How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line) Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #1
NORA: "How painful and humiliating it would be for Torvald […] to know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations altogether." (1.197)
The Helmers' marriage is based on maintaining a veneer of male dominance.
Quote #2
NORA: "Christine is […] is frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect herself—" (1.282)
Nora's relationship with her husband seems to be built on careful manipulation of his ego.
Quote #3
NORA: "But don't you think it is nice of me, too, to do as you wish?"
HELMER: "Nice?—because you do as your husband wishes? Well, well, you little rogue, I am sure you did not mean it in that way." (2.82-2.83)
Comments like this from Torvald demonstrate that the Helmers are in a lopsided marriage.