A Doll's House Theme of Love

There is much talk of love in A Doll's House, but in the end, the Helmers discover that true love never existed between them. Throughout the play we hear of and see many different forms of love: familial, maternal, paternal, and fraternal. Romantic love even blossoms for two of the secondary characters. However, for the main characters, the Helmers, true romantic love is illusive.

1. In what ways is Nora's love for Torvald similar to her love for her father? How is it different?
2. What different breeds of love are seen throughout the play?
3. Is Dr. Rank's love of Nora just as superficial as Torvald's, or does he have a deeper understanding of her?
4. Do you think the Helmers ever truly loved each other? What does "truly loved" even mean?

Nora's conception of love seems to be linked to the idea of sacrifice.

A Doll's House seems to convey the idea that real love can only exist between equals.