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Symbolism in A Doll's House Symbols are used universally to arouse interest to something prosaic and to stimulate the mind. Henrik Ibsen's play, A Doll's House is fraught with symbols that represent abstract ideas and concepts. These symbols successfully illustrate the inner conflicts that are going on between the characters. A few of the symbols are the macaroons, the Tarantella dance, and the Christmas tree. Nora lies about the macaroons twice, the first time to …

…herself or another character. The Tarantella, the Christmas tree, and the macaroons all demonstrate how Nora's life is complicated by her marriage with Torvald that is not even real. Their relationship shares no mutuality and Nora is never allowed to be independent; she is always the doll that is being manipulated by Torvald. From the parallels formed by the symbols, we understand how many of the things in the play are representative of her life.