What is the symbolism of the Christmas Tree in "A Doll's House?"

The Christmas Tree acts as a representative of Nora herself, and often reflects her mental state. It is traditionally a festive object meant to serve a decorative purpose, symbolizing Nora’s value to Torvald as an pretty object there to charm and entertain him. Nora instructs the maid to keep the tree a secret, reflecting her own secretive nature due to the many lies she tells Torvald to keep up the illusion of their stable marriage. As the play continues and Nora grows more and more dissatisfied with her life, the Christmas Tree begins to visibly deteriorate and wither.

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Answered by Anita T. English Literature tutor

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