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As a reoccurring symbol in the play, the forbidden macaroons represent temptation and deception. What does this say about Nora, who has an apparent craving for the treats, and about the people she offers them to?

It seems to me that the macaroons are the first hint that Nora has a willingness to change. Plus, Torvald does not want her to have them which draws more attention to the parent-child relationship they have going on. As far as who she offers them to, it's like the stockings. She hides the macaroons from Torvald, but not from Kristine or Rank. This shows how she can be herself with them better than she can be with her own husband.

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I think the macaroons represent her desired independence from Torvald. She says that he doesn't like her eating them because they destroy her teeth. By eating them, she's destroying her beauty; therefore, she is destroying the main reason why he married her and this entire situation foreshadows a doomed relationship.

I agree with the macaroons representing deception. Nora has sneaked around Torvald's back for 8 years and the ease with which she lies about eating the macaroons shows how comfortable she has become with doing things that Torvald dislikes. She lies to him without giving it a second thought. In reality their marriage is a web of lies.

I fully agree with what everyone wrote. The macaroons symbolize the start of Nora's separation from Torvald. By sabotaging her beauty (ruining her "white teeth" and "perfect figure") Nora exhibits, although miniscule, a rebellion towards Torvald. The macaroons allow a first glimpse of Nora's desire for independence. Nora's craving for the forbidden macaroons imply her crave for a detached life from Torvald.

From the opening scene of A Doll's House, the reader can identify Nora's desire for independence through the macaroons.  Torvald is adamant that he does not want Nora eating macaroons, for he fears her teeth will rot and she will gain weight.  Nora, however, repeatedly sneaks candies behind Torvald's back.  This scene foreshadows the conclusion of the play.  Nora seeks freedom from Torvald and the limitations society has placed on her.  By rebelling through harmless actions, Nora is fulfilling her inner need to feel a sense of meaning in a male-dominated society.

Throughout the play, Nora is constantly having to worry about her physical appearance, whether or not she is pleasing her husband, and how she presents herself to others. I think the macaroons are her little way of rebelling against her repression in her own home, showing that she strongly desires independence, but is too scared to voice her own opinion.

The macaroons could also suggest an alternate way, less harmful way to rebel. Almost healthier. Instead of outright confronting Torvald, Nora could indulge herself and fulfill her rebelious needs while minimizing the overall effect. Meaning that their is a safer way to vent frustration in little bits than all at once.

To me, it reminded me of parents that take their kid's Halloween candy and regulate how much and when they can have some. Torvald's ban on the macaroons are another method of control. Perhaps he didn't mean it to be that way, but in his eyes, Nora is his silly, little "sky-lark" and he fully believes he knows what is best for her.

The exchange between Nora and Torvald as he confronts her about the macaroons also adds to the "parent and child" aspect of their relationship. Torvald says, "(wagging his finger at her) Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?" The way he speaks to his wife lacks the respect and maturity a conversation between two responsible parents would have. Although purchasing candies behind her husband's back is somewhat of a trivial issue, it is the start of tension in their marriage.