 1879 as it portrays 19th century society century as an oppressive influence on the individual and his personal freedom. Victorian society emphasized bourgeois respectability and moral code, which when challenged caused the individual to be stigmatized and ostracized. The characters in Ibsen's play expressed and rebelled against these ideals, sparking debate about society's conventions and allowing audiences to reflect critically on their own families. This ability to start a conversation is what makes 'A Doll's House' still relevant today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Freedom is a central theory in the game and an idea that protagonist Nora is particularly passionate about. As a woman in Victorian times Nora would not have had the same freedoms as her male colleagues such as Helmer, Dr Rank or Krogstad. Patriarchal ideals were supported and reinforced by a social structure over which women had little or no control, they were still dependent on their husbands and fathers, as well as on marriage and motherhood. Often women were still seen as the property of their husbands, Helmer clearly represents this with "all the beauty that is mine, all mine". At the beginning of the play Nora's ideas of freedom are still based on these principles, referring to being "Free". Be free. To spend time playing with children. Having a nice, clean house, the way Torvald likes it. In this way her freedom still supported the idea of ​​being submissive to her husband and her role as wife and mother. This is reiterated by Helmer towards the end of the play when he says "first and foremost you are a mother". However, at this point Nora's character has developed as she responds to Helmer, "I don't believe that anymore." I believe that first and foremost I am an individual, just like you.' Therefore her idea about freedom has changed, from one centered on her husband to one centered on herself. A reason for freedom for Nora could be the macaroons which appear for the first time in the first act, here "He takes a packet of macaroons from his pocket". and eats one or two; then she cautiously goes to her husband's door and listens." The macaroons represent the small liberties he chooses to take, this is significant as it is against Helmer, as can be seen in the second half of the quote. The macaroons could also mean temptation, as in their second appearance when she offers one to Doctor Rank, he replies "Macaroons?" WELL! I thought they were forbidden in this house.' Helmer is shown to have shared his rule for Nora, revealing their personal affairs to his friend Doctor Rank. This demonstrates Helmer's controlling nature, as he is able to limit Nora's actions despite not being there. The fact that Nora continues to eat them after this shows her rebellious nature. During a discussion about the forbidden macaroons, Nora mentions to Mrs. Linde that "the fact is that she's afraid they'll ruin my teeth", this links to the idea of ​​Helmer preserving his "property", as is suggested throughout the play that he married Nora for her looks, like when I'm not as beautiful as I am now. Don't laugh at me! I am referring, of course, to when Torvald is no longer as devoted to me as he is now." At the same time, this would also make sense because women were often praised and appreciated above all for their beauty. We can therefore infer that Helmer is banning macaroons for selfish and superficial reasons rather than out of concern for Nora's health. Overall it is proven that Nora has