Sometimes it takes a lifetime to change yourself, but changing in response to what others want, without considering your own needs could be much more challenging. In a world without flaws all people would be treated equally and with the same kind of respect. On the other hand, in the world we live in, almost every situation we find ourselves in has the potential to become a conflict. A Doll's House, a play by Henrik Ibsen, is an outstanding example of a conflict that exists because women are seen by men as possessions and not as individuals. Ibsen uses the Christmas tree, macaroons, tarantella, and doll's house as symbols in A Doll's House to express the flaws of a society that requires women to be submissive and docile servants of men. Transition: First we can consider the Christmas Tree. The Christmas tree can be seen as the first symbol of the play A Doll's House, in which women must be obedient to men and hide their true emotions. For example, at the beginning of the second act, the stage directions command that “The Christmas tree is in the corner by the piano…” (Ibsen 29). This instruction represents Torvald, Nora's husband, ordering Nora to do whatever pleases him even though she may not agree. She sees herself isolated from her husband and feels rejected because her opinion is never taken into consideration by him. Furthermore, the Second Act directions continue to indicate that the Christmas tree is "... stripped of its ornaments and with the ends of the candles burnt on the tangled branches." (Ibsen 29) The image created by this order reveals that Nora also feels burned by always having to listen to her husband. The "shaggy branches" of the Christmas tree indicate that its life is bedraggled and not... ... middle of paper ...... toy. As a result, Torvald's hold on her breaks when he realizes that she was just a "doll" used by her husband. The main character of A Doll's House, Nora. Helmer, is constantly challenged in the play as she strives to be the perfect wife to her husband, Torvald, and to live by the rules and expectations set by him. Ibsen uses symbols throughout the play to emphasize how women were viewed and men treated during the Victorian era in Norway. Even now, during our modern era, women are still seen as subservient to men and all men have a lesson to learn that women can be much more than just "dolls" in a "dollhouse". they have values, ambitions, dreams, individuality, a place in society where they can express themselves and live a meaningful life. Will there ever be a time in the future when women will be treated equally to men??