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"To what extent does Ibsen endorse an individual's freedom over…

- - - - This shows that Torvald cares deeply for his reputation and doesn't want it to be ruined even for his wife.
        
        This is foreshadowing to the end of the play where Nora expected Torvald to take the blame for her mistake of forging his name in order to save his life. But Torvald decided not to and instead scolded Nora. This lead to Nora realising that this wasn't the man she loved resulting in her final decision of leaving.
        
        As Nora is now a part of the reputation of Torvald, the mistake that she had done - forging his name, would have ruined his reputation because it was illegal during that time for a woman to do so. This then causes Nora to end up in a spiral of lies and deceit as she has to hide this information from Torvald.
        
        This further shows the power dynamic within the relationship according to Torvald. He clearly thinks that he is above Nora, rightfully so as he is doing all the work and he thinks that Nora is just at home and due to all the playing around, it further convinces him of this power dynamic.
        
        This is noticed by Nora when she says, "... you weren't frightened of what might threaten me, but only of what threatened you..."
  - - - Throughout the play Torvald refers to Nora with cute pet names. However cute they may be, they are actually quite patronizing and shows that Torvald doesn't see Nora as a human being but as a pet instead.
      - This is supported by Nora constantly thinking about ways on how to impress Nora and entertain him. Whether through tricks like dancing the tarantella for him or through appearance; making sure that she looks good for him and picks a "beautiful" dress.
      - This idea of Torvald patronizing Nora and thinking of her as below human has become so obvious that even Nora knows the reality of her relationship with Torvald. Having this quote be said by Nora herself, calling herself a Squirrel, is all for Torvald in order to keep him happy. Using the adjective of "little" as well makes it seem more cuter and more weak. Seeming to grant Torvald the feeling of power over Nora as she is describing herself as a little Squirrel who needs the help of Torvald. And of course Torvald, being the prideful man he is, loves this and Nora knows that this keeps him happy, which will of course prolong their relationship. This is recognized by Nora as she tells to Ms Linde, "When it no longer amuses him to see me dance and dress up and play a fool for him". This shows that Nora knows in order for her to survive and keep this marriage going, she has to play along and pretend towards Torvald and simply amuse him.
        
        This shows the constant playing around Nora has to do in order to stay in the marriage. Constantly not be herself because as we know, Nora isn't this childish woman that has nothing going on in her life. She actually has the deal with Krogstad which is something quite problematic which simply a "little squirrel" would not be able to handle.
  - - - Nora comes to a conclusion that her number 1 priority is her duty to herself. The responsibility to oneself is then suggested as the top priority for a human being, shown through the ending of the play where Nora decides to leave her other responsibilities; being a mother to her children and a wife to Torvald, in order to fulfil this priority of herself.
      - As this is at the end of the play it is the main idea that Ibsen leaves the audience. Promoting the freedom of an individual above everything, even the duty of being a mother.
      - Throughout the whole play it has been leading up to this point and it justifies the reasons as to why Nora chose to leave
        
        Nora constantly having to play along
        
        Being patronized and not seen as a human being
        
        Torvald seeing her as nothing more than entertainment
        
        Her having to constantly lie
        
        Knowing that Torvald wouldn't take the blame for her
- - - - This is said by Torvald at the end of the play when he realises that there indeed is a divide between him and Nora. However, he tries to persuade her that he is capable of changing and wants the chance to be given to him. But Nora decides not to give him the chance and leaves. Showing him no mercy as she tells him to never contact her ever.
      - This can clearly be seen as Nora being selfish and not giving Torvald a second chance at the marriage. For all we know Torvald could've changed and started to be a man that Nora could've loved, but instead she sacrificed her marriage and her children without giving it another try.
  - - - Nora has refused to tell Torvald about the truth of the matter because she is scared of the consequences that could happen to her. Thus she chooses to lie and deceive Torvald when in fact, it can be argued that she should have told him the truth from the beginning. Which could've resolved this whole issue.
      - She could've given the chance for Torvald to try to understand the situation
  - - - Nora chose to leave her children and her marriage. Which is quite selfish as now her children have to grow up motherless. She is totally throwing away her responsibilities as a mother and the effects that it might have towards her children by leaving.
        
        She is hoping that the nurse is able to fulfil that role of a mother towards her children which is quite selfish as now she is just throwing her responsibilities to another person rather than taking it on herself. She borne these three children, it is only their right that they have her in her life and not to be walked out on.