Act II is largely a continuation of themes and character development that were introduced in the first act: Helmer's preoccupation with beauty in the household continues to be prevalent in Act II. Nora says "Yes, Torvald knows how to make it nice and pretty around here." Nora seems to have been raised in a setting that valued appearance and beauty as well. Mrs. Linde comments that Nora also knows how to make things "nice and …showed first 75 words of 2662 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2662 total…a sign that she has to be sheltered, protected and guided by him. Nora, however, agrees that she has very little knowledge in the ways of the world, but this tells her that she should go out into the world and experience things for herself and learn. Later, Nora speaks of "the most wonderful," which would be "a true marriage." However, Nora no longer believes that this is possible in society as she knows it.