There are two instances where Nora specifically refers to herself as a doll:
- "Our home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been your doll-wife."
- "at home I was papa's doll-child."
This shows that Nora considers every home she has lived in to have been artificial - the men in her life showing her off, but not truly caring for her, or respecting her. She is objectified by Torvald, and is not considered to be capable of making her own decisions as a woman. Torvalt is sexually demanding, especially after the pair return from the party, but this illustrates Nora's role as a plaything - there to meet Torvald's needs, and, he believes, physically incapable of anything else.
Interestingly, the title varies between translations. The one I am studying is 'A Doll's House' others are merely 'A Doll House'. I think the latter is more accurate, as Nora does not own the house. She is a guest, almost. The house is cared for by the maid and housekeeper, paid for by Torvald. Her role is undefined. Torvald even refers to it as his house when they are arguing. That is why I think that the translation 'A Doll House' makes more sense, judging by the content in the play...unless the title is ironic. Is the title ironic?
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