No Equal Relationship
In their separate partnerships, Nora and Torvald do not seem to have an equal relationship. Their marriages represent many traditional marriages in Europe in the 1800s.
Unfair Marital Relationship
Their unfair marital relationship is mirrored in the way Torvald treated Nora. Torvald referred to Nora as "my little singing bird," "my little skylark," and "my little pretty cat" in the plot. Throughout the novel, the author referred to Nora as "tiny." This obviously indicates that Torvald viewed himself as the superior or head of the household. Nora, on the other hand, is forced to behave in whatever way her husband desires. Their relationship is a case of patriarchy since she is voluntarily living under the control of her husband, Torvald.
Nora's Desire for Independence
In the story, when Torvald wants to have a look at Nora’s finished dress, she hides the it away together with the sewing needles. Nora is just sick and tired of everybody around her treating her like she is incompetent. Therefore, she tries to make them see that she is more than her husband’s "little squirrel" to manipulate. In the story, Nora looks like a foolish woman, yet in reality she is the opposite. During the Victorian age, most women were seen as mere objects. They were thought of as having no social status. However, for Nora she is not what she seems to be, it’s just that her inner thoughts and feelings are smothered by her husband’s tyrannizing perceptions. Her husband treats her like a child to make her think she is inferior and needs a strong man in her life.
Nora's Financial Independence
The law did not allow women to borrow any money; however, seven years ago, Nora saved her husband’s life through borrowed money. Through her friend, she realizes her true self and that she can even live by herself. By borrowing money, she got a sense of worth, making her feel more powerful, like a man.