Obedience and control is a recurring theme of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. Which line in this excerpt from act 1 of the play reflect this theme? HELMER: Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain? Nora. A lie—? HELMER: Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (Shakes his finger at her) My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with--no false notes! (Puts his arm round her waist) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure it is. (Lets her go) We will say no more about it. (Sits down by the stove) How warm and snug it is here! (Turns over his papers.) NORA (After a short pause, during which she busies herself with the Christmas Tree): Torvald! HELMER: Yes. NORA: I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow. HELMER: And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with.
