Widely respected, psychological theories demonstrate the effect of past experiences and relationships on the future. Henrik Ibsen clearly displays that concept through the characters and their personas in the play A Doll's House. Everything is inherited one way or another, whether through the emotional treatment of Nora by her father, which correlates to how Torvald treats Nora; Dr. Ranks poor health physically inherited from his father; or Christine Linde's inheritance accumulated by experience to assist Nora's relationship.
             According to the rules of psychology, a person is generally attracted to someone similar to his mother or similar to her father. This rule holds true in the situation between Nora Helmer and Torvald Helmer. Nora's father spoke in a condescending manner towards her. This patronizing tone, also present in Torvald, causes Nora to create a dependence on the speaker. Nora's selfless childhood has followed her in her marriage. Consuming prohibited macaroons and eavesdropping reveal her father-daughter dependency. This pitiful behavior provokes serious intra-marital problems. Her inability to speak for herself and her deceitfulness leads to a loss of attraction to Torvald. Through experiences with friends, Nora finally becomes conscious of her actions and decides to alter her life by throwing away everything related to her past.
             Dr. Rank inherited a physical illness from his father. This disease transforms the way he views life. Because Dr. Rank eventually passes away, obviously his health is diminishing. Rank, driving along the verge of death although not wanting to face the fact of death, recognizes that he must express his true feelings towards Nora. After the doctor relieves himself of his built up emotions, Mrs. Helmer soon reaches an epiphany that other people can love her. This realization flips on a switch in Nora's head that causes her to recognize her deficiency of sentiment ...