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Metaphor
Explanation and Analysis—Under Torvald's Wing:
In Act Three, following the discovery of the IOU letter, Torvald tries to calm Nora down and win back her affections after blatantly turning against her. As he does so, he returns to his metaphorical pet names, this time in a much more deliberate, conscious, and manipulative manner:
You try and get some rest, and set your mind at peace again, my frightened little song-bird. Have a good long sleep; you know you are safe and sound under my wing. […] What a nice, cosy little home we have here, Nora! Here you can find refuge. Here I shall hold you like a hunted dove I have rescued unscathed from the cruel talons of the hawk, and calm your poor beating heart.
It is interesting to note that, in a departure from earlier instances in the play when the use of pet names were only made in reference to Nora, in this scene Torvald also includes himself in the metaphor. Referring to himself as both a bird whose protective wing may provide refuge and as the rescuer of a hunted dove from a hawk, Torvald uses this metaphorical language to highlight his masculine size and power. With this adaptation of the metaphor, Torvald attempts to manipulate Nora into compliance by patronizing her and using fearmongering by implying she may only find peace and safety under his care.
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