The children, and the dolls, are nothing more than playthings. They are there to look nice and dress pretty, but not to do anything other than what their owner wants them to.
They are controlled by the strings of society; enslaved by the husband (and father), Torvald.
When someone suggests something that is incorrect and they act as if they know they are right , you might be scornful of them.
linking verb.........,....
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