How does Ibsen use macaroons to dramatize relationship dynamics between Nora and Torvald in A Doll's House?

The
predominant interpretation of the symbolism of the macaroons in 's is
thathas no power in her relationship withand must resort to buying and eating macaroons in
secret in order to assert her independence and demonstrate her personhood, even if only to
herself. Scholars assert that Nora's purchase of the macaroons is an act of rebellion against
Torvald's oppressive, if not abusive, treatment of herand, by extension, against society's
oppression of her as well.

An alternative interpretation might be that
Torvald and Nora's verbal sparring over the macaroons in the opening scene of the play is a game
that Torvald and Nora play. Torvald knows quite well that Nora bought macaroons on her shopping
trip, but he acts like he has no knowledge of it in order to reinforce and maintain his dominant
role in the relationship and to reinforce Nora's subservience to him:

HELMER [wagging his finger at her]: Hasn't Miss
Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?

NORA: No; what makes you think
that?

HELMER: Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's?

NORA: No, I assure you, Torvald

HELMER: Not been nibbling
sweets?

NORA: No, certainly not.

HELMER: Not even taken a
bite at a macaroon or two?

NORA: No, Torvald, I assure you really

HELMER: There, there, of course I was only joking.

NORA
[going to the table on the right]: I should not think of going against your
wishes.

HELMER: No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your
word[Going up to her.] Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my
darling.

Torvald acts like he believes every word Nora
says even though he knows that she's not telling the truth. However, Torvald is oblivious to the
fact that he's playing a game with Nora that Nora has already won.

Nora gets
whatever she wants from Torvald. It's simply a matter of Nora playing the subservient role,
letting Torvald think that he's being magnanimous and taking care of his "little
squirrel," perhaps pouting now and again, and reaping the rewards of her manipulation of
him.

Torvald's reaction to 's letter totally undermines their relationship.
It's when Torvald changes the game and disrupts the balance of power and destroys the mutual
respect that Torvald and Nora have had for one another that Nora decides to fully assert her
independence:

HELMER [sadly]: I see,
I see. An abyss has opened between usthere is no denying it. But, Nora, would it not be possible
to fill it up?

NORA: As I am now, I am no wife for you.

HELMER: I have it in me to become a different man.

NORA: Perhapsif
your doll is taken away from you.