the doll's house - ATIKA SCHOOL

[email protected]

Novels,UpdatedICT,CPA,KASNEB,HighSchool&PrimaryNotes 0714497530 1

THEDOLL'SHOUSE

STUDY GUIDE

MrIsabokeMicah-0714497530

[email protected]


ACOMPLETEEXTENSIVEREVISIONGUIDEWITH:

ANALYSISOFPLOT,THEMES,CHARACTERIZATION,ANDSTYLE

150+CONTENTBUILDINGSUMMARYACTQUESTIONS,ANDANSWERS

11K.C.S.ESTYLEEXCERPTQUESTIONSANDANSWERS

21K.C.S.ESTYLEESSAYQUESTIONS&ANSWERS

[email protected]


INTRODUCTION

HenrikIbsenwrotetheplay‘A Doll’sHouse’in1879,atatimewhenNorwaywas

experiencinganeconomicboom.Therewasprogressionalongthesocialstratum and

theuppermiddleclassparticularlybenefited.Socialclassstratabroughtwithitfeelings

ofidentityandpride,andthepressuretoconform tothestereotypicalvaluesofa

prestigiousclass,butinevitably,socio-economicconflictsaroseasdepictedinIbsen’s

play.

Theplayiscentredonvarioussocio-economicconflictsthataffecttheHelmers’andby

extensionothercharacters.Theplaydepictsthesocietalstereotypeofgenderroles

whicharebiasedagainstwomenanddenythem freedom ofself-expression.Instead,the

stereotypesrelegatethewomentobesubmissivehousewivesandsubordinatesofmen.

Noraisonevictim ofthesestereotypesasshehastoputupwithherdomineering

husband.TorvaldtreatsNoraasa‘thing’thathasto becontrolledinspiteofthe

enormoussacrificesthatNorahasmadeforthefamilyandforTorvaldinparticular.

Thehypocrisyinthesocietyisalsotelling.Asmuchasthewomenconform tothegender

stereotypes they stillcannotescape criticism,condemnation,and ostracism.The

sacrificesthatthesewomenmakecanbeoverlookedinaflashandreplacedwithharsh

judgement.Torvald’spromisethathewouldstandbyNora’sside‘no matterwhat’

crumblesimmediatelyhelearnsthatNorahasengagedinafraudulentdeal.Hewastes

notimeinadmonishingher,andevenforbidsherfrom comingclosetothechildren.All

thewhile,TorvaldignoresthatNora’sfraudwasforhislife’ssake.

Noralosesherpatienceto‘thispatriarchalspectacle’thatboundswomenirrespectiveof

theircommitmentand selflessness towards serving theirfamilies.Torvald’s quick

judgementultimatelyopensNora’seyestothehypocrisyandtheselfishnessofher

husband.TheactionsofTorvaldareagrandbetrayalforallthesacrificesthatNoramade

forthewell-beingoftheHelmers’family.Sheforfeitshertraditionaldutiestobothher

husbandandherchildren,andwalksawayinabidtounderstandherselfandherplacein

theworld.

TheplaywrightthroughwomencharacterssuchasNora,MrsLinde,andAnnachallenges

thegenderstereotypesinapatriarchalsociety.Ibsenwantshisaudiencetorealisethat

therolesthatwomenplayinsocietywillneverequalthe‘subordinate’tagthatisthrown

tothewomen.Infact,hesubtlypointsout,thatwomenaresavioursofmenandtheir

familiesandwecanonlyfullyunderstandthem ifweallowthem toexpressthemselves

freely.

[email protected]


PLOT

Itreferstothegeneralflowofthestoryincluding:

Thedescriptionofthevarioussettings

Thenarrationsofvariouseventsandtheirconsequences

Theintroduction,description,andactionsofvariouscharacters

ACT1–MoneyandPower

ThesettingofthisactisattheHelmers’house.NorahHelmerreturnstothehousefrom

herChristmasshopping.ItisevidentthatitisadaytoChristmas(ChristmasEve).Norah

wantstheChristmastreehiddenfrom thechildrensothattheywillonlyseeitwhenitis

litintheevening.Shepaystheporterandleaveshim withthechange.Norah’shumming

catchestheearofherhusbandwhoaffectionatelystartsaconversationwithher.Norah

callsherhusbandtoseewhatshehadbought.TorvaldlabelsNoraaspendthriftfor

wastingmoneyonshoppingbutNorajustifiesherspendingsayingthatTorvaldwas

goingtohaveabigsalarysoon.TorvaldblamesNora’srecklessspendinghabitsonthe

factthatNoraisawoman.

NorashowsTorvaldtheChristmaspresentsthatshehasboughtforboththechildren

andthemaids.TheHelmershaveinvitedDoctorRankfordinnerandtheyarealso

planningtoinvitehim fortheChristmascelebrations.TheHelmersremembertheirlast

Christmasthatwasnotsojoyous,astheywerenotwelloffatthattime.Abellringsinthe

hallandthemaidinformsNorathataladyhadcometovisither.Themaidalsoinforms

TorvaldthatDoctorRankhadarrivedandgoneintohisstudyroom.

Mrs.Linde,Nora’schildhoodschoolfriendgetsintothehouse.NoraobservesthatMrs.

Lindelookedpalerandthinner.NoraalsopointsoutthatshesawinthepapersthatMrs.

Linde’shusbandhaddied.ShealsoinformsheroftheHelmersjoythatTorvald,her

husband,hadbeenmademanageroftheBankandwithsuchagoodpayingjobthey

wouldliveagoodlife.Mrs.LinderemindsNorathatduringtheirschooldaysNorawasa

greatspendthriftbutNoracountersandsaysthattheyhaveneverbeeninapositionto

wastemoneyandtheyhavehadtoworktogetit.

NorafurtherstatesthatTorvaldlefthisofficesincetherewasnoprospectofpromotion

andheoverworkedhimselfinabidtoearnmorethanhedidbefore.Intheprocess,

[email protected]


TorvaldfelldreadfullyillandNorahadtotakehim foravacationinItalywheretheyspend

awholeyear.ThevacationsavedTorvald’slifebutitcostNoraalotofmoney.Noralies

thatshegotthemoneyfrom herfather.Norafeelsdisappointedsinceshecouldnotgo

andnursehersickfatherwholaterdies.Atthetime,Norawastakingcareofhersick

husbandandshewasalsoexpectingIvar’sbirth.

Mrs.LindeinformsNorathathegotmarriedtoherhusbandbecausehecouldoffer

financialsupporttoherbedriddenmotherandhertwoyoungbrothers.Herhusband’s

businesswashoweveruncertainandwhenhediesitcollapsedandtherewasnothingleft.

Mrs.Lindetriesherhandonseveralventuresbutsheisunsuccessful.Sincehermother

diedandheryoungerbrothersnolongerneededherhelpshehascomeovertolookfor

work.Mrs.LindeishopefulthatTorvaldwillhelpgethersomethingtodo.Norapromises

totalktoTorvaldoverthematter.

Mrs.LindebelittlesNora’slifetroublesclaimingthatNoraconcernsherselfonlywith

housecare.NoraaccusesMrs.Lindeofbeingliketheotherpeopleinherlifewhothink

thatsheisincapableofanything.Shethenrevealsthatsheistheonewhosaved

Torvald’slife.ShefurthersaysthatDoctorsrevealedonlytoherthatTorvald’slifewasin

danger.WhenNorabecomesunsuccessfullyincunninglypleadingwithTorvaldtotake

herforavacationinthesouthsheprocuresthemoneythattheyuseinthevacation.She

cheatsTorvaldthatthemoneywasprovidedbyhisfather.ThissavesTorvald’slife.Nora

hasneverrevealedtoanyonewhereheprocuredthemoney.

NorafearstellingTorvaldthatsheprocuredaloanasthiswouldupsettheirrelationship

anddestroytheirbeautifulhappyhome.NorathereforetellsMrs.Lindethatshewill

revealthesecretinthedistantfuture.Shealsostatesthatshehashadtosavesome

moneytopayforthequarterlyinterestandtheinstalmentsoftheloanthatsheprocured.

Shehasalsofoundotherwaysofmakingmoney.ButNoraisexcitedthatshewouldno

longerworryabouttheloanasTorvaldwillstartearninglotsofmoney.Krogstadarrives

toseeNora’shusband.Mrs.Lindebecomesnervousandturnstothewindow.Krogstad

hasasmallpostinthebankandbecausehehasheardthatNora’shusbandwillbetheir

newbosshehascometoseehim forbusinessmatters.NoraallowsKrogstadtogoto

Torvald’sstudyroom.

Mrs.LindeinformsNorathatsheusedtoknowKrogstadmanyyearsagowhenhewasa

solicitor’sclerk.Krogstadhasmadeaveryunhappymarriageandheisawidowerwith

severalchildren.Itisremarkedthathecarriesonwithvariouskindsofbusiness.Doctor

RankcomesoutofHelmer’sstudyandheisintroducedtoMrs.Linde.Mrs.Lindeinforms

DoctorRankthatshehadcometolookforwork.DoctorRankindicatesthatthoughheis

sickhewouldliketoliveaslongaspossible.DoctorRanksaysthatKrogstadhasapoor

moralcharacter.HeinformsNorathatKrogstadwantedtotalktoTorvaldsomething

aboutthebank.NoraispleasedthatTorvaldisnowthemanagerofthebankandhehas

powerovermanypeople.NoraoffersDoctorRankandMrs.Lindemacaroonsthough

DoctorRankobservesthatTorvaldhadforbiddenNorafrom takingthem.

[email protected]


NorainformsDoctorRankandMrs.Lindethatshehadashockingsecretbutbeforeshe

revealsitTorvaldcomesoutofhisroom.NoraintroducesTorvaldtoMrs.Linde.He

recallsherasaschoolfriendofhiswife.NorainformsherhusbandthatMrs.Lindewas

goodatbook-keepingandwhenshelearnsthatTorvaldhadbeenappointedasthe

managerofthebankshetravelstoseeifTorvaldcouldfindhersomework.When

TorvaldindicatesthatMrs.Lindecameatafortunatemomentandthathewillbeableto

findsomethingforher,NoraisexcitedasshehashelpedMrs.Lindesecureajob.Torvald

thenleavesaccompaniedbyDoctorRank,andMrs.Linde.

NoraplayswithherchildrenbeforeKrogstadappears.Noratakesthechildrentoanother

room.NorathinksthatKrogstadhascomeforthemonthlyinstalmentoftheloanbut

Krogstadwouldliketoknow whethertheladythatwasaccompanyingNora’shusband

wasMrs.Linde.Krogstadsaysthatheknew Mrs.Lindelongtimeagoandheinquires

whetherMrs.LindewillhaveanappointmentintheBank.Norarepliesthatthatwasthe

caseandshealsosayssheistheonewhohelpedhergetthejob.Hearingthat,Krogstad

nowinsiststhatNorashoulduseherinfluenceoverherhusbandtoensurethatheretains

hissubordinatepositionattheBank.NoraclaimsthatshewasnotafraidofKrogstad

sincebytheendofthemonthshewillhavefinishedherpaymentstohim.Krogstad

affirmsthathecannotaffordtobefiredasitwilltarnishhisnamebeforehischildren–

somethingthathehasalwaysbeendeterminedtoprevent.Krogstadthreatenstoexpose

Nora’ssecrettoherhusbandifshedoesnotfulfilhisdemand.

KrogstadremindsNoraofthethencircumstanceswhenshetooktheloan.Hestatesthat

Norawasanxioustogetthemoneyforthevacationthatsheforgotabouttheconditions

ofthe bargain.Through theirexchange Krogstad clearlyproves to Nora thatshe

committedafraudbyforgingherfather’ssignature.Noraconfessestothisfraud.Before

Krogstadleaves,hethreatensNorathatifhelosthispositionatthebankthenNoratoo

wouldlosehersasthewifeofTorvald.Torvalditseemswouldachievethisbyexposing

Nora’sfraud.Noratellsthechildrennottotellanyoneaboutthestrangerthathadjustleft.

TorvaldarrivesinthehouseandNoraliestohim thatnoonehasbeeninthehouse.

Torvaldhoweversaw Krogstadgoingoutofthegateandheaccuseshiswifeofbeing

dishonest.HeclaimsthatKrogstadhasbeenbeggingNoratosayagoodwordonhis

behalf.HedoesnotapproveofsuchanarrangementsinceKrogstadisamanwithno

moralcharacter.

Norasayssheislookingforwardtothefancy-dressball.Torvaldsaysthathehasgot

authorityfrom theretiringmanagertoundertakenecessarychangesinthestaffandhe

planstousetheChristmasweekforthat.NorainquireswhetherKrogstadwasguiltyof

somethingverybad.TorvaldclaimsthatKrogstadforgedsomeone’snameandhegot

himselfoutofthemessbyusing a cunning trick.HeaccusesKrogstad ofbeing

hypocriticalandlackingaconscience.Healsoclaimsthatanyonewhoturnsoutasbad

intheirearlylifewasbecausetheyhadadeceitfulmother.TorvaldurgesNorato

dissociatehimselfcompletelyfrom Krogstadashehadlostallmoralcharacter.Healso

claimsitwouldbeimpossibleforhim toworkwithKrogstadbecauseofhisflawed

[email protected]


character.ThenursetellsNorathatthelittlechildrenwishedtocometoherbutNora

declinestoseethem andtellsthenursetostaywiththem.

QuestionsandAnswers

i.)Whatisthesettingofthisscene?

ThesettingisattheHelmers’house.

ii.)HowisNorahajovialandgenerouscharacter?

NorahisajovialcharacterasshegoesforChristmasshoppingandbuysthingssuchasa

Christmastree.ThisevidentlyshowsthatshelookedforwardtoanexcitingChristmas

day.Sheisalsogenerousasshepaystheporterandstillleaveshim withthechange.

iii.)WhatevidenceportraystoNorahassecretive?

NorahinformsEllen,aservant,nottorevealtothechildrenthatshehadboughta

Christmastree.Shewantedthechildrentobetakenbysurprise.

iv.)WhydoesNoraapproachherhusband’sdoorcautiously?Whataremacaroons,and

whatdotheysymbolize?

Noradoesnotwantherhusbandtocatchhereatingthemacaroons.Macaroonsaresoft

roundbiscuits/cookies,andtheysymbolizeNora’sdefiancetotheordersofherhusband,

asherhusbandhasinstructedhernottoeatthemacaroons.

v.)Torvaldusesthewords‘lark’,‘squirrel’,and‘featherhead’toaffectionatelyrefertohis

wifebutimmediatelygetsconcernedthatNorahhasspentsomuchmoneyonthe

Christmasitems.WhatdoesthisrevealaboutTorvald’sattitudetowardsNorah?

TorvaldhasasuperiorattitudetowardsNora.HemerelyconsidersNorahasawifethat

needstobecontrolledlikeachild.MuchasTorvaldthrowsaffectionatepraisestowards

Norah,heisalsoquicktobluntlypointoutherflaws.ThisshowsthatTorvaldlackstrue

lovetowardshiswife.

vi.)Noraisnotentirelya‘spendthrift.’Whatshowsthatsheisreasonablewithher

approachtomoneymatters?

Norastatesthatthefamilyisjustifiedtospendalittlebitmoresincethiswasthefirst

Christmasthattheyneedednottoeconomise

vii.)HowisTorvaldportrayedinhisapproachtoissuesofmoney?

Torvaldisportrayedasfrugal.HeisconcernedthatNoraisspendingtoomuchmoneyon

Christmasitems.EventhoughTorvaldwillhaveabigsalaryaftertheNewYear,hefeels

thattheyneededtoeconomisesothattheydonotgointodebt.Heisalsochauvinisticas

hebelievesthatwomenarepoorinplanningfinances.

[email protected]


viii.)DiscussTorvald’sattitudetowardswomen.

Torvaldisdiscriminatorytowardswomen.Hewronglyportrayswomeningeneralas

incompetentwith regards to managing finances juston accountofNora being a

spendthrift.

ix.)WhatevidencedemonstratesthatNoraisstereotypical?

Nora’schoiceofChristmasgiftstoherchildrenisstereotypical.Hergiftsofasuit,a

horse,aswordandatrumpetfortheboysshowsthatsheispreparingthem forthe

traditionalrolesofbeingleadersinsociety.Shesurprisinglygivesadollandadolly’s

bedsteadtoherdaughter,implyingthetraditionalhousewiferoleofnurturingthatgirls

areexpectedtoplayinthesociety.

x.)WhatevidenceportraysTorvaldasjudgemental?

TorvaldcriticisesNora’srecklessspendingandarguesthatherwastefulnatureisatrait

shehasacquiredfrom herfather.Torvaldisquicktoform opinionsandcriticiseothers

tooquickly.

xi.)CommentonNora’sacceptanceofthe‘pet’namesthatsheiscalled.

Nora’sacceptanceofthe‘pet’namesportraysherassubmissive.Sheacceptsthe

namesasshethinksitisaportrayalofherhusband’slovetowardsher.Herhusband

howeverusesthem todemonstratehismanlinessandhistotalcontroloverherlife.

xii.)WhatdoesTorvald’sinquisitivenaturereveal?

Torvald’sinquisitivenaturerevealthathefollowscloselyNora’sbehaviourandhewould

liketocontrolanddirectitthewayhewishes.ItalsoshowsNora’slackoffreedom inher

ownhouse,andbyextension,inherlife.

xiii.)WhatevidenceshowsthatNoraisdishonest?

Noraliestoherhusbandthatshehasnoteatenanymacaroonsyetshedideatthem

secretlywhenherhusbandwasinthestudyroom.

xiv.)HowaretheHelmersportrayedashospitable?

TheyarealwayswelcomingtowardsDoctorRankwhodoesnothaveafamily.Theyinvite

him fordinnerandtheyarealsoplanningtoinvitehim fortheChristmascelebrations.

xv.)WhatshowsthattheHelmersfinanceshavenotalwaysbeengood?

TheHelmersremembertheirlastChristmasthatwasnotsojoyous,astheywerenotwell

offatthattime.Torvaldisrelievedthatthosehardtimeswerenowover.

xvi.)WhatevidenceshowsthatNoraissympathetic?

[email protected]


SheissaddenedbyMrs.Lindeappearanceassheseemedtroubledwiththestrugglesof

lifeandherhusbandhadalsodiedleavingherchildlessandpenniless.

xvii.)WhatmakesNoraoptimisticaboutthefutureofhisfamily?

Torvald’snewjobasamanageroftheBankmeansthatthefamilywillhavelotofmoney

andtheywillbeabletolivequitedifferently.

xviii.)GiveillustrationsthatshowNoraisconsciousandkeen.

NorainformsMrs.Lindethatsheisawarethatsheisregardedasaspendthriftbutshe

knowswellthatthatisnotanaccuraterepresentationofherastheHelmershavenot

beeninapositiontowastemoney.Healsoclaimstheyhavehadtoworkhardtomake

endsmeet.

xix.)GiveevidencethatshowstheHelmerswereahardworkingcouple.

WhenTorvaldleaveshisofficeforanotherjobheoverworkshimselfinanattempttoearn

morethanbefore.Noratooengagesinneedlework,crotchetwork,andembroidery.

Theseattemptsweremadeinorderforthem tomakemoremoneyforthefamily.

xx.)WhatevidenceshowsthatNoraisadishonestcharacter?

NoraliestoMrs.LindethatshegotthemoneyforTorvald’streatmentfrom herfather.

xxi.)WhatshowsthatNorawasselfless?

NoradoeseverythingshecantosaveTorvaldwhowasdreadfullyill.Sheaccompanies

TorvaldforthevacationeventhoughIvarhadjustbeenborn.Shealsogoesoutofhis

waytogetthemoney.Thoughthevacationcostsheratremendouslotofmoney,sheis

abletosaveTorvald’slife.Noraisalsounabletonursehersickfatherasshewastaking

careofTorvald.Thisisdespitethefactthatshewasveryfondofherfather.

xxii.)WhichinstanceportraysMrs.Lindeasdetermined?

WhenMrs.Linde’shusbanddiesandhisbusinesscollapsesshetriesherhandinvarious

venturesinordertomakealiving.Sheopensasmallshop,aschoolamongother

venturesbutwhenallfailsheseekstheassistanceofNora.

xxiii.)WhatshowsthatNoraisskilful?

NoraplanstocleverlyshareMrs.Linde’stroubleswithTorvaldinsuchawaythatTorvald

willhelpgetMrs.Lindeajob.

xxiv.)“Yououghtnottobesosuperior.”WhatmakesNoramakethisremark?

Mrs.LindedismissesNoraasnothavingexperiencedtherealtroublesandburdensof

life.SheclaimsNoraengagesonlyinsmallhouseholdcaresandcallsNoraachild.This

isnottrueasNora,too,hashadtomakesacrificesforthesakeofTorvald’slife.

[email protected]


xxv.)WhatprovesNoraassecretiveinherconversationwithMrs.Linde?

TorvaldandotherpeoplethinkthatNoragotthemoneyfortheirvacationfrom herfather.

HoweverthatisnotaccurateasitisNorathatprocuredthemoney.

xxvi.)Whatevidenceprovesthatthesocietyinthisplayispatriarchal?

NoratellsMrs.Lindethatshecouldhaveborrowedthehugesum ofmoneyusedintheir

vacation.Mrs.LindehoweverdismissesNora’sremarkclaimingthatawifecannot

borrow money withoutherhusband’s consent.This shows thatthis society was

patriarchal.

xxvii.)ExplainhowNorashowsalotofskillinhandlingTorvald’ssickness.

NoraisinformedthatTorvaldwasdreadfullyillandhewasnotsupposedtoknow the

dangerousconditionhewasin.Torvaldcouldonlybehealedbylivinginthesouth.Nora

skilfullytriestoimploreherhusbandtotakeherforavacationinthesouth.Sheeven

suggeststhatTorvaldtakesaloanforthevacation.WhenTorvaldbecomeshesitantshe

takesmattersintoherownhandsandsecuresthemoneyforthevacation.Heraction

savesTorvald’slife.

xxviii.)“Amanwhohassuchstrongopinionsaboutthesethings.”Whatdoesthisreveal

aboutTorvald’scharacter?

Torvaldwaschauvinisticashestronglybelievedthatwomenshouldnottakeloans

withouttheconsentoftheirhusbands.

xxix.)WhatprovesthatNoraismodest?

NoradoesnotwanttorevealtoTorvaldthatshewentoutofherwaytoprocuremoney

thatwasusedforTorvald’streatment.ShedoesnotwantTorvaldtobeguiltythathe

owedheranything.

xxx.)WhatactionsportrayNoraasselfless?

ThoughtheloanthatNoraprocuredwasusedforTorvald’streatment,shegoesoutof

herwayandstartspayingit.Shesavesalittlemoneyhereandthereandsheevenfinds

otherwaysofearningmoney.ShedoesnotburdenTorvaldovertheloanthatshe

procured.

xxxi.)WhatarethefeelingsofNoratowardsthewholeloanprocurementissue?

Noraisoptimisticsinceshewillnolongerhavetocareaboutwhereshewouldgetthe

moneytopaythequarterlyinterestandtheinstalments.ThisisbecauseTorvaldwill

soonstartearningalotofmoneythatshewillusetopaytheloan.

xxxii.)WhatshowsthatNorawasunwelcomingtowardsKrogstad?

[email protected]


NoradoesnotgreetKrogstadandsheaddresseshim inastrainedlowvoice.Shefurther

interrogateshim onwhyhewantedtoseeherhusband.

xxxiii.)Whoisaclerk?

Aclerkisapersonwhosejobinvolveskeepingrecordsoraccountsinanoffice.

xxxiv.)WhatshowsthatMrs.Lindeissecretive?

Mrs.Lindedoesnotinform NorathatKrogstadwasonceherfiancéandsheleaveshim

becauseshelackedthemoneytoprovideforherbedriddenmotherandhertwoyoung

brothers.

xxxv.)NorafeignsignoranceonthekindsofbusinessthatKrogstadinvolvesin.How

doesthatportrayher?

NoraisportrayedasdishonestasitisKrogstadthathelpsherprocurealoanthatisused

fortheirvacation.Noradoesnotwishthisinformationtobeknown.

xxxvi.)WhatevidenceportraysDoctorRankasdetermined?

EventhoughDoctorRankissickly,hewishestoliveaslongaspossible.

xxxvii.)“Hesuffersfrom adiseasedmoralcharacter.”Howdoesthisstatementportray

DoctorRank?

DoctorRankisportrayedasjudgemental.HeisquicktoaccuseKrogstadasamanwith

nomoralcharacter.

xxxviii.)WhatevidenceshowsthatNoraisproud?

Norawasabletosaveherhusband’slifeandnowTorvaldhasabigjobthatmakeshim

havepoweroversomanypeople.Noraisproudofherselfandherhusband.

xxxix.)“What,macaroons?Ithoughttheywereforbiddenhere.”Whatdoesthisstatement

sayaboutNora?

Noraisdefiant.Shedoesnotwantherlifetobecontrolled.Shedesirestobeleftto

engageinleisurethatmakesherhappy.

XL.)WhatevidenceshowsthatNoraissecretive?

Noraclaimsthatthereisasecretthatsheishidingfrom Torvald.Sheishowever

reluctanttorevealiteventoDoctorRankandMrs.Linde.

XLi.)HowdoesMrs.Lindeshowherdeterminationtogetajob?

Aftertryingwithoutsuccessseveralincomegeneratingventures,shetravelstothe

HelmershopingthatNorawillhelphergetajob.Noraeventuallyhelpshergetajob.

[email protected]


XLii.)WhatevidenceshowsthatTorvaldwaskind?

TorvaldempathiseswithMrs.Linde’sstrugglestogetajobandhepromisestogethera

job.

XLiii.)“Noraisskilful.”Howtrueisthisstatement?

NoraconvincesherhusbandthatMrs.Linde’shopeofgettingajoblayontheHelmers.

ShealsotellsTorvaldthatheshouldhelpMrs.Lindeforhersake.Torvaldobligesand

promisestogetMrs.Lindeajob.

XLiv.)WhatevidenceshowsthatNoraisalovingandcaringwoman?

Aftereveryoneleaves,Noragetstimetoplaywithherchildren.

XLv.)Givetheactions/wordsofNorathatshowshedidnotwantKrogstadinthehouse.

NoradoesnotgreetKrogstadbutwithastifledcryquestionswhathewantedinthe

house.ShealsotellsKrogstadthatherhusbandwasnotinthehousemeaningthatshe

wasuncomfortablewithhim aloneandshethereforeexpectedhim toleave.Norarefers

toKrogstadas‘astranger’infrontofthechildrenyethewasnot.Shealsodoesnotgive

Krogstadtimetoexplainwhathewantedtospeaktoherabout.Instead,shejumpsinto

conclusionsbyremindingKrogstadthatitwasnotyetthefirstofthemonth.Norathinks

thatKrogstadhadcometodemandforthemonthlyinstalmentofNora’sloan.

XLvi.)WhyisKrogstadsoinquisitiveaboutMrs.Linde?

ThisisbecauseKrogstadwasknowntoMrs.Lindesomeyearsbackandheknew her

training.Heisworriedthatshemightreplacehim ashehasseenhertogetherwith

TorvaldwhoseemstohaveanissuewithKrogstad’smoralcharacter.

XLvii.)HowisNora’sharshcharactershown?

Nora’sresponsetoKrogstad’squestionisveryunkind.ShetellsKrogstadthatasher

husband’ssubordinate,hehadnorighttoquestionher.ShefurthertellsKrogstadbluntly

thatsheistheonewhopleadedforMrs.Linde’sappointment.

XLviii.)HowwasNora’swordstowardsKrogstaddemeaning?

NoratellsKrogstadthatheoughtnottooffendanyonewhohadinfluence.Thismeans

thatNorafeltshewassuperiortoKrogstadandthatiswhyshelooksdownuponhim.

XLix.)WhatshowsthatKrogstadisconsciousofwhatisgoingon?

KrogstadiscertainthatMrs.LindewillbeworkingatthebankandhefearsthatMrs.

Lindemighttakeuphisjob.

L.)WhatevidenceshowsthatKrogstadismanipulative?

[email protected]


Krogstad threatens to revealNora’s secretofobtaining a loan fraudulentlyto her

husbandifshedoesnotpreventhim from firingher.

Li.)WhydoesNorathreatentothrowKrogstadoutofthehouse?

KrogstadtalksofNora’shusbandwithoutanyshow ofrespectandNoratriestobe

protectiveofhim.

Lii.)“Iam notafraidofyouanylonger.”WhatdoesthisstatementrevealaboutNora?

Norawasfearless.SheknowsthatTorvaldwillhavelotsofmoneyandshewillbeableto

payoffKrogstad’sremainingloan.

Liii.)WhatshowsthatKrogstadisadeterminedcharacter?

KrogstadtellsNorathathewaspreparedtofightforhispostatthebank.

Liv.)WhichevidencepointstoKrogstadasamorallycorruptcharacter?

Krogstadengageshimselfinmorallyunacceptableactionsbuthewasluckyasthe

matternevercamebeforethecourt.

Lv.)WhatshowsthatKrogstadwasprotective?

Krogstadwantstosafeguardhisreputationforthesakeofhischildren.Heispreparedto

ensurethathappensbydoingeverythinghecantopreventlosinghisjobattheBank.

Lvi.)WhatevidencepointstoNoraasemotional?

WhenKrogstadthreatenstorevealNora’ssecrettoherhusband,Norabeginstosob.

Thisisbecausesheknowsshewillbebadlyexposed.

Lvii.)WhatshowsthatKrogstadisintimidatingtowardsNora?

KrogstadrevealsdetailbydetailNora’sfraud.Hedoesthisin-ordertointimidateherinto

talkingtoherhusbandagainstsackinghim.

Lviii.)WhatevidenceportraysNoraasbeingfraudulent?

Noraforgesherfather’ssignatureinabidtoprocurealoanfortheirvacation.Shedoes

thisbecauseherfatherhaddiedandshewasworriedofherhusband’sillness.

Lix.)WhichconfessionsdoesNoramake?

Noraconfessesthatsheistheonewhowroteherfather’snameandsignedthepaperfor

theprocurementoftheloan.

Lx.)WhydidNoranotsendthepapertoherfather?

Nora’sfatherwasillandifshehadaskedforhissignatureshewouldhavehadtotellhim

[email protected]


thatthemoneywastobeusedforherhusband’streatmentsincehislifewasindanger.

Thiswouldhaveworsenedhisfather’scondition.

Lxi.)WhatevidenceshowsthatNorawaslovingandcaring?

Norasaysthatshewouldneverhavegivenuphertripabroadsinceshehadtosaveher

husband’slife.

Lxii.)WhatshowsthatKrogstadwascold?

KrogstadputsomanydifficultiesalongNora’sawaywhensheattemptstoprocurealoan

forTorvald’streatment.HedidnotsympathisewithNorawhosehusbandwascriticallyill.

Lxiii.)WhatevidenceportraysKrogstadasintimidating?

KrogstadtellsNorathatifheweretoproducethepaperwiththeforgedsignatureincourt,

thelawwillnotcareabouthermotivesandNorawillbejudged.KrogstadtellsNorathis

forhertorealisethatsheisguiltyoffraudnomatterhermotives.HealsotellsNorathat

ifheweretolosehispositionattheBankthentheHelmerstoowilllosetheirs.

Lxiv.)ShowtheeffectivenessofNora’suseofrhetoricalquestions.

Noraissurprisedthatwhatevershedidshedidforthegoodofherlovedonesyetsheis

beingaccusedofcommittingacrime.

Lxv.)WhatshowsthatNoraisadishonestcharacter?

NoraliestoTorvaldthatnoonehadbeeninthehouse.Thisisinaccurateasshehasjust

beenspeakingtoTorvaldafewmomentsago.Shedoesnotwantherhusbandtorealise

thatshehasanyassociationswithKrogstad.

Lxvi.)WhatevidenceshowsthatTorvaldisoverbearing?

TorvaldtalksdownhiswifefortalkingwithKrogstadandalsoforlyingtohim.

Lxvii.)WhatshowsthatTorvald’spositionattheBankispowerful?

Torvaldnowhasthepowerstoundertakenecessarychangesamongthestaffandthere-

arrangementoftheworkattheBank.

Lxix.)WhatevidenceportraysNoraasdependent?

Noraurgesherhusbandtoassistinherpreparationforthefancydressball.Sheurges

him tosuggestthedressthatwouldsuitherforthefunction.

Lxx.)WhatcrimeisKrogstadallegedtohavecommitted?

Krogstadforgedsomeone’snameandhegetsoutofthecrimebyacunningtrick.

Lxxi.)WhatevidenceportraysTorvaldaschauvinistic?

[email protected]


Torvaldclaimsthatpeoplewhohavehadabadcharactersincetheiryoungdayshad

deceitfulmothers.ThisisastereotypicalobservationandTorvaldchoosesonwomen

sinceheviewsmenasamoresuperiorgender.

Lxxii.)“IliterallyfeelphysicallyillwhenIam inthecompanyofsuchpeople.”Whatdoes

thisstatementrevealaboutTorvald’scharacter?

TorvaldisportrayedasdemeaningasthemerefactthatKrogstadhasaflawedcharacter

doesnotmakehim losehishumannesstoanextentthathecancausephysicalillnessto

others.

Lxxiii.)WhatevidenceportraysNoraasconscious?

Noraobserveshow herhusbandaccusesKrogstadofpoisoninghisownchildrenand

home.NoraputshimselfinKrogstad’sshoessinceshe,too,hascommittedthesame

crimeofforgeryandsheistroubledthatshemightinstilthewrongvaluesinherchildren.

Thisexplainswhyshebeginstokeepadistancebetweenherandherchildren.

[email protected]


ACTII–CrumblingofSecrets

TheeventsinthisacttakeplaceattheHelmers’houseonChristmasday.Norainspects

theletterboxandfindsthatitisempty.ShebelievesthatKrogstadwillnotinform her

husbandasshehadthreelittlechildrenandKrogstadwilldarenotdestroyherfamily.

Noratellsthechildren’snursethatshewillnotbeabletobewiththem asbefore.Nora

asksthenursewhysheleftherchildamongstrangers.Thenursesaysthatshewas

obligedtoleavethegirlbehind,ifshewishedtobeNora’snurse.Shealsoclaimsthe

girl’sfatherdidnotofferanysupporttoher.Thenursesaysthatthegirlwrotetoher

whenshewasconfirmedandwhenshegotmarried.

Mrs.LindeentersandNoraaskshertohelphermendthedressthatsheplanstowearat

thefancy-dressball.NoraclaimsthatDoctorRankhasadangerousdiseasewhichhe

inheritedfrom hisfather.ShefurtherstatesthatDoctorRankisherhusband’smost

intimatefriend.NoradisputesMrs.Linde’sremarkthatDoctorRankwastherichadmirer

shewastalkingabout.Norasaysthatthen,DoctorRankhadnomoneytolend.Mrs.

LindeasksNoraifshewasconcealingsomethingfrom herbutbeforetheconversation

goesfurtherTorvaldentersandNoraasksMrs.Lindetomovetothechildren’sroom as

herhusbandcouldnotbeartoseedressmaking.Norabringsupherearlierrequestthat

herhusbandshouldletKrogstadkeephispost.

TorvaldinformsNorathathehadalreadyassignedtheposttoMrs.Linde.Norareminds

TorvaldthatKrogstadmayruintheirhappyfamilybutTorvaldwillhearnoneofit.He

informsNorathatitisalreadyknownattheBankthatheplanstodismissKrogstadand

hecannotchangehismindbecauseofher.Torvaldclaimsanotherreasonhecannot

keepKrogstadistheirfamiliaritywhichKrogstadmisusestoaddresshim casuallyand

disrespectfully.WhenNoraaccusesTorvaldofbeingnarrow-minded,Torvaldgetsangry

andsendsamaidtotakeKrogstad’sdismissallettertoamessengerwhoshoulddeliver

it.NoraunsuccessfullypleadswithTorvaldtoorderthemaidback.TorvaldasksNorato

practisethroughherdancethenhegoestohisroom.

Noraisworriedofwhatwillhappennextafterherhusband’sdismissalofKrogstad.

DoctorRankgetsintothehouseandNoraliestohim thatherhusbandisbusywith

something.DoctorRanktellsNorathathewilldieinamonth’stimebuthewillconfirm

afterafinalexamination.HesaysthathewouldnotlikeTorvaldtoknow ofhissickly

condition.DoctorRankisangrythathissicknessisasaresultofherfather’syouthful

amusementsandhepromisestosendNoraacardwithablackcrosstomeanthathis

timetodiehadcome.

DoctorRankflirtswithNora.Norasaysthatshewilldancebeautifullythenextdayto

pleasebothTorvaldandDoctorRank.Norapreparestoaskforafavourfrom Doctor

RankbutwhenDoctorRankconfesseshisaffectiontowardsNora,sheistakenaback

anddoesnotaskthefavourshewantedfrom him.NoracomparesherfathertoTorvald

sincetheybothwantedtocontrolherlifeanddecidewhatshecouldandcouldnotdo.

[email protected]


NoratellsDoctorRanktogotoTorvald’sroom andaskshim nottotellherhusbandthat

shehadorderedforanewdress.

Noraisworriedthathersecretwillbeoutsoonwhenshelearnsfrom themaidthat

Krogstadwantedtogetintothehouse.KrogstadgetsintothehouseandNorainforms

him thatherhusbandwasathome.HeinformsNorathathehadgothisdismissalletter.

Krogstadsuggeststhatthewholeissueberesolvedamicably.HeinformsNorathathe

hadcarriedaletterwhichhewillgivetoherhusband.Krogstadmakesfreshdemands

sayingthathenowwantedtogetintotheBankagain,butinahigherposition.Hehopes

tobeTorvald’srighthandmanandthiswillgivehim anopportunitytoinfluencethe

operationsoftheBank.Krogstad tellsNorathatwhenTorvald getshisletterthat

containsNora’ssecretand hisdemandsheexpectsTorvald to contacthim.Nora

observesasKrogstaddropstheletterintothebox.

Mrs.LindecomesincarryingNora’sdressthathehadfinishedmending.NorashowsMrs.

LindeKrogstad’sletterintheletter-boxandimmediately,Mrs.Lindeguessesrightthatit

wasKrogstadwholentNorathemoney.Sheinformsherthatherhusbandusuallykeeps

thekeytotheletter-box.NorafurthertellsMrs.Lindethatsheforgedaname.Noratells

Mrs.Linde thatifanymisfortuneweretobefallher,thenshe,Norawouldtakeallthe

responsibility.Mrs.LindeinformsNorathatKrogstadwasonceherclosefriendandshe

plansongoingtoseehim immediately.ShesaysthatshewilltellKrogstadtofindsome

pretenceinordertoaskforhisletterbackunread.ShealsoadvisesNoratomakesure

thatTorvalddelaystoreadhisletters.

DoctorRankandTorvaldcomeoutofthestudy.TorvaldobservesthatNoralookedworn

out.NoraclaimsthatshehadforgottenhowtodanceandsheasksTorvaldtodevoteall

hiseveningtoher.Torvaldalmostgoestocheckhisletterboxbutstopsinthedoorway

whenNoraplaysthefirstbarsofthetarantella.Mrs.Lindeenters.Noraplayswildlyand

shethereforetellsTorvaldthatheshouldcoachhertillthelastminute.Helmersuggests

thatNorawasstillafraidofKrogstadandthataletterfrom him wasintheletterbox.Nora

acceptsthattheremightbebuttellsTorvaldnottoreadsuchlettersuntilthefancydress

balleventisover.

DinnerisservedandNoraasksforafew macaroonsforonemoretime.Torvaldtells

DoctorRankthatNora’sanxietyisnothingbutherchildishnervousness.Mrs.Lindetells

NorathatKrogstadhadgoneoutoftownandthathewouldreturntheeveningofthe

followingday.Shehoweverstatesthatshehadleftanoteforhim.WhenMrs.Lindegoes

tojointheothersfordinnerNoracountsthehoursbeforefancydressballwillbeover

afterwhichTorvaldwillopentheletterboxandreadhisletters.

QuestionsandAnswers

i.)Givethesettingofthisact.

ThisacttakesplaceattheHelmers’house.

[email protected]


ii.)“Ofcoursehecan’tbeinearnestaboutit.”WhatisthecontextofNora’sremark?

ShehopesthatKrogstadwasnotseriouswithhisthreatofrevealingNora’ssecrettoher

husband.That’swhyshepeepsattheletterboxtoseeiftherecouldbesuchaletterfrom

Krogstad.

iii.)WhyisNorabeginningtocreateadistancebetweenherselfandherchildren?

ThisisbecauseofTorvald’sremarksthatpeoplewithlackofmoralcharacterpoison

theirchildren’slife.Noraisconsciousofthefraudthatshecommittedandsheisworried

asTorvaldstatedofKrogstadthatshetoomightbeabadinfluencetoherchildren.

iv.)Whatshowsthatthenursewasselfless?

ThenurseleavesherdaughterbehindtoworkasNora’snurse,ajobshehasdonewell

andNoraisconfidentthatshetoocantakegoodcareofNora’schildren.

v.)WhatevidenceportraysNoraassuperstitious?

NorabelievesthatDoctorRankhasbeensicklyfrom childhoodbecausehisfather

indulgedinthingsmorethanwasnecessaryandthereforehissicknessisapriceheis

payingforhisfather’sfaults.

vi.)WhatshowsthatDoctorRankisagoodlistener?

Norasaysthatherhusbandwasneverinterestedwhenshementionedotherpeoplein

herlifesoshenaturallyspokeofsuchmatterswithDoctorRankwholikedhearingthem.

vii.)WhatshowsthatMrs.Lindeisobservant?

Mrs.LindetellsNoraitseemedsomethingwastroublinghermindandNorawashidingit

from her.

viii.)WhatevidenceportraysNoraasdetermined?

NorabringsupthematterofKrogstad’sdismissaloncemore.Shepromisestobe

submissivetoTorvaldifheletsKrogstadkeephisjob.Thisisbecauseshefearsthat

Krogstadmightrevealhersecretandbringaconflictbetweenherandherhusband.

ix.)Torvaldisarigidcharacter.Howtrueisthisstatement?

NoratriesasmuchasshecantoconvinceTorvaldtoletKrogstadkeephisjobbut

Torvaldcanhearnoneofit.EvenNora’spromisetobemoresubmissiveortoplaythe

fairyanddancetoTorvald,somethingTorvaldisobsessedwithdoesnotchangehis

mind.

x.)“Well,myskylark does thatanyhow.”Whatdoes this statementportrayabout

Torvald’scharacter?

[email protected]


Torvaldisconceited.HestatesthathedoesnotneedtodoNoraanyfavourforhertoact

submissivelytowardshim asNorahasalwaysactedthatway.

xi.)NorasuggeststhatTorvalddismissessomeotherclerkbutnotKrogstad.Whatdoes

thattellaboutNora’scharacter?

Noraisselfish.Sheputsherowninterestsbeforeothers.Sheismoreconcernedabout

hersecretnotbeingrevealedthananyothermisfortunethatcanbefallothersthatstand

inherway.

xii.)WhyisNorafearfulofKrogstad?

NorafearsthatKrogstadmaytarnishthereputationoftheHelmers’ifherevealsthatshe

obtainedmoneybyfraud.

xiii.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldisaproudcharacter?

TorvaldtellsNorathatunlikeherfatherwhoseactionsatworkweresuspicious,hewas

beyondreproach.HealsoclaimshecannotkeepKrogstadbecauseheistoofamiliar

withhim sincetheywerechildhoodfriends.TorvaldcomplainsthatKrogstadaddresses

him casuallyinfrontofotherpeopleyetheisKrogstad’sboss.

xiv.)Whycan’tTorvaldchangehismindaboutdismissingKrogstad?Whatdoesthattell

aboutTorvald’scharacter?

ItwasalreadyknownattheBankthatTorvaldwastodismissKrogstadandhecannot

changethedecisionbecauseofhiswifeasthiswouldmakehim lookridiculousbefore

hisstaff.Torvaldisportrayedasprincipled.

xv.)WhatevidenceshowsthatTorvaldistemperamental?

When Nora accuses Torvald ofbeing narrow-minded he becomes veryangryand

immediatelyordersforKrogstad’sdismissallettertobesenttoKrogstad.

xvi.)“Hewilldoitinspiteofeverything.”WhatisNorareferringto?

NoraisreferringtoTorvaldwhowantstodismissKrogstadyetNorahaspleadedwith

Torvaldnottodoit.Noraisbewilderedthatafterallhersacrifices,includingsaving

Torvald’slife,Torvaldcannotlistentoherpleas.

xvii.)WhyisDoctorRankhopelessaboutlife?

DoctorRankhasbeensufferingfrom aterriblediseaseandhetellsNorathatsoonhe

wasgoingtodie.

xviii.)Whatdoes‘acardwithablackcross’thatDoctorRanksayshewillsendNora

signify?

ThecardwithablackcrosssignifiesDoctorRank’simminentdeath.

[email protected]


xix.)WhatevidenceportraysDoctorRankassuperstitious?

DoctorRankclaimsthatheiscursedasheispayingthepriceforhisfather’syouthful

exuberanceandexcesses.

xx.)HowarebothDoctorRankandNoraportrayedasflirtatious?

NoratellsDoctorRankthatsheshalldancebeautifullyforhim andforTorvald.Shealso

allowshim toogleatherlovelystockingsandDoctorRankasksherwhatothernice

thingshewasallowedtosee.

xxi.)WhatprovesthatNoraisreasonable?

NorarefusestoaskDoctorRankforthefavourshewasmeanttoaskhim aftershe

realisesthatDoctorRankwasaffectionatetowardsher.Sheknewthatherfavourmight

bemisconstruedtomeansomethingelsenow thatDoctorRankhadexpressedhis

affectionstowardsher.

xxii.)WhatevidenceshowsthatDoctorRankisimmoral?

DoctorRankknowsthatNoraisamarriedwomanyethegoesaheadanddeclareshis

affectionforher.

xxiii.)WhatshowsthatNoraissecretive?

Norabuysanew dressbuthedoesn’twantherhusbandtoknow aboutitashewill

accuseherofbeingaspendthrift.

xxix.)Whydoesn’tKrogstadwanttogoaway?

Krogstadprobablyhadreceivedhisdismissalletterandhewascomingtoregisterhis

displeasuretoNora.

xxx.)WhatdreadfulthingdoesNorafearmighthappen?

NorafearsthatKrogstadmayrevealhersecretabouttheloanthatsheprocured.She

cannotbelievehowthisissuewillexposeheryetshetooktheloaninordertosavethe

lifeofherhusband.

xxxi.)WhydoesNorainform Krogstadthatherhusbandwasathome?

Noradidnotwantherhusbandtocatchthem talkingsinceshehadbeenwarnedagainst

talkingtoKrogstad.NoraalsohopedthatKrogstadwouldnotrevealhersecrettoher

husband.

xxxii.)WhatdidNoradototryandpreventKrogstad’sdismissal?

NorapleadedwithTorvaldnottodismissKrogstadbecausehewouldtarnishhisname.

ShealsotoldTorvaldthathewoulddestroythepeacethatthefamilyenjoys.This

[email protected]


howeverdoesnotpreventTorvaldfrom dismissingKrogstad.

xxxiii.)HowdoesKrogstadmockTorvald?

KrogstadsaysthatTorvaldwouldbeoverwhelmedifhelearntNora’sfraudandthatis

whyheisbetteroffinthedarkashewouldlackthecouragetofacesuchrevelations.

xxxiv.)WhatshowsthatNoraisprotective?

When Krogstad mocks Torvald’s lack ofcourage,Nora reminds him notto show

disrespecttoherhusband.ShealsotellsKrogstadnottorevealhersecretasitwould

affecttheirchildren’slives.

xxxv.)WhatevidenceportraysKrogstadasvengeful?

KrogstadwantstorevengeforhisdismissalbyTorvald.HeisreadytoexposeNora’s

fraud.ThiswilltarnishtheimageoftheHelmers.

xxxvi.)WhatshowsthatKrogstadismanipulative?

HeisnolongerinterestedingettingbackNora’sloan.Instead,hewantsNora’sfraudto

remainsecretonlyifheisallowedtogetintotheBankagainandgivenahigherposition.

Aftergettingthehigherposition,heplanstobeTorvald’srighthandmansothathecan

influencetheoperationsoftheBank.HethereforeplanstoholdTorvaldhostageby

intimidatinghim withNora’sfraud.KrogstadalsowantstouseNora’sfraudtogetback

hisreputation.

xxxvii.)WhydoesNorawishtorunawayfrom herhome?

NorafearsTorvald’sreactionifheweretolearnthatsheengagedinfraud.

xxxviii.)WhatdoyouthinkthattheletterthatKrogstadiscarryingcontains?

Krogstad’slettercontainsthedetailsNora’sfraudandhisdemandsforhim nottoexpose

theHelmersforthefraud.

xxxix.)HowisNoraportrayedasnaïve?

NorathinksthatKrogstadisonlyinterestedinthemoney.Hedoesnotknow that

Krogstadwantstokeephisreputationintactandheisdeterminedtogoallthewayto

ensurethathappens.Krogstadisnolongerinterestedinthemoney.

XL.)WhatshowsthatKrogstadisdemeaningtowardsNora?

KrogstadcallsNoraa‘finespoiltlady’.ThisshowsthathelackedanyrespectforNorafor

headdressesherinacasualmanner.

XLi)WhatevidenceportraysKrogstadasintimidating?

[email protected]


KrogstadpromisestohaveTorvaldinhispowerandhealsoremindsNorathathestill

hasherbondandthereforeherreputation.

XLii.)WhydoesNorautterastifledcry?

NoraknewthatTorvaldwouldgetKrogstad’sletterandthereforehersecretwouldbeout.

XLiii.)HowisNoraportrayedasselfless?

NoratellsMrs.Lindethatifanythingwastohappentohershewouldtakeallthe

responsibility.ThisissurprisingsinceshetooktheloanforTorvald’ssakebutshedoes

notinvolvehim intheconflict.

XLiv.)WhatevidenceshowsthatMrs.Lindeissupportive?

WhenMrs.LindelearnsthatitisKrogstadwholentNorathemoneysheofferstogoand

talktoKrogstadtodropthematter.

XLv.)WhatevidenceportraysbothMrs.LindeandNoraasskilful?

Mrs.LindehopestoconvinceKrogstadtofindsomepretenceanduseittoaskforhis

letterback.ShealsotellsNoratodelayherhusband’sfrom openinghisletter-box.Nora

pretendsthatshehasforgottentodancesothatherhusbandcancommithistimeto

coachinghim ratherthanreadinghisletters.

XLvi.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldwasobservant?

TorvaldnoticesthatNoralookedwornout.HedoesnotknowthatNoraisworriedthat

hersecretisgoingtoberevealed.

XLvii.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldisinstinctive?

TorvaldcorrectlypointsoutthatNoraisnervousandfearfulofKrogstadandhealsosays

thatKrogstad’sletterwaslyingsomewhere.Hespeaksallthesewithoutknowingthat

everythinghesaidwastrue.

XLviii.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldisdemeaning?

When Nora isunableto dancewell,Torvald saysitisbecauseofNora’schildish

nervousness.

XLix.)Whatisabond?

Abondisalegalagreementthatbindstwoormorepartiestoaparticularpromise.

[email protected]


ACTIII–Judgement

Theaction takesplaceattheHelmers’house.Mrs.Lindeisanxiouslywaiting for

Krogstadwholaterarrives.KrogstadaccusesMrs.Lindeofabandoninghim foranother

manwhohadmoremoney.Mrs.Lindeexplainsthatshegotmarriedtotheotherman

sincesheneededsomeonewhocouldprovidemoneyforherhelplessmotherandher

two littlebrothers.ShesaysthatatthattimeKrogstad did nothavegood money

prospects.KrogstadtellsMrs.Lindethatbecauseofheractionshislifewasturned

upsidedown.Mrs.Lindealsosharessimilarsentimentsandtheydecidetobemarriedso

astogiveeachothercompanyastheirliveswereempty.Mrs.LindetellsKrogstadthatit

washispositionatthebankthatshewasgoingtotake.

Mrs.LindeurgesKrogstadtoleaveastheHelmersmightbebacksoon.Krogstadregrets

sendingtheletteraboutNora’sfraudtoherhusband.Mrs.Lindeinformshim thatthe

letterwasstillintheletter-box.Mrs.LindetellsKrogstadnottorecallhisletterarguing

thatitwouldbewiserifTorvaldknew Nora’ssecretsothatacompleteunderstanding

betweenthem isreached.NoraandTorvaldenterfrom upstairs.Noraproteststhatthey

haveleftearlyandshewishestogoupstairsbutTorvaldisreluctanttotheidea.Torvald

talkstoNoraaffectionately.Mrs.LindeurgesNoratotellherhusbandaboutherfraud,or

Krogstad’sletterwould.Mrs.LindewishestheHelmersagoodnight,andsheleaves.

TorvaldcallsMrs.Lindeafrightfulbore.HetalkstoNoraaffectionatelybutNorais

uninterested.TorvaldisirritatedwhenDoctorRankgetsintothehouse.Noraintelligently

asksDoctorRankaboutherhealthandherepliesthathewasgoingtodiesoon.Doctor

Rankborrowsacigarfrom Torvaldandleaves.TorvaldfindsNora’sbrokenhairpinatthe

lockashegoestochecktheletter-box.Heemptiesthelettersandfindstwocardsfrom

DoctorRankwithablackcrossoverthename.NoraexplainsthatDoctorRankhad

informedherthatthecardswereasignthathewasgoingtodie.Torvaldexplainsthat

DoctorRank’sdeathwillgivehim andNoraachancetobeclosertoeachother.

TorvaldtriestobeaffectionateagainandtellsNorathathewishedthatshecouldbein

anyform ofdangersothatheriskshislifeforNora’ssake.NoratellsTorvaldgoodnight

andTorvaldtakeshislettersandgoestohisroom.Noradecidestoabandonherfamily

butwhensheisjustabouttorushoutthroughthehallTorvaldsholdsherbackand

demands an explanation from heroverKrogstad’s letter.Nora tells Torvald that

everythingintheletterwastrue.TorvaldinsultsNoracallingherahypocrite,aliar,anda

criminal.HeaccusesNoraofinheritingherfather’slackofmoralcharacter.HetellsNora

thatshehaddestroyedhishappinessandruinedhisfuture.HealsotellsNorathatheis

worriedthathemaybesuspectedofbeingpartytoNora’scriminalaction.HetellsNora

toremaininthehousebutshewillnotbeallowedtobringupthechildren.

JustthenthemaidhandsinaletteraddressedtoNora.Herefusestogivetheletterto

Noraandopensitbyhimself.Intheletter,KrogstadsendsNora’sbondback.Torvald

tellsNorathathehasforgivenherandsincethematterwasnow settled,theirlives

[email protected]


shouldgobacktonormalcy.NoratellsTorvaldthatshewouldnotsleepinthehousethat

nightandsheaskshim tositdownforatalk.SheaccusesTorvaldandherfatherof

controllingherlifeandthatisthereasonNorahadmadenothingoutofherlife.She

accusesTorvaldofmakingherhisdollwife.

Torvaldpromisesthatthefuturewouldbedifferentbutitistoolate.Norareminds

Torvaldofherhypocrisyandselfishness.WhileNorasacrificedherlifeforTorvald’s,

Torvalddoesnotreciprocate.Torvaldhoweversaysthatnomanwouldsacrificehis

honourfortheoneheloves.NorastatesthatshewasleavingandMrs.Lindewouldtake

herinforthenight.ShetellsTorvaldthatshewantstothinkoverthingsforherselfand

understandthem.NorainformsKrogstadthatshedidnotlovehim anymore.

Norahopesthatnow thatshehaddesertedherhusband’shouse,Torvaldwaslegally

freedfrom allobligationstowardsher.NoratellsTorvaldnevertowritetohernorsend

heranymoney.Shesaysthatforthem toevercomebacktogetherthenbothwillneedto

transform themselves.NoragoesoutthroughthehallasTorvaldissaddenedbyNora’s

departure.

QuestionsandAnswers

i.)Whereisthesettingofthisact?

ThisactissetintheHelmers’house.

ii.)WhyisMrs.LindeworriedthatKrogstadhasnotyetshownup?

Mrs.LindeisworriedthattheHelmersmightcomebackfrom upstairsandtherefore

jeopardizeherplannedmeetingwithKrogstad.Shemightalsobeworriedthattheymight

notbeabletopreventTorvaldfrom readingKrogstad’sletterthatrevealsNora’sfraud.

iii.)WhatmakesKrogstadsurprisedthattheHelmersareatadance?

Krogstad expected theletterhewroteto Nora’shusband to bring adisagreement

betweenthecouple.

iv.)WhatevidenceshowsthatMrs.LindeisregretfulforabandoningKrogstad?

Mrs.LindetellsKrogstadthatherdecisionto leavehim foranothermanwasnot

deliberatebutshewasforcedbycircumstances.

v.)WhatshowsthatbothKrogstadandMrs.Lindearebroken-hearted?

KrogstadsaysthatwhenhelostMrs.LindehislifewasgreatlyaffectedwhileMrs.Linde

claimsthatsheislivingalonelylife.

vi.)WhatevidenceportraysMrs.Lindeasopen-minded?

Mrs.LindesuggeststoKrogstadthatsincetheywerebothlivingtroubledlivesthey

[email protected]


shouldgetmarriedsothattheygiveeachothercompany.

vii.)WhatshowsthatMrs.Lindeisanunderstandingwoman?

Mrs.LindebelievesthatKrogstadmighthavebeendriventohisbadcharacterbecause

helackedhopeinlifethereforeshehasnoworriesaboutgettingmarriedtohim.

viii.)WhydoesKrogstadaskMrs.Lindemanyquestions?

KrogstadwantstoassesstheseriousnessofMrs.Lindestatementthatshewishedthem

togetmarried.ThisisbecauseMrs.Lindeonceabandonedhim foranotherman.

ix.)WhatshowsthatMrs.Lindeisreasonable?

Mrs.LindeasksKrogstadnottorecallhislettersoastoletTorvaldknowaboutNora’s

secretandforthemarriedcoupletohaveacompleteunderstandingbetweenthem.

x.)WhatevidenceportraysMrs.Lindeascautious?

Mrs.LindedoesnotwanttheHelmerstofindhertalkingtoKrogstadsosheasks

Krogstadtohurryupandleave.

xi.)WhydoesNorawanttogoupstairsagain?

Norawantstopasstimebeforehersecretisrevealed.Shealsohopesthatitwillgive

enoughtimetoMrs.LindetogetKrogstadandconvincehim torecalltheletter.

xii.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldisaffectionate?

Torvaldshowsfeelingsoflovetowardshiswifebytalkingendearinglytoher.

xiii.)WhatevidenceportraysTorvaldasnasty/hypocritical?

TorvaldpretendstobeateasewithMrs.Linde’spresenceintheirhousebutimmediately

sheleaves,TorvaldcallsMrsLindea‘frighteningbore.’HeisalsoirritatedwhenDoctor

RankcomesintothehouseyetDoctorRankwashisclosefriend.

xiv.)Noraisremovedfrom Torvald’saffection.Whatcouldbethereason?

Noraisanxiousthathersecretisfinallygoingtobeoutandsheisworriedabout

Torvald’sreaction.

xv.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldisdomineering?

TorvaldtalkstoNoraasifheisintotalcontroloverherandheinsistsontalking

endearinglytowardsNoradespiteherprotests.HealsotellsNoratotrainthechildrennot

tobreakintothings;adutytheyshouldbothshareasthechildrenaretheirsandnot

Nora’s.

xvi.)WhatshowsthatDoctorRankspeaksmetaphorically?

[email protected]


DoctorRanksaysthatatthenextfancydressballhewillbeinvisible.Thatwasaclever

hiddenwayofsayinghewouldbedead.

xvii.)WhatevidenceshowsthatNoraisanxious?

NoraobservesTorvaldatthewindowasheturnsovertheletters.Heisworriedofwhat

willhappenwhenTorvaldfinallypicksKrogstad’sletter.

xviii.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldisinstinctive?

Torvaldsaysthatsomethinguglyhadcomebetweenhim andNora.Hethinksthatitis

DoctorRank’sdeath.HowevertherealuglythingisNora’sfraudwhichisjustabouttobe

exposed.

xix.)WhatevidenceportraysTorvaldasinsulting/abusive?

WhenTorvaldfinallyreadsaboutNora’sfraud,heabuseshercallingher‘amiserable

creature’,a‘liar’,a‘hypocrite’,a‘criminal’,anda‘blindfoolishwoman’amongothernames.

xx.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldwasdemeaning?

TorvaldinsultsNoraandaccusesheroftakingafterherfather’slackofmoralcharacter.

xxi.)WhatevidenceportraysTorvaldasmorallydecadent?

TorvaldtellsNorathatheignoredherfather’scrimesforhersakeandNorawasnow

payingbackbycommittingcrimesthatwilltarnishTorvald’sname.

xxii.)WhatevidenceportraysTorvaldasjudgemental?

TorvaldisquicktocriticiseNora’sfraudbuthedoesnotseethesacrificethatNoramade

tosavehislife.

xxiii.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldisselfish?

Torvaldwasmoreconcernedabouthisreputationandhonourandnotthesacrificethat

Noramadeinordertosavehislife.HeplanstoappeaseKrogstadsoasnottomakethe

fraudpublicbuthepunishesNorabyplacingrestrictionsinherlife.WhenKrogstadsends

backNora’sbond,Torvaldisjoyousthathehadbeensavedfrom thematter.Heonly

thinksofhimselfandnotNora.

xxiv.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldishypocritical?

TorvaldhasbeenharshtowardsNorabutimmediatelyhereadsKrogstad’ssecondletter

thatcancelsoutNora’sfraudhechangestactandactsfriendlytowardsNora.Earlieron,

TorvaldhadstatedthathecouldsacrificeanythingforNora’ssake.Howeverwhenan

opportunityarrivesforTorvaldtoproveherwordshefailsbynottakingNora’ssideinthe

issueofthefraudulentloan.

[email protected]


xxv.)WhatshowsthatNoraisportrayedasbrave/courageous?

NoramakesadecisiontoleaveTorvaldbecauseofhishypocrisy.Norahasthecourage

totellhim tositdownsoastoexplaintohim heraction.ShealsotellsTorvaldnotto

interruptherbuttolistentowhatNorahadtosay.NoraalsotellsTorvaldthathetreated

herasadoll-wife.Andhewasnotthemantoeducateherintobeingaproperwife.She

alsosaysTorvaldwillnotbeabletopreventherfrom leaving.

Xxvi.)WhatevidenceportraysNoraasconscious?

NoraisawareofhowbothherfatherandTorvaldcontrolledherlifeandsheblamesthem

thatshemadenothingoutofherlife.

xxvii.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldwaschauvinistic?

TorvaldsaysthatNora’sdutieswereonlybeinga‘wife’anda‘mother’.Suchbeliefsgive

TorvaldthepowertodominateandcontrolNora’slifethewayhewishes.Thishasledto

thepresentconflict.

xxviii.)WhatevidenceportraysNoraasresolute?

Noramakesadecisionthatshewouldleavethehousethatnightandnoamountofharsh

statementsfrom Torvaldcanmakeherchangehermind.ShealsotellsTorvaldnotto

sendheranylettersormoney.

xxix.)WhatshowsthatTorvaldisregretful?

WhenNorafinallywalksoutoftheirmarriage,Torvaldburieshisfaceinhishands

meaningthathewasdisappointedthatNorahadleftandheknewthathewasthecause.

[email protected]


CHARACTERIZATION

Characterizationisthegivingofcharactertraitstocharacters.Often,adjectivesand

descriptivenounsareused.Charactertraitscanbeidentifiedthrough:

a.)Thephysicaldescriptionofacharacter

b.)Theauthor’sdescriptionofacharacter

c.)Whatacharacterthinks

d.)Acharacter’sactions

e.)Acharacter’sdialoguewithothers

f.)Othercharacter(s)descriptionofacharacter

NORAHELMER

Nora isTorvald’swife and motherto Ivar,Emmyand Bob.The following are the

suggestedcharactertraitsofNora.

Sheisgenerous

Noraisportrayedasagenerouscharacter.Shepaystheporterwhocarriesher

Christmastree,andherbasket,andstillleaveshim withthechange.(p.1)

Sheissecretive

NorainformsEllen,aservant,nottorevealtothechildrenthatshehadboughta

Christmastree(p.1).Shewantedthechildrentobetakenbysurprise.

NoradoesnotrevealtoTorvaldthatsheprocuredthemoneyusedfortheirtripto

Italy(p.17).ThetripsavedTorvald’slifeashehadbeendreadfullyill.

Noraclaimsthatthereisasecretthatsheishidingfrom Torvald(p.27).Sheis

howeverreluctanttorevealiteventoDoctorRankandMrs.Linde.

Norabuysanewdressbuthedoesn’twantherhusbandtoknowaboutitashewill

accuseherofbeingaspendthrift.NoraurgesDoctorRanknottotellTorvaldthat

shehadboughtanewdress(p.71).

Sheislovingandcaring

Norawantsthebestforherfamily.Shegoesoutofherwaytobringjoytoher

[email protected]


childrenbybuyingaChristmastree(p.1).

Noradoesnotusethehousekeepingmoneytopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan.

Instead,shespendsthemoneyonherchildrenasshecouldnotletthem be

shabbilydressed(p.21).

AftereveryoneleavesNoragetstimetoplaywithherchildren(p.30-31).

Norasaysthatshewouldneverhavegivenuphertripabroadsinceshehadto

saveherhusband’slife(p.40).

Sheisdefiant

Noradisobeysherhusband’sinstructionsthatsheshouldnoteatmacaroons.She

secretlyeatsthemacaroons(p.2).Shelaterevensharesthemacaroonswith

DoctorRankandMrs.Linde(p.27).ItseemsNoradoesnotwantherlifetobe

controlled.Shedesirestobeleftalonetolivealifethatpleasesher.

Sheisextravagant

NoraspendsalotofmoneyonChristmasitemsclaimingthattheyhavehadto

economiseinalltheotherprecedingChristmasfestivities.Shealsoclaimsthat

Torvaldwasgoingtohaveabigsalary(p.2).Torvaldhoweverisfearfulofgoing

intodebtandpointsheroutasbeingaspendthrift(p.3).

Sheisstereotypical

Nora’schoiceofChristmasgiftstoherchildrenisstereotypical.Hergiftsofasuit,

ahorse,aswordandatrumpetfortheboys(p.4)showsthatsheispreparing

them forthetraditionalrolesofbeingleadersthatcontrolsociety.Shesurprisingly

givesadollandadolly’sbedstead(p.4)toherdaughter,implyingthetraditional

housewiferoleofnurturingthatwomenplayinthesociety.

Sheissubmissive

Nora’sacceptanceofthe‘pet’namesportraysherassubmissive(p.6).Shethinks

thatTorvaldcallsherthenamesasademonstrationofhislovetowardsher.

NoraisawareofTorvald’schauvinisticnature.NoraobservesthatTorvaldhasa

manlyindependenceanditwouldnotsitwellwithhim thatheowesNoraanything

afterNoraprocuresaloanthatsaveshislife(p.20).ThisshowsthatNorawas

awareofTorvald’schauvinistictendenciesandshechoosesnottoquestionhim

[email protected]


becauseshefearedtoupsethim.

Sheisdishonest

Noraliestoherhusbandthatshehasnoteatenanymacaroons(p.7)yetshedid

eatthem secretlywhenherhusbandwasinthestudyroom.Thisishoweveranact

ofdefianceagainstthedomineeringnatureofherhusband.

NorainitiallyliestoMrs.Linde(p.13)andtoTorvald(p.19)thatshegotthemoney

forTorvald’streatmentfrom herfather.ThisisfalseasitisKrogstadthathelped

herobtainaloan.

Noraclaimsthatshedoesnotknow anythingaboutKrogstad’smanykindsof

business(p.24)yetsheprocuredaloanfrom him.Thisisbecauseshefeelsguilty

thatsheengagedwithamorallycorruptmanandtheloanwasnotprocuredinthe

rightway.

NoraliestoTorvaldthatnoonehadbeeninthehouse(p.43).Thisisinaccurateas

shehasjustbeenspeakingtoKrogstadafewmomentsago.Shedoesnotwant

herhusbandtorealisethatshehasanyassociationswithKrogstad.

NoraliestoDoctorRankthatTorvaldwasbusyyetTorvaldtoldNoratodirect

DoctorRanktohim whenhearrives.Noradoesthisbecauseshewantedtoask

DoctorRankforafavour(p.63).

Sheishospitable

TheHelmersarealwayswelcomingtowardsDoctorRank(p.7)whodoesnothave

afamily.Theyinvitehim fordinnerandtheyarealsoplanningtoinvitehim forthe

Christmascelebrations.

Sheisselfless

NorabuysherchildrenChristmaspresentsbutdoesnotbuyherselfany(p.6).This

portraysherasselflessassheputsherchildren’sneedsbeforeherown.Whenthe

familyhadnomoneyduringthepreviousChristmas,shetriestocheerthingsupby

makingornamentsandotherfinethings(p.8).

NoraalsodoeseverythingshecantosaveTorvaldwhowasdreadfullyill.She

accompaniesTorvaldforthevacationeventhoughIvarhadjustbeenborn.She

alsogoesoutofhiswaytogetthemoney(p.18).Thoughthevacationcostshera

tremendouslotofmoney,sheisabletosaveTorvald’slife.Noraisalsounableto

nursehersickfatherasshewastakingcareofTorvald.Thisisdespitethefact

thatshewasveryfondofherfather(p.12-13).

[email protected]


ThoughtheloanthatNoraprocuredwasusedforTorvald’streatment,shegoes

outofherwayandstartspayingitininstalments(p.20).Shesavesalittlemoney

hereandthereandsheevenfindsotherwaysofearningmoney(p.21).Shedoes

notburdenTorvaldovertheloanthatsheprocured.

NoraonlyspendshalfthemoneythatTorvaldgivesherforbuyingdresses(p.21).

Thisisbecausesheneededtosavetheothersoastopayofftheinstalmentsof

theloan.Noraclaimsthiswashardonherasshehadtobuythesimpleandcheap

clothes.Shehastomakethissacrificeyettheloanthatsheprocuredwasusedfor

Torvald’streatment.

NoratellsMrs.Lindethatifanythingwastohappentoheroverthefraudulentloan

shewouldtakealltheresponsibility(p.78).Thisissurprisingsinceshetookthe

loanforTorvald’ssakebutshedoesnotinvolvehim inthecase.

Sheissympathetic

NoraissaddenedthatMrs.Lindeappearstroubledwiththestrugglesoflifeand

herhusband had also died leaving herchildless and penniless (p.10).She

promisestoconvinceherhusbandtogetherajob,apromisewhichshekeeps

(p.28-29).

Sheisoptimistic

Torvald’snewjobasamanagerofabankmeansthatthefamilywillhavelotof

moneyandtheywouldbeabletolivequitedifferently(p.11-12).

Norathinksthatshewillnolongerhavetocareaboutwhereshewouldgetthe

moneytopaythequarterlyinterestandtheinstalmentsoftheloanthatshe

procured(p.22-23).ThisisbecauseTorvaldwillsoonstartearningalotofmoney

thatshewillusetopaytheloan.

Sheiskeen/conscious/observant

NorainformsMrs.Lindethatsheisawarethatsheisregardedasaspendthriftbut

sheknowswellthatthatisnotanaccuraterepresentationofherastheHelmers

havenotbeeninapositiontowastemoney.Shealsoclaimstheyhavehadto

workhardtomakeendsmeet(p.12).

Noraisawareofthesuperiorattitudethatotherpeoplehavetowardsher.Mrs.

LindedismissesNoraasnothavingexperiencedtherealtroublesandburdensof

life.SheclaimsNoraengagesonlyinsmallhouseholdcaresandcallsNoraachild.

NorainformsMrs.Lindethatshewasjustliketheotherpeoplewhothoughther

incapableofanythingserious(p.16).

[email protected]


NoraisawareofTorvald’schauvinisticnature.Shedoesnotinform him thatshe

procuredaloanbecauseTorvaldwouldnotapproveofher,awoman,talkinga

loanwithouttheknowledgeofherhusband(p.20).NoraobservesthatTorvaldhas

amanlyindependenceanditwouldnotsitwellwithhim thatheowesNora

anythingafterNoraprocuresaloanthatsaveshislife.

NoraobserveshowherhusbandaccusesKrogstadofpoisoninghisownchildren

andhome.NoraputshimselfinKrogstad’sshoessinceshe,too,hascommitted

thesamecrimeofforgeryandsheistroubledthatshemightbeabadinfluenceto

herchildren.Shethereforedecidestominimiseherinteractionswithherchildren

(p.48-50).

NoraissurprisedthatinspiteofhersacrificestowardsTorvald,hecannotlistento

herpleas.TorvaldwantstodismissKrogstadyetNorahaspleadedwithTorvald

nottodoit.Noraisbewilderedthatafterallhersacrifices,includingsaving

Torvald’slife,Torvaldcannotdohim afavour(p.62).

Noraisawareofhow bothherfatherandTorvaldcontrolledherlifeandshe

blamesthem thatshemadenothingoutofherlife(p.111).

Sheishardworking.

WhenTorvaldleaveshisofficeforanotherjobtheHelmersworkhardtogetextra

money.Noraengagesinneedlework,crotchetwork,andembroidery(p.12).These

attemptsweremadeinorderforthem tomakemoremoneyforthefamily.

Inordertobeabletopaytheinstalments,Norafindsotherwaysofearningmoney.

Shegetscopyingworkandthisenableshertoraisethemoneythatsheusesto

paytheinstalmentsoftheloan(p.21).

Sheisinquisitive

NoraasksMrs.Lindeseveralquestionsaboutherpastlife(p.14).Thismakesher

awareofMrs.Linde’sstruggles.Shesympathizeswithherandlaterconvincesher

husbandtogetherajob.

NoraasksDoctorRankquestionsonthenatureofKrogstad’svisit(p.26).Thisis

becausesheisworriedthatKrogstadmightrevealthatsheprocuredaloanfrom

him.

[email protected]


Sheisskilful

NorapromisesMrs.Lindethatshewillfindacleverwayofhelpinghergetajob

from Torvald(p.16).NoraindeedmanagestoconvinceTorvaldtogetherajobat

thebank.

NoraisinformedthatTorvaldwasdreadfullyillandhewasnotsupposedtoknow

thedangerousconditionhewasin.Torvaldcouldonlybehealedbylivinginthe

south.Noraskilfullytriestoimploreherhusbandtotakeherforavacationinthe

south.SheevensuggeststhatTorvaldtakesaloanforthevacation(p.19).When

Torvaldbecomeshesitant,shetakesmattersintoherownhandsandsecuresthe

moneyforthevacation.HeractionsavesTorvald’slife(p.17-18).

NoraconvincesherhusbandthatMrs.Linde’shopeofgettingajoblayonthe

Helmers.ShealsotellsTorvaldthatheshouldhelpMrs.Lindeforhersake.

TorvaldobligesandpromisestogetMrs.Lindeajob(p.28-29).

Norapretendsthatshehasforgottentodancesothatherhusbandcancommit

histimetocoachinghim ratherthanreadinghisletters(p.82).Noratherefore

delaysherhusbandfrom readingKrogstad’sletterthatexposesherfraud.

Sheisproud

WhenMrs.LindeclaimsthatNorawasincapableofnothingserious,Norainforms

herthatsheistheonewhoprocuredthemoneyforTorvald’striptoItalythat

savedhislife(p.17-18).

Noraclaimsthatsheisattractiveandthereforeshecouldhavesecuredthemoney

forTorvald’svacationfrom asecretadmirer(p.18).

Norawasabletosaveherhusband’slifeandnowTorvaldhasabigjobthatmakes

him havepoweroversomanypeople(p.27).Noraisproudofherselfandher

husband’spresentjob.

Sheismodest

NoradoesnotwanttorevealtoTorvaldthatshewentoutofherwaytoprocure

moneythatwasusedforTorvald’streatment.ShedoesnotwantTorvaldtobe

guiltythatheowedheranything(p.20).

Sheisafantasist

Noraimaginesthataricholdgentlemanhadfalleninlovewithherandwhenhe

diesheleavesawilltransferringallhispossessionstoNora(p.22).Norathought

thatshewouldusethemoneytopaytheloan.However,thiswasonlybuther

[email protected]


imagination.

Sheisunwelcoming

NoradoesnotgreetKrogstadwhenhegetsintothehouse(p.23).Inaddition,she

addresseshim inastrainedlow voice.Shefurtherinterrogateshim onwhyhe

wanted to see herhusband.When he visits the house laterNora is still

unwelcomingtowardshim informingKrogstadthatherhusbandwasnotinthe

houseandthereforeheoughttoleave(p.31-32).

NoradoesnotgreetKrogstadbutwithastifledcryquestionswhathewantedin

thehouse.ShealsotellsKrogstadthatherhusbandwasnotinthehouse.Nora

referstoKrogstadas‘astranger’infrontofthechildrenyethewasnot.Shealso

doesnotgiveKrogstadtimetoexplainwhathewantedtospeaktoherabout.

Instead,shejumpsintoconclusionsbyremindingKrogstadthatitwasnotyetthe

firstofthemonth(p.32).

Sheisunkind

Nora’sresponsetoKrogstad’squestionisveryharsh.ShetellsKrogstadthatas

herhusband’ssubordinate,hehadnorighttoquestionher.Shefurthertells

KrogstadbluntlythatsheistheonewhopleadedforMrs.Linde’sappointment

(p.33).

Sheisdemeaning

NoratellsKrogstadthatheoughtnottooffendanyonewhohasinfluence(p.33-

34).ThismeansthatNorafeltshewassuperiortoKrogstadsinceherhusband

hadamorepowerfulpositionthanKrogstad’s.ThatexplainswhyNoralooksdown

uponKrogstad.

Sheisprotective

When Krogstad talks unkindly aboutNora’s husband she threatens to turn

Krogstadoutofthehouse(p.35).ThisisbecauseKrogstaddoesnotshowrespect

forTorvaldinhiswordsandNoratriestobeprotectiveofherhusband.

WhenKrogstadmocksTorvald’slackofcourage,Noraremindshim nottoshow

disrespecttoherhusband.ShealsotellsKrogstadnottorevealhersecretasit

wouldaffecttheirchildren’slives(p.72-73).

Sheisfearless

NoratellsKrogstadthatshenolongerfearshim.Thisisbecausesheknowsthat

TorvaldwillhavelotsofmoneyatthestartoftheNewYearandshewillbeableto

payoffKrogstad’sremainingloan(p.35).Krogstadwillthereforenolongerdisturb

her

[email protected]


Sheisemotional

WhenKrogstadthreatenstorevealNora’ssecrettoherhusband,Norabeginsto

sob(p.36).Thisisbecausesheknowsshewillbebadlyexposed.

Sheisfraudulent

Noraforgesherfather’ssignatureinabidtoprocurealoanfortheirvacation.She

doesthisbecauseherfatherhaddiedandshewasworriedofherhusband’s

illness(p.38-39).

Sheisconcerned

Shefearedthatherfather’sillhealthwoulddeteriorateifsheweretoinform him of

Torvald’ssickness(p.40).Shethereforesignsthepaperswithoutherfather’s

knowledge.

Sheisdependent

Noraurgesherhusbandtoassistinherpreparationforthefancydressball.She

urgeshim tosuggestthedressthatwouldsuitherforthefunction(p.45).

Sheisfearful

NorafearsthatKrogstad mightrevealhersecrettherebybringing aconflict

betweenherandherhusband.ShehopesthatKrogstadwasnotseriouswithhis

threatofrevealingNora’ssecrettoherhusband.That’swhyshechecksthe

letterboxtoseeiftherecouldbesuchaletterfrom Krogstad(p.49).

NoraalsofearsthatKrogstadmaytarnishthereputationoftheHelmers’and

destroythepeaceintheirfamilyifherevealsthatsheobtainedmoneybyfraud

(p.58-59).

NoraiscountingthehoursbeforeTorvaldopenstheletterstorevealherfraud

(p.84).Noragetsremovedfrom Torvald’saffectionbecausesheisanxiousthat

hersecretisfinallygoingtobeoutandsheisworriedaboutTorvald’sreaction

(p.102).NoraobservesTorvaldatthewindow asheturnsovertheletters.Heis

worriedofwhatwillhappenwhenTorvaldfinallypicksKrogstad’sletter(p.100).

Sheisselfish.

NorasuggeststhatTorvalddismissessomeotherclerkbutnotKrogstad(p.58).

Thisshowsthatsheputsherowninterestsbeforeothers.Sheismoreconcerned

abouthersecretnotbeingrevealedthananyothermisfortunethatcanbefall

othersthatmightstandinherway.

Sheissuperstitious

[email protected]


NorabelievesthatDoctorRankhasbeensicklyfrom childhoodbecausehisfather

indulgedinthingsmorethanwasnecessaryandthereforehissicknessisaprice

heispayingforhisfather’sfaults(p.53).

Sheisdetermined

NorabringsupthematterofKrogstad’sdismissaloncemoreandsherequests

TorvaldtoletKrogstadkeephisjob.ShepromisestobesubmissivetoTorvaldif

heletsKrogstadkeephisjob.WhenthatdoesnotmoveTorvaldsheurgeshim not

todismissKrogstadforthesakeofthepeaceoftheirfamily(p.57-59).Thisis

becauseshefearsthatKrogstadmightrevealhersecretandbringaconflict

betweenherandherhusband.Unfortunately,hereffortsareunsuccessful.

Sheisreasonable

NorarefusestoaskDoctorRankforthefavourshewasmeanttoaskhim after

sherealisesthatDoctorRankwasaffectionatetowardsher.Sheknew thather

favourmightbemisinterpretedbyDoctorRanktomeansomethingelsenowthat

DoctorRankhadexpressedhisaffectionstowardsher(p.69).

Sheisnaïve

NorathinksthatKrogstadisonlyinterestedinthemoney(p.74-75).Hedoesnot

know thatKrogstadwantstokeephisreputationintactthroughblackmailof

Nora’sfraud.

Sheisbrave/courageous?

NoramakesadecisiontoleaveTorvaldbecauseofhishypocrisy.Norahasthe

couragetotellhim tositdownsoastoexplaintohim heraction.Shealsotells

Torvaldnottointerruptherbuttolistentowhatshehadtosay(p.109).Noraalso

tellsTorvaldthathetreatedherasadoll-wife.Andhewasnotthemantoeducate

herintobeingaproperwife(p.111-112).ShealsosaysTorvaldwillnotbeableto

preventherfrom leaving(p.113).Norafinallywalksoutofhermarriage(p.120).

Sheisresolute

Noramakesadecisionthatshewouldleavethehousethatnightandnoamount

ofharshstatementsfrom Torvaldcanmakeherchangehermind(p.115).Shealso

tellsTorvaldnottosendheranylettersormoney(p.119).

[email protected]


TORVALDHELMER

TorvaldisNora’shusbandandfathertoIvar,Emmy,andBob.Heisabarristerby

professionthoughhelatergetsajobasamanageroftheBank.Thefollowingarethe

suggestedcharactertraitsofTorvald.

Heisdomineering/overbearing

TorvaldwatchesoverandattemptstocontroleveryaspectofNora’slife.Heeven

decidesthekindoffoodthatNorashouldandshouldnoteat.Noraeatsthe

macaroonsinsecretbecauseherhusbandhasoutlawedherfrom eatingthem

(p.2).

TorvaldtalksdownhiswifefortalkingwithKrogstadandalsoforlyingtohim

(p.43).

TorvaldtalkstoNoraasifheisintotalcontroloverherandheinsistsontalking

endearinglytowardsNoradespiteherprotests(p.92,95-96).HealsotellsNorato

mould the children notto break into things as ifthe children were Nora’s

responsibilityandnothis(p.100).

Heisdemeaning

Torvalduses‘pet’namessuchas‘lark’,‘squirrel’,and‘featherhead’torefertohis

wife(p.2-3).Throughthis,hedemonstratesthathiswifeishissubordinateandhe

hastotalcontroloverNora.

JustbecauseKrogstadhasaflawedcharacterTorvaldclaimsthatevenbeing

closetohim makeshim feelphysicallyill(p.47).Krogstadflawedcharacterdoes

notmakehim losehishumannesstoanextentthathecancausephysicalillness

toothers.

WhenNoraisunabletodancewell,TorvaldsaysitisbecauseofNora’schildish

nervousness(p.83).

WhenTorvaldlearnsthatNoratookafraudulentloan,heinsultsNoraandaccuses

heroftakingafterherfather’slackofmoralcharacter(p.104).

Heischauvinistic

TorvaldholdstheviewthatNora,andwomeningeneralareincapableofplanning

andmanagingfinances(p.3).Hebelievesthatwomenspendmoneyrecklessly.

[email protected]


WhenNorahintsthatTorvaldtakesaloanforatriptoItalyforthesakeofhis

treatment Torvald rejects her suggestion and points out that Nora was

thoughtlessanditwashisdutyasherhusbandnottoindulgeinNora’ssudden

extravagancies(p.19).

Nora cannotdare tellTorvald thatshe took a loan because ofTorvald’s

chauvinisticcharacter(p.20).Torvaldstronglybelievesthatwomenshouldnot

take loans withoutthe consentoftheirhusbands.Thatexplains whyNora

procuredtheloanwithoutTorvald’sconsent.

NoradoesnotwanttorevealtoTorvaldthatshewentoutofherwaytoprocure

moneythatwasusedforTorvald’streatment.ShedoesnotwantTorvaldtofeel

guiltyoutofhermanlyindependencethatheowedheranything(p.20).Thisshows

thatTorvaldhadalowopinionofwomen.

Torvaldclaimsthatpeoplewhohavehadabadcharactersincetheiryoungdays

haddeceitfulmothers(p.47).ThisisastereotypicalobservationandTorvald

choosesonwomensinceheviewsmenasamoresuperiorgender.

TorvaldsaysthatNora’sdutieswereonlybeinga‘wife’anda‘mother’(p.114).

SuchbeliefsgiveTorvaldthepowertodominateandcontrolNora’slifethewayhe

wishes.

Heisfrugal

Torvaldisportrayedasfrugal.HeisconcernedthatNoraisspendingtoomuch

moneyonChristmasitemsyetthisisthefirstChristmasthattheyhavenot

neededtoeconomise(p.2).EventhoughTorvaldwillhaveabigsalaryafterthe

NewYear,hefeelsthattheyneededtoeconomisesothattheydonotgointodebt

(p.3).

Heisinquisitive

Torvald’sinquisitivenaturerevealthathefollowscloselyNora’slifeandhewould

liketoshapeitthewayhewishes(p.7).ThisshowsNora’slackoffreedom inher

ownhouse,andbyextension,inherlife.

Heisjudgemental

TorvaldcriticisesNora’srecklessspendingandarguesthatherwastefulnatureis

atraitshehasacquiredfrom herfather(p.6).Torvaldisquicktoform opinions

andcriticiseotherstooquickly.

[email protected]


TorvaldclaimsthatKrogstadhasbeenpoisoninghischildrenthroughliesand

pretencejustbecauseKrogstadhasamorallyflawedcharacter(p.47).Torvald

merelymakesthatjudgementbased on Krogstad’scharacterand notin his

interactionwithKrogstad’schildren.

TorvaldisquicktocriticiseNora’sactionbuthedoesnotreflectonthesacrifice

thatNoramadetosavehislife(p.115).

Heisprincipled

NoratellsMrs.LindethatTorvaldwasreluctanttoworkasabarristersincehe

wouldhavehadtodealwithcasesthatcompromisedhismorals(p.11).Noraand

TorvaldarerelievedwhenhegetsajobasamanageroftheBank.

TorvaldrefusestochangehismindoverhisplantodismissKrogstad.Itwas

alreadyknownattheBankthatTorvaldwastodismissKrogstadandherefusesto

changethedecisionbecauseofhiswifeashesaysthiswouldmakehim look

ridiculousbeforehisstaff(p.59).

Heishardworking

WhenTorvaldleaveshisofficeforanotherjobheoverworkshimselfinanattempt

toearnmorethanbefore.Thismakeshim fallsodreadfullyillthatthedoctors

suggesthegoesforavacationinItaly(p.12).

Heisrigid/uncompromising

MuchasNoratriestopleadforatriptoItalyforhisownsakeheisadamantand

hedoesnotbowtoNora’swishes(p.19).

NoratriesasmuchasshecantoconvinceTorvaldtoletKrogstadkeephisjobbut

Torvaldcanhearnoneofit.EvenNora’spromisetobemoresubmissiveortoplay

thefairyanddancetoTorvald,somethingTorvaldisobsessedwith,ortodoitfor

thepeaceoftheirfamilydoesnotchangehismind(p.57-61).

Heiskind

When Nora informs Torvald ofMrs.Linde’s struggles to geta job,Torvald

promisestogetMrs.Lindeajob(p.29).

Heispowerful

AstheBankmanager,Torvald now hasthepowersto undertakenecessary

changesamongthestaffandthere-arrangementoftheworkattheBank(p.45).

[email protected]


Earlieron,hehadpromisedtofindMrs.Lindeajob.

Heisconceited

Torvald statesthathedoesnotneed to do Noraanyfavourforherto act

submissivelytowardshim asNorahasalwaysactedthatwaytopleasehim (p.57).

Heisproud

TorvaldtellsNorathatunlikeherfatherwhoseactionsatworkweresuspicious,he

wasbeyondreproach(p.59).HealsoclaimshecannotkeepKrogstadbecausehe

istoofamiliarwithhim sincetheywerechildhoodfriends.Torvaldcomplainsthat

Krogstadaddresseshim casuallyanddisrespectfullyinfrontofotherpeopleyet

heisKrogstad’sboss(p.59-60).

Heistemperamental

WhenNoraaccusesTorvaldofbeingnarrow-mindedhebecomesveryangryand

immediatelyordersforKrogstad’sdismissallettertobesenttoKrogstad(p.60).

Heisinstinctive

TorvaldcorrectlypointsoutthatNoraisnervousandfearfulofKrogstadandhe

alsosaysthatKrogstad’sletterwaslyingsomewhere(p.82-83).Torvaldspeaksall

theseasamerejokewithoutknowingthateverythinghesaidwastrue.

Torvaldsaysthatsomethinguglyhadcomebetweenhim andNora.Hethinksthat

itisDoctorRank’sdeath.HoweverthatsomethinguglyisNora’ssecretthatis

goingtoberevealedandcauseaconflictbetweenthem (p.102).

Heisobservant

TorvaldnoticesthatNora’sfacelookedwornout(p.80).Hedoesnotknow that

Noraisworriedthathersecretisgoingtoberevealed.

Heisaffectionate

Torvaldshowsfeelingsoflovetowardshiswifebytalkingendearinglytoher(p.92,

95-96).

Heisnasty

TorvaldpretendstobeateasewithMrs.Linde’spresenceintheirhousebut

immediatelysheleaves,TorvaldcallsMrsLindea‘frighteningbore(p.94).’Heis

alsoirritatedwhenDoctorRankcomesintothehouseandinterfereswithhis

momentwithNorayetDoctorRankwashisclosefriend(p.97).Torvaldalsosays

thatitwasbetterforDoctorRanktodieasitwouldmakehim andNoracloseto

eachother(p.101).

[email protected]


Heisinsulting/abusive

When Torvald finallyreadsaboutNora’sfraud,heabuseshercalling her‘a

miserablecreature’,a‘liar’,a‘hypocrite’,a‘criminal’,anda‘blindfoolishwoman’

amongothernames(p.103-104,113).

Heismorallydecadent

TorvaldtellsNorathatheignoredherfather’scrimesforhersakeandNorawas

now payingbackbycommittingcrimesthatwilltarnishTorvald’sname(p.104).

ThisshowsthatTorvaldcommittedacrime.Heisonlyrevealingthisinformation

nowbecauseNora’sfraudhasangeredhim.

Heisselfish

WhenNora’sfraudulentloanisrevealed,Torvaldismoreconcernedabouthowhis

reputationandhonourwillsufferandnotthesacrificethatNoramadeinorderto

savehislife(p.104).HeplanstoappeaseKrogstadsoasnottomakethefraud

publicbuthepunishesNorabyplacingrestrictionsinherlife(p.105).When

KrogstadsendsbackNora’sbond,Torvaldisjoyousthathehadbeensavedfrom

thematter(p.106).HeonlythinksofhimselfandnotNora.

Heishypocritical

Torvald condemns and insults Nora when he learns ofNora’s fraud but

immediatelyhereadsKrogstad’ssecondletterthatreststhecaseofNora’sfraud

hechangestactandactsfriendlytowardsNoratellingherthattheyshouldgo

backtotheirearlierlife(p.106).

TorvaldhadstatedthathecouldsacrificehislifeandeverythingforNora’ssake;

howeverwhenanopportunityarrivesforTorvaldtoproveherwordshefailsbynot

taking Nora’s side in the issue ofthe fraudulentloan (p.102).Instead,he

condemnsandinsultsNoraforthefraud.

TorvaldpretendstobeateasewithMrs.Linde’spresenceintheirhousebut

immediatelyshe leaves,Torvald calls Mrs Linde a ‘frightening bore.’this is

surprisingashehadearlierbeenconversingwithheraboutherknittingandeven

encourageshertoshifttoembroidery(p.94).

TorvaldisalsoirritatedwhenDoctorRankcomesintothehouseandinterferes

withhismomentwithNorayetDoctorRankwashisclosefriend(p.97).Torvald

alsosaysthatitwasbetterforDoctorRanktodieasitwouldmakehim andNora

closetoeachother(p.101).

Heisregretful

WhenNorafinallywalksoutoftheirmarriage,Torvaldburieshisfaceinhishands

[email protected]


meaningthathewasdisappointedthathiswonderfulwifehadleft(p.120).Torvald

causedthissituation.

MRS.LINDE(CHRISTINE)

SheisNora’schildhoodfriendandaformerfiancéetoKrogstad.Shelatergetsmarriedto

Krogstad.ThefollowingarethesuggestedcharactertraitsofMrs.Linde.

Sheishopeless

Mrs.Linde’shusbanddiesleavingherhopelessandpenniless(p.10).Shehasto

seekhelpfrom herchildhoodfriendNorawhohelpshergetajobatthebank.She

tellsNorathatherlifeisunspeakablyemptyasshehasnoonetoliveforanymore

(p.15).

Sheisjudgemental

JustlikeTorvald,Mrs.LindeisquicktojudgeNoraasaspendthrift,ahabitshe

claimsNorahadduringtheirschooldays(p.12).NorainformsMrs.Lindethatshe

isawarethatsheisregardedasaspendthriftbutsheknowswellthatthatisnot

anaccuraterepresentationofherastheHelmershavenotbeeninapositionto

wastemoney.Healsoclaimstheyhavehadtoworkhardtomakeendsmeet.

Mrs.LindeisquicktocallNoraachildsinceshesuspectsthatDoctorRankisthe

richadmirerwhomighthavegivenNoramoneyforthevacation.Shetherefore

advisesNoratoresolvethatissueoftheloanwithDoctorRank.Norahowever

refutesherclaimsasinaccurate(p.54-55).

Sheisselfless

Mrs.Lindesacrificesherloveforherfiancéandgetsmarriedtoanothermanwho

couldprovideforherbedriddenmotherandhertwoyoungbrothers(p.14).Her

husbandlaterdiesandhisbusinesstoocollapsesleavingMrs.Lindehopeless.

Sheismaterialistic

Mrs.Lindeabandonsherfiancéeandmarriesanothermanwhohadmoremoney.

Thisisbecausesheneededsomeonewhocouldprovideforbothherbedridden

motherandhertwoyoungbrothers(p.14).

[email protected]


Shebetraysherfiancé

Mrs.Lindeabandonsherfiancébecausehehadnomoneytoprovideforher

bedriddenmotherandhertwoyoungbrothers.

Sheissuperior

Mrs.Linde dismissesNora asnothaving experienced the realtroublesand

burdensoflifeasshehasdone.SheclaimsNoraengagesonlyinsmallhousehold

caresandcallsNoraachild(p.16).ThisisnottrueasNora,too,hashadtomake

sacrificesforthesakeofTorvald’slife.

Sheisproud

Mrs.Linderejoicesfrom thefactthatshewasabletotakecareofherbedridden

motherandheryoungerbrothers(p.17).

Sheisinquisitive

Mrs.LindeasksNoraalotofquestionsconcerningtheloanthatsheprocured

(p.21-22).ThisisbecauseNoraseeksMrs.Linde’sthoughtsonthedecisionthat

shetooktoprocuretheloanwithoutgettingconsentfrom herhusband.

Mrs.LindealsoasksNoraquestionsaboutKrogstad’slife(p.24).Sheisinterested

inhim becauseKrogstadwasonceherfiancé.

Sheissecretive

Mrs.Lindedoesnotinform NorathatshewasonceengagedtoKrogstad(p.24).

Sheisdetermined

Aftertrying withoutsuccess severalincome generating ventures,Mrs.Linde

travelstotheHelmershopingthatNorawillhelphergetajob(p.28).Nora

eventuallyhelpshergetajob.

Sheisappreciative

Mrs.LindethanksTorvaldforofferingtogetherajob(p.29).

Sheisobservant

Mrs.LindetellsNorathatitseemedsomethingwastroublinghermindandNora

washidingitfrom her(p.56).ThisistrueasNorawastroubledbyKrogstad’s

threatstoexposeherfraud.

Mrs.LindealsoobservesthatsomethingwastroublingNoraandsheasksher

[email protected]


whattheproblem was(p.77).NoraopensupandMrs.Lindepromisestoassist

her.

Sheissupportive

WhenMrs.LindelearnsthatitisKrogstadwholentNorathemoney,sheoffersto

goandtalktoKrogstadtorecallhisletterunread(p.79).Shethereforepartially

comestotheaidofNorawhowasworriedonwhatwouldhappenifhersecretwas

revealed.

Sheisskilful

Mrs.LindehopestoconvinceKrogstadtofindsomepretenceanduseittoaskfor

hisletterback.ShealsotellsNoratodelayherhusband’sfrom openinghisletter-

box(p.79).

Sheisregretful

Mrs.LindetellsKrogstadthatherdecisiontoleavehim foranothermanwasnot

deliberatebutshewasforcedbycircumstances(p.86).

Sheisbroken-hearted

Mrs.Lindeclaimsthatsheislivingalonelylifesinceshehasnoonetotakecare

ofortogivehercompany(p.87).

Sheisopen-minded

Mrs.LindesuggeststoKrogstadthatsincetheywerebothlivingtroubledlives

theyshouldgetmarriedsothattheygiveeachothercompanyandareasontolive

(p.88).

Sheisanunderstandingwoman

Mrs.LindeunderstandsthatKrogstadmighthavebeendriventohisbadcharacter

becausehelackedhopeinlifethereforeshehasnoworriesaboutgettingmarried

tohim (p.89).

Sheisreasonable

Mrs.LindeasksKrogstadnottorecallhislettersoastoletTorvaldknowabout

Nora’ssecretand forthemarried coupleto haveacompleteunderstanding

betweenthem (p.90).

Sheiscautious

Mrs.LindedoesnotwanttheHelmers’tofindhertalkingtoKrogstadsosheasks

Krogstadtohurryupandleave(p.90).

[email protected]


DOCTORRANK

Heisaneighbour,andafriendoftheHelmers.Heisadoctorbyprofession.The

followingarethesuggestedcharactertraitsofDoctorRank:

Heisdetermined

EventhoughDoctorRankissicklyhehasthewilltoliveaslongaspossible(p.25).

Heisjudgemental.

HeisquicktoaccuseKrogstadasbeingmorallydecadent(p.25)yethetoo,has

loosemoralsasseenwhenheconfesseshisaffectiontowardsNora,amarried

woman.

Heisagoodlistener

Norasaysthatherhusbandwasneverinterestedwhenshementionedtheother

peopleinherlifesoshenaturallyspokeofsuchmatterswithDoctorRankwho

likedhearingthem (p.54).

Heissuperstitious

DoctorRankclaimsthatheiscursedasheispayingthepriceforhisfather’s

youthfulexuberanceandexcesses.Hehasinheritedadangerousdiseasefrom

whichheexpectstodie(p.63-64).

Heissecretive

DoctorRankdoesnotinform Torvald,hisintimatefriendthatheexpectstodie

soon.HeonlyrevealsittoNora(p.64).

Heisimmoral

DoctorRankknowsthatNoraisamarriedwomanyethegoesaheadanddeclares

hisaffectionforher(p.68).Nora’shusbandisalsoaclosefriendofDoctorRank.

Heishopeless

DoctorRankhasresignedtothefactthatheisgoingtodiesoon.HetellsNora

thathewillsendherablackcrosstosignifyhisimminentdeath(p.63-64).

Hespeaksmetaphorically

DoctorRanksaysthatatthenextfancydressballhewillbeinvisible(p.99).That

wasacleverwayofsayinghewouldbedead.

Heishypocritical

[email protected]


DoctorRankisquicktoaccuseKrogstadasbeingmorallydecadent(p.25)yethe

too,hasloosemoralsasseenwhenheconfesseshisaffectiontowardsNora,a

marriedwoman(p.68).ThisisdespitethefactthatNoraconsidershim asaclose

friendofherhusband(p.53).

DoctorRankalsorefusestorevealtoTorvaldthathewasgoingtodiechoosing

onlytoinform NorayetTorvaldwashisclosefriend(p.64).DoctorRankisnot

opentoTorvaldandonlyspeaksmetaphoricallytohim abouthisimpendingdeath

(p.98-99).HeclaimsthatTorvaldshouldbesparedofsuchhorriblenews.Forsuch

aseriousmatterDoctorRankshouldatleasthaveinformedhisclosefriend.

KROGSTAD

Heisalawyerandworksatthebank.HewasaformerfiancétoMrs.Lindethoughthey

ultimatelyreuniteandgetmarried.HeisalsoaformerschoolmatetoTorvald.The

followingarethesuggestedcharactertraitsofKrogstad:

Heisinquisitive

KrogstadasksNoraseveralquestionsinanattempttoseekinformationabout

Mrs.Linde(p.33).ThisisbecauseKrogstadwasknowntoMrs.Lindesomeyears

backandheknew hertraining.Heisworriedthatshemightreplacehim atthe

BankashehasseenhertogetherwithTorvaldwhoseemstohaveanissuewith

Krogstad’smoralcharacter.

KrogstadasksMrs.LindeseveralquestionsafterMrs.Lindesaysthattheyshould

getmarried(p.89-90).KrogstadwantstoassesstheseriousnessofMrs.Linde’s

statementthatshewishedthem togetmarried.ThisisbecauseMrs.Lindeonce

abandonedhim foranotherman.

Heismanipulative

KrogstadthreatenstorevealNora’ssecrettoherhusbandifshedoesnotprevent

Torvaldfrom firingher(p.36).Thesecretisthatsheobtainedaloanfraudulently.

KrogstadisnolongerinterestedingettingbackNora’sloan.Instead,hewants

Nora’sfraudtoremainsecretonlyifheisallowedtogetintotheBankagainand

givenahigherposition.Aftergettingthehigherposition,heplanstobeTorvald’s

righthandmansothathecaninfluencetheoperationsoftheBank.Hetherefore

planstoholdTorvaldhostagebyintimidatinghim withNora’sfraud.Krogstadalso

wantstouseNora’sfraudtogetbackhisreputation(p.75).

[email protected]


Heisunkind

KrogstadbluntlytellsNorathatherhusbandjustlikeanyotherhusbandcanbe

manipulated(p.35).HesaysthisbecausehewantsNoratoinfluenceherhusband

sothathedoesnotlosehisjobatthebank.

Heisdetermined

KrogstadtellsNorathathewaspreparedtofightforhispostatthebank.Thisis

becausehefearsthatTorvaldwantstogetridofhim attheBank.

Heismorallycorrupt

KrogstadtellsNorathatheengagedhimselfinmorallyunacceptableactionsbut

hewasluckyasthematternevercamebeforethecourt.Hethereforesayshe

won’tallowhernametobetarnishedagain(p.35-36).

Heisprotective

Krogstadwantstosafeguardhisreputationforthesakeofhischildren.Heis

preparedtoensurethathappensbydoingeverythinghecantopreventlosinghis

jobattheBank(p.36).Heclaimsthatlosinghisjobwilltarnishhisimageagain.

Heisintimidating

KrogstadrevealsdetailbydetailNora’sfraud(p.37).Hedoesthisin-orderto

intimidateherintotalkingtoherhusbandagainstsackinghim.

KrogstadtellsNorathatifheweretoproducethepaperwiththeforgedsignature

incourt,thelaw willnotcareabouthermotivesandNorawillbejudged(p.41).

KrogstadtellsNorathisforhertorealisethatsheisguiltyoffraudnomatterher

motives.HealsotellsNorathatifheweretolosehispositionattheBankthenthe

Helmerstoowilllosetheirs(p.41).

KrogstadpromisestohaveTorvaldinhispowerandhealsoremindsNorathathe

stillhasherbondandthereforeherreputation(p.76).Hesaystheseinorderfor

theHelmers’tofulfilhisdemands.

Heiscold/heartless

Krogstad putso manydifficultiesalong Nora’sawaywhen she attemptsto

procurealoanforTorvald’streatment(p.40).HedidnotsympathisewithNora

whosehusbandwascriticallyillandNoraneededthemoneyforherhusband’s

treatment.

Heisfraudulent

TorvaldtellsNorathatKrogstadforgedsomeone’snameandhegetsoutofthe

[email protected]


crimebyacunningtrick(p.46).

Heisstubborn

Krogstadrefusestogoawayfrom theHelmers’homeeventhoughheistoldsoby

themaid.Probablyhehadreceivedhisdismissalletterandhewascomingto

registerhisdispleasuretoNora(p.71).

Heissarcastic/mocking

KrogstadsaysthatTorvaldwouldbeoverwhelmedifhelearntNora’sfraudand

thatiswhyheisbetteroffinthedarkashewouldlackthecouragetofacesuch

revelations(p.72).

Heisvengeful

KrogstadwantstorevengeforhisdismissalbyTorvald.Heisreadytoexpose

Nora’sfraud.ThiswilltarnishtheimageoftheHelmersasheclaimsthatTorvald

toowantstotarnishhisimage(p.73).

Heisdemeaning

KrogstadcallsNoraa‘finespoiltlady’(p.75).Thisshowsthathelackedrespect

forNoraasheaddressesNorainacasualmanner.

Heisbroken-hearted

KrogstadsaysthatwhenhelostMrs.Lindehislifewasgreatlyaffectedandhe

waslikeaship-wreckedmanclingingtoabitofwreckage(p.87).

Heisremorseful

Krogstad writesNora a lettersaying thatheregretsand feelssorryforhis

attemptedblackmailoftheHelmers.Healsosaysinhisletterthathehadfound

happinessinhislife.HealsoreturnsNora’sbond(p.106).

ANNE(NURSE)

AnnewasNora’snurseandsheisstillthenurseforNora’schildren.Shegivesupher

daughterinordertobeallowedtocarryoutherjob.Thefollowingarethesuggested

charactertraitsofNora:

Sheisselfless

AnneleavesherdaughterbehindtoworkasNora’snurse,ajobshehasdonewell

andNoraisconfidentthatshetoocantakegoodcareofNora’schildren(p.50).

Sheistrustworthy

[email protected]


NoraisconfidentthatAnnecouldhavetakengoodcareofNora’schildrenwere

Noranottobethere(p.51).

Sheislovingandcaring/dedicated

NoratellsAnnethatsheactedasagoodmotherwhenNorawasgrowingup(p.51).

THEMES

Theybroadlyrefertoissues/concernsthatareaddressedinthestorythroughvarious

occurrences/events.VariousthemesarehighlightedinADoll’sHouse:

a.)THEFAMILYASAUNIT/MARRIAGE

Noragoesoutofherwaytoensurethereisjoyinherfamily.ShebuysaChristmastree

andpresentsforbothherchildrenandthemaids(p.4).ThisportraysNoraaslovingand

caringasshesoughttobringjoyinthelifeoftheirchildren.Shegoesoutofherwayto

makesurethathersisajovialfamily.AftereveryoneleavesNoraalsogetstimetoplay

withherchildren(p.30-31).

Thereoughttobemutualrespectinafamily.Torvaldhasasuperiorattitudetowardshis

wife.HemerelyconsidersNoraasachildthatneedstobecontrolled.MuchasTorvald

throwsaffectionatepraisestowardsNora(p.2-3),heisalsoquicktobluntlypointouther

flaws.TorvaldthereforelacksrespectforNoraandmerelyconsidersherasadollthathe

cancontrol.

TheHelmershavefacedatoughfinancialpastwhentheirincomewasnotsufficient

enough.WhenthefamilyhadnomoneyduringthepreviousChristmas,Noratriesto

cheerthingsupbymakingornamentsandotherfinethings(p.8).Noraalsoengagesin

needlework,crotchet-work,andembroideryinordertomakemoremoney.Torvaldalso

overworkshimselfinanattempttoearnmorethanbefore.Thismakeshim falldreadfully

illandthedoctorssuggesthegoesforavacationinItaly(p.12).

TheHelmersarerelievedasTorvaldhasabigenoughincomeandNoraisjoyousasthe

children willenjoythemselves this time round (p.7).This is because in previous

Christmascelebrationstheyhadtoeconomisetheirspending.NoraalsotellsMrs.Linde

[email protected]


thattheywillnolongerhaveanxietyintheirlivesastheyweregoingtohaveheapsof

money(p.11-12).

Deathandseparationcanleadtothecrumblingofafamily.Mrs.Linde’shusbanddies

leavingherhopeless,childless,andpenniless(p.10).Herhusband’sbusinesscollapses

andsheisforcedtosurvivebyventuringintooddjobsthatwerenotsuccessful(p.14).

Shedecidestoseekforhelpfrom herchildhoodfriendNorawhohelpshergetajobat

thebank.

Noradoeseverythingshecantoensurethewellbeingofherfamily.Noraisinformedthat

Torvaldwasdreadfullyillandhewasnotsupposedtoknowthedangerousconditionhe

wasin.Torvaldcouldonlybehealedbylivinginthesouth.Noraskilfullytriestoimplore

herhusbandtotakeherforavacationinthesouth.SheevensuggeststhatTorvaldtakes

aloanforthevacation(p.19).WhenTorvaldbecomeshesitantshetakesmattersintoher

ownhandsandsecuresthemoneyforthevacation.HeractionsavesTorvald’slife(p.17-

18).

Mrs.Linderejoicesfrom thefactthatshewasabletotakecareofherbedriddenmother

andheryoungerbrothers(p.17).Shegetsahusbandwhocouldfinanciallyprovidefor

them thoughthehusbandlaterdiesandleavesherchildless.

Torvaldhasalow opinionofhiswife,andwomeningeneral.Noracannotdaretell

TorvaldthatshetookaloanbecauseofTorvald’schauvinisticcharacter(p.20).Torvald,it

seems,stronglybelievesthatwomenshouldnottakeloanswithouttheconsentoftheir

husbands.ThatexplainswhyNoraprocuredtheloanwithoutTorvald’sconsent.Nora

alsoliestoTorvaldaboutKrogstad’svisitbecauseshefearedTorvald’sreactiontoher

associationwithaflawedcharacterasKrogstad(p.43).

NoraalsodoesnotwantTorvaldtofeelguiltyoutofhermanlyindependencethathe

owedheranything(p.20).Thisisdespitethefactthemoneythatsheprocuredwasused

forthevacationthatsavedTorvald’slife.ThisshowsthatTorvaldviewedNoraasinferior.

ItisthisattitudethatleadsNoratowalkoutonherfamily.

ThoughtheloanthatNoraprocuredwasusedforTorvald’streatment,shegoesoutof

herwayandstartspayingitininstalments(p.20).Shesavesalittlemoneyhereandthere

andsheevenfindsotherwaysofearningmoney(p.21).ShedoesnotburdenTorvald

overtheloanthatsheprocured.Inordertobeabletopaytheinstalments,Norafinds

otherwaysofearningmoney.Shegetscopyingworkandsheenableshertoraisethe

moneythatsheusestopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan(p.21).Norathereforetakesthe

burdenofthefamily.

NoraonlyspendshalfthemoneythatTorvaldgivesherforbuyingdresses(p.21).Thisis

becausesheneededtosavetheothersoastopayofftheinstalmentsoftheloan.Nora

claimsthiswashardonherasshehadtobuythesimpleandcheapclothes.Shehasto

[email protected]


makethissacrificeyettheloanthatsheprocuredwasusedforTorvald’streatment.Nora

doesnotusethehousekeepingmoneytopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan.Instead,she

spendsthemoneyonherchildrenasshecouldnotletthem beshabbilydressed(p.21).

Norathereforeputstheinterestsofherfamilybeforeherown.

Krogstadwantstoprotecthisnameandimageforthesakeofhischildren.Heis

preparedtoensurethathappensbydoingeverythinghecantopreventlosinghisjobat

thebank(p.36).HeclaimsthatlosinghisjobwilltarnishhisimageagainasTorvald

wantstogetridofhim becauseofhisflawedmoralcharacter.

Torvaldisportrayedasuncompromisingtowardshiswife.Noratriesasmuchasshecan

toconvinceTorvaldtoletKrogstadkeephisjobbutTorvaldcanhearnoneofit.Sheeven

urgeshim todoitforthepeaceofthefamilybutTorvalddoesnotchangehismind(p.57-

61).HaditnotbeenforMrs.LindeKrogstadwouldhavetarnishedtheimageofthe

Helmers.

Annesacrificesherfamilyforthesakeofherjob.Noraisamazedathow Annecould

leaveherdaughteramongstrangers.AnneleavesherdaughterbehindtoworkasNora’s

nurse,ajobshehasdonewellandNoraisconfidentthatshetoocantakegoodcareof

Nora’schildren(p.50).

DoctorRank’sfatherlivesacarelesslifeandthiscausesDoctorRanktocontracta

dangerousdisease.DoctorRankclaimsthatheiscursedasheispayingthepriceforhis

father’syouthfulexuberanceandexcesses.Hehasinheritedadangerousdiseasefrom

whichheexpectstodie(p.63-64).

Mrs.LindeandKrogstaddecidetogetbacktogetherandgiveeachothercompanyfrom

theirhopelesslives.Mrs.LindeunderstandsthatKrogstadmighthavebeendriventohis

badcharacterbecausehelackedhopeinlifethereforeshehasnoworriesaboutgetting

marriedtohim (p.89).Thecouplethereforedecidetosettleasafamily.

TheHelmersfamilycrumblesbecauseofTorvald’sselfishnessandhypocrisy.Noratells

Torvaldthathetreatedherasadoll-wife(p.111-112).TorvaldcontrolsNora’slifeandhe

doesnottaketimetounderstandNora’sfeelings,insteadheisfocusedonhimself.When

achancepresentsitselfforhim toprovehisloveforNorashefails.Nora’seyesare

finallyopenedtoTorvald’shypocrisyandshefinallywalksoutofhermarriage(p.120).

b.) PATRIARCHY/MALE CHAUVINISM/GENDER

DISCRIMINATION


decidesthekindoffoodthatNorashouldandshouldnoteat.Noraeatsthemacaroons

insecretbecauseherhusbandhasoutlawedherfrom eatingthem (p.2).Healsocontrols

whoNorashouldassociatewith.HewarnsNoraagainstassociatingwithKrogstad

[email protected]


becauseofhisflawedcharacter(p.43).ThisisoutrageousasNoraisamaturewoman

whoiscapableofmakingherownlifestyledecisions.

Womenareregardedasbeingincapableofcontrollingandmanagingtheirfinances.

Torvaldholdstheview thatNora,andwomeningeneralareincapableofplanningand

managingfinances(p.3).Hebelievesthatwomenspendmoneyrecklessly,andthatis

whyhereferstoNoraasaspendthrift.

Torvaldisportrayedaschauvinistic.WhenNorahintsthatTorvaldtakesaloanforatrip

toItalyforthesakeofhistreatmentTorvaldrejectshersuggestionandpointsoutthat

NorawasthoughtlessanditwashisdutyasherhusbandnottoindulgeinNora’s

extravagancies(p.19).Torvaldalsoclaimsthatpeoplewhohavehadabadcharacter

sincetheiryoungdayshaddeceitfulmothers(p.47).Thisisastereotypicalobservation

andTorvaldchoosesonwomensinceheviewsmenasamoresuperiorgender.

Womencannotborrow moneywithouttheirhusbands’consent.Mrs.Lindedismisses

Nora’sremarkthatshemighthaveborrowedthemoneysinceherhusbandwasnot

awareofit(p.18).However,itistruethatNorawasforcedtoprocurethemoneyfor

Torvald’streatmentwithoutTorvald’sconsent.WhenTorvaldlearnsofthislater,itleads

toaconflictinwhichNorawalksoutonhisfamily.Norasaysthatshedarednottell

TorvaldthatshetookaloanbecauseofTorvald’schauvinisticcharacter(p.20).


owedheranything(p.20).Thisisdespitethefactthemoneythatsheprocuredwasused

forthevacationthatsavedTorvald’slife.ThisshowsthatTorvaldviewedNoraasinferior.

ItisthisattitudethatleadsNoratowalkoutonherfamily.

TorvaldsaysthatNora’sdutieswereonlybeinga‘wife’anda‘mother’(p.114).Such

beliefsgiveTorvaldthepowertodominateandcontrolNora’slifethewayhewishes.

ThishasledtothepresentconflictwhereNoratellsTorvaldthatshewastiredofbeing

treatedlikeadoll-wifeandshedecidestowalkoutofhermarriage.

c.)MONEYANDPOWER

Moneyisthesourceoftensionthatexistsbothinfamiliesandbetweenindividuals.

TorvaldgetsintoanargumentwithNorasinceheholdstheviewthatNora,andwomenin

generalareincapableofplanningandmanagingfinances(p.3).Hebelievesthatwomen

spendmoneyrecklessly,andthatiswhyhereferstoNoraasaspendthrift.Nora,onthe

otherhand,spendsalotofmoneyonChristmasitemsclaimingthattheyhavehadto

economiseinalltheotherprecedingChristmasfestivities.ShealsoclaimsthatTorvald

wasgoingtohaveabigsalary(p.2).MoremoneyforNorathereforeequalsabetter

lifestyle.


enoughthustheyhavehadtoeconomisetheirspending.TheirlastChristmaswasone

theywouldliketoforgetastheyhadnoenoughmoney(p.7-8).Noratriestocheerthings

[email protected]


upbymakingornamentsandotherfinethings(p.8).Noraalsoengagesinneedlework,

crotchet-work,andembroideryinordertomakemoremoney.Torvaldalsooverworks

himselfinanattempttoearnmorethanbefore.Thismakeshim falldreadfullyillandthe

doctorssuggesthegoessouthforavacation(p.12).

Presently,theHelmersarerelievedasTorvaldhasabigenoughincomeandNorais

joyousasthechildrenwillenjoythemselvesthistimeround(p.7).NoratellsMrs.Linde

thattheywillnolongerhaveanxietyintheirlivesastheyweregoingtohaveheapsof

money(p.11-12).This is because in previous Christmas celebrations theyhad to

economisetheirspending.

Mrs.Linde’shusbanddiesleavingherhopelessandpenniless(p.10).Herhusband’s

businesscollapsesandsheisunsuccessfulinallherotherincomegeneratingventures

(p.14).Shedecidestoseekforhelpfrom herchildhoodfriendNorawhohelpshergeta

jobattheBank.

Mrs.Lindeabandonsherformerfiancée,Krogstad,becausesheneededamanwho

couldprovidemoneytotakecareofhersickmotherandheryoungersiblings.She

sacrificestheloveofherlifeforawealthymanwhocouldtakecareofhersickmother,

andheryoungersiblings,somethingthatsheislaterproudofhavingdone(p.17).

Noraobtainsaloanwithoutinvolvingherhusband(p.18).Shedoesthisbecauseher

husbandwasdreadfullyillandneededtreatment(p.12-13).Whenthissecretisrevealeda

conflictensuesbetweenherandTorvaldanditultimatelyleadstoNorawalkingouton

herfamily.

Norasavesalittlemoneyhereandthereandsheevenfindsotherwaysofearningmoney

(p.21)soastopayfortheloanthatsheprocuredforTorvald’streatment.Thisisbecause

shefearedTorvald’sreactionifsheweretotellhim oftheloanthatshesecured.Nora

findsotherwaysofearningmoney.Shegetscopyingworkandthatenableshertoraise

themoneythatsheusestopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan(p.21).

Also,NoraonlyspendshalfthemoneythatTorvaldgivesherforbuyingdresses(p.21).

Thisisbecausesheneededtosavetheothersoastopayofftheinstalmentsoftheloan.

Noraclaimsthiswashardonherasshehadtobuythesimpleandcheapclothes.She

hasto makethissacrificeyettheloan thatsheprocured wasused forTorvald’s

treatment.Noradoesnotusethehousekeepingmoneytopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan.

Instead,shespendsthemoneyonherchildrenasshecouldnotletthem beshabbily

dressed(p.21).

Torvaldhasacquiredapowerfuljobasthemanagerofthebank.Thisexplainswhyhe

offersMrs.LindeajobatthebankandatthesametimedismissesKrogstadbecauseof

[email protected]


hismoralcorruptness.NoraisalsoproudofTorvaldbecausehenowhassomuchpower

overmanypeople(p.27).

Theclosecirclesofthosewhoholdpowerfuljobsaredemeaningtothosewithless

powerfulones.NoratellsKrogstadthatheoughtnottooffendanyonewhohasinfluence

(p.33-34).ThismeansthatNorafeltshewassuperiortoKrogstadsinceherhusbandhad

amorepowerfulpositionthanKrogstad’s.ThatexplainswhyNoraisabletogetMrs.

LindeajobattheBank.

Moneygivespowerforsomepeopletobemanipulative.Krogstadthreatenstoreveal

Nora’ssecrettoherhusbandifshedoesnotpreventTorvaldfrom firingher(p.36).

KrogstadhasthecouragetotellNorathissinceheisawareofNora’sfraudulentloan.

Nora’sattemptstofulfilKrogstad’sdemandthrow herintoconflictwithherhusband.

WhenTorvaldlatersendshim adismissallaterhemakesevenbiggerdemands(p.75).

d.)SACRIFICE/SELFLESSNESS

Noraputsherfamily’sinterestsbeforeherown.WhenNorahasmoney,herpriorityis

spendingitonherchildren.Shebuysthem Christmaspresentsbutdoesnotbuyherself

any(p.6).Thisportraysherasselflessassheputsherchildren’sneedsbeforeherown.

Mrs.Lindeabandonsherfiancébecausesheneededamanwhocouldprovidemoneyto

takecareofhersickmotherandheryoungersiblings.Shesacrificesherlovelifeforthe

sakeofherfamily.Unfortunately,herhusbanddiesleavingherchildlessandpenniless

andshehastorequestherchildhoodfriend,Nora,tohelphergetajobtosustainher

(p.14-15).

Nora also does everything she can to save Torvald who was dreadfully ill.She

accompaniesTorvaldforthevacationeventhoughIvarhadjustbeenborn.Shealsogoes

outofherwaytogetthemoneyforthevacation(p.17).Thoughthevacationcostshera

tremendouslotofmoney,sheisabletosaveTorvald’slife.Noraisalsounabletonurse

hersickfatherasshewastakingcareofTorvald.Thisisdespitethefactthatshewas

veryfondofherfather(p.12-13).


soastopayfortheloanthatsheprocuredforTorvald’streatment(p.21).Thisisbecause

shefearedTorvald’sreactionifsheweretotellhim oftheloanthatshesecured.Nora

findsotherwaysofearningmoney.Shegetscopyingworkandthatenableshertoraise

themoneythatsheusestopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan(p.21).

Also,NoraonlyspendshalfthemoneythatTorvaldgivesherforbuyingdresses(p.21).

Thisisbecausesheneededtosavetheothersoastopayofftheinstalmentsoftheloan.

Noraclaimsthiswashardonherasshehadtobuythesimpleandcheapclothes.She

[email protected]


hasto makethissacrificeyettheloan thatsheprocured wasused forTorvald’s

treatment.Noradoesnotusethehousekeepingmoneytopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan.

Instead,shespendsthemoneyonherchildrenasshecouldnotletthem beshabbily

dressed(p.21).Norathereforeputstheinterestsofherfamilybeforeherown.

AnnesacrificesherclosenesstoherfamilyforthesakeofherjobasNora’snurse.Nora

isamazedathow Annecouldleaveherdaughteramongstrangers.Annehasdoneher

jobwellandNoraisconfidentthatshetoocantakegoodcareofNora’schildren(p.50).

NoratellsMrs.Lindethatifanythingwastohappentoheroverthefraudulentloanshe

wouldtakealltheresponsibility(p.78).Thisissurprisingsinceshetooktheloanfor

Torvald’ssakebutshedoesnotinvolvehim inthecase.

e.)PERSEVERANCE/ENDURANCE

Mrs.Linde’shusbanddiesleavingherchildlessandpenniless.Herhusband’sbusiness

also collapsesforcing herto engagein incoming generating venturesthatarenot

successfuleither(p.14).Shehastoworkextrahardtomakeendsmeet.Whenthings

becometoughsheapproachesNorawhoconvincesherhusbandtohelphergetajobat

theBank.

Inthepast,theHelmershavehadtoputupwithdullChristmascelebrationssincethey

hadnomoney.InthepreviousChristmas,Noratriestocheerthingsupbymaking

ornamentsandotherfinethings(p.8)forherfamily.Shegoesoutofherwaytobring

somehappinessintothefamily.Noraclaimsthattheyhavehadtoworkhardtomake

endsmeet(p.12).Torvald’snewjobasamanagerofabankmeansthatthefamilywill

nowhavelotofmoneyandtheywouldbeabletolivequitedifferently(p.11-12).

Thereoughttobemutualrespectinafamily.Torvaldhasasuperiorattitudetowardshis

wife.HemerelyconsidersNoraasawifethatneedstobecontrolledlikeachild.When

NorahintsthatTorvaldtakesaloanforatriptoItalyforthesakeofhistreatmentTorvald

rejectshersuggestionandpointsoutthatNorawasthoughtlessanditwashisdutyas

herhusbandnottoindulgeinNora’sextravagancies(p.19).Noratakesalltheseinher

stridethinkingthat,inspiteofeverything,Torvaldlovesherandthefamily.Itisafter

TorvalddenouncesherthathereyesopentoTorvald'shypocrisyandshedecidestowalk

outofhermarriage.

Noraisawareofthesuperiorattitudethatotherpeoplehavetowardsher.Mrs.Linde

dismissesNoraasnothavingexperiencedtherealtroublesandburdensoflife.She

claimsNoraengagesonlyinsmallhouseholdcaresandcallsNoraachild.Norainforms

Mrs.Lindethatshewasjustliketheotherpeoplewhothoughtherincapableofanything

serious(p.16).SheignoresallthistillTorvalddeniesherafterallhersacrificesforhim.

Shethereafterdecidestowalkoutonherfamily.


[email protected]


TorvaldthatshetookaloanbecauseofTorvald’schauvinisticcharacter(p.20).Noraalso

doesnotwantTorvaldtofeelguiltyoutofhermanlyindependencethatheowedher

anything(p.20).Thisisdespitethefactthemoneythatsheprocuredwasusedforthe

vacationthatsavedTorvald’slife.Norahastoputupwithherhusband’ssuperiority

complex.

DoctorRank’sfatherlivesacarelesslifemakingDoctorRanktocontractadangerous

disease.DoctorRankclaimsthatheiscursedasheispayingthepriceforhisfather’s

youthfulexuberanceandexcesses.Hehasinheritedadangerousdiseasewhichhehas

livedwithsincechildhoodandfrom whichheexpectstodie(p.63-64).

KrogstadsaysthatwhenhelostMrs.Lindehislifewasgreatlyaffectedandhewaslikea

ship-wreckedmanclingingtoabitofwreckage(p.87).Helivesahopelesslifeuntillater

whenMrs.Lindeandhim decidetogetmarriedthathestartstoseehopeinherlife.

f.)BETRAYAL

Mrs.LindebetraysherfiancéKrogstadbyabandoningherandgettingmarriedtoanother

manwhocouldprovideforherbedriddenmotherandheryoungerbrothers(p.86).

Norabetraysherfatherbynotvisitinghim whenhewassick.Thisisdespitethefactthat

Norasaysshewasfondofhim (p.13).Shelaterforgeshissignatureinordertoprocurea

loanforTorvald’svacation.

KrogstadthreatenstobetrayNoratoherhusbandthatshetookafraudulentloan(p.41).

KrogstadwantstousethissecretsoastomanipulateNoratoinfluenceherhusbandnot

todismisshim from hisjobattheBank.TruetohisthreathesendsTorvaldaletter

detailingNora’sfraud(p.76).

DoctorRankbetrayshisclosefriendshipwithTorvaldbyopenlyexpressinghisaffection

towardsTorvald’swife.NoratellsDoctorRankthatitwashorridandclumsyofhim to

declarehisaffectiontowardsher(p.68-69).

g.)MORALDECADENCE/MORALCORRUPTION

DoctorRankaccusesKrogstadofbeingmorallydecadent(p.25).Thisisbecauseof

Krogstad’smanysuspiciousbusinessdealsoneofwhichinvolvesNora.

KrogstadtellsNorathatheengagedhimselfinmorallyunacceptableactionsbuthewas

luckyasthematternevercamebeforethecourt.Hethereforesayshewon’tallow her

nametobetarnishedagain(p.35-36).

KrogstadthreatenstorevealNora’ssecrettoherhusbandifshedoesnotpreventTorvald

from firingher(p.36).ThisportraysKrogstadasmanipulativeashetakesadvantageof

thefraudthatNoraengagedinforhisownselfishbenefits.

[email protected]



thisbecauseherfatherhaddiedandshewasworriedofherhusband’sillness(p.38-39).

Eventhoughhermotiveswerenoble,heractionsportrayherasmorallydecadent.

DoctorRankisportrayedasimmoral.HeopenlyexpresseshisaffectiontowardsNorayet

heknewthatNorawasamarriedwoman.NoratellsDoctorRankthatitwashorridand

clumsyofhim todeclarehisaffectiontowardsher(p.68-69).

Krogstadismorallycorrupt.HeisnolongerinterestedingettingbackNora’sloan.

Instead,hesaysthatNora’sfraudwillremainsecretonlyifheisallowedtogetintothe

Bankagainandgivenahigherposition.Aftergettingthehigherposition,heplanstobe

Torvald’srighthandmanso thathecaninfluencetheoperationsoftheBank.He

thereforeplanstoholdTorvaldhostagebyintimidatinghim withNora’sfraud.Krogstad

alsowantstouseNora’sfraudtogetbackhisreputation(p.75).Thisportrayshim asa

characterwithnomorals.

h.)BLACKMAIL

KrogstadattemptstoblackmailNoraovertheloanthathehelpedherprocure.Krogstad

threatenstorevealNora’ssecrettoherhusbandifshedoesnotpreventTorvaldfrom

firinghim (p.36).KrogstadhasthecouragetotellNorathissincehehelpedNoraprocure

aloanwhichshehasnotyetfinishedpaying.

KrogstadnolongerbecomesinterestedingettingbackNora’sloan.Instead,henow

statesthatNora’sfraudwillremainsecretonlyifheisallowedtogetintotheBankagain

andgivenahigherposition.Aftergettingthehigherposition,heplanstobeTorvald’s

righthandmansothathecaninfluencetheoperationsoftheBank.Hethereforeplansto

holdTorvaldhostagebyintimidatinghim withNora’sfraud(p.75).

KrogstadalsowantstouseNora’sfraudtogetbackhisreputation(p.75).Bygettingback

hisjobitwillprovetoeveryonethathisreputationisbeyondreproach.

i.)HYPOCRISY

DoctorRankisquicktoaccuseKrogstadasbeingmorallydecadent(p.25)yethetoo,has

loosemoralsasseenwhenheconfesseshisaffectiontowardsNora,amarriedwoman

(p.68).ThisisdespitethefactthatNoraconsidershim asaclosefriendofherhusband

(p.53).

DoctorRankalsorefusestorevealtoTorvaldthathewasgoingtodiechoosingonlyto

inform NorayetTorvaldwashisclosefriend(p.64).DoctorRankisnotopentoTorvald

andonlyspeaksmetaphoricallytohim abouthisimpendingdeath(p.98-99).Heclaims

thatTorvaldshouldbesparedofsuchhorriblenews.ForsuchaseriousmatterDoctor

Rankshouldatleasthaveinformedhisclosefriend.

[email protected]


TorvaldcondemnsandinsultsNorawhenhelearnsofNora’sfraudbutimmediatelyhe

readsKrogstad’ssecondletterthatreststhecaseofNora’sfraudhechangestactand

actsfriendlytowardsNoratellingherthattheirrelationshipshouldgobacktonormalcy

(p.106).

TorvaldhadstatedthathecouldsacrificehislifeandeverythingforNora’ssake;however

whenanopportunityarrivesforTorvaldtoproveherwordshefailsbynottakingNora’s

sideintheissueofthefraudulentloan(p.102).Instead,hecondemnsandinsultsNora

forthefraud.

TorvaldpretendstobeateasewithMrs.Linde’spresenceintheirhousebutimmediately

sheleaves,TorvaldcallsMrsLindea‘frighteningbore.’thisissurprisingashehadearlier

been conversing with heraboutherknitting and even encourages herto shiftto

embroidery(p.94).

HeisalsoirritatedwhenDoctorRankcomesintothehouseandinterfereswithhis

momentwithNorayetDoctorRankwashisclosefriend(p.97).Torvaldalsosaysthatit

wasbetterforDoctorRanktodieasitwouldmakehim andNoraclosetoeachother

(p.101).HesaysthisdespitethefactthatDoctorRankwashisclosefriend.

STYLISTICTECHNIQUES/ASPECTSOFSTYLE

Thisgenerallyreferstohow theauthoruseslanguagetotellthestory.Theauthor

creativelyuseslanguagetoemphasizeoncertainthemes,buildcharacter,andmakethe

readervisualizeboththesettingsandtheevents.Variousstylistictechniquesareusedin

HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse:

a.)SYMBOLISM

Itinvolvesobjectsrepresentingabstractideas,forinstance,adovesymbolizespeace.

Noraeatsthemacaroonsinsecretbecauseherhusbandhasoutlawedherfrom eating

them (p.2).MacaroonsthereforesymbolizeNora’sdefiancetotheordersofherhusband.

ItdemonstratesNora’sattemptstoretainherindependence.

MacaroonsalsosymbolizeNora’sdesireforthingsthatmakeherhappyinlife.Noradoes

notthinkthatthemacaroonswillspoilherteeth(p.27).Shedoesnotwanttobedictated

toonwhatisgoodorbadforherlife.Instead,shedesirestobelefttoengageinleisure

thatmakeherhappy.

DoctorRanktellsNorathatwhenheisabouttodie,hewillsendherhiscardwithablack

crossonit(p.64).TheblackcrosssymbolizesDoctorRank’simminentdeath.Helater

sendsthecardswithablackcrossonthem (p.101).

[email protected]


b.)IMAGERY

Itistheuseoflanguagethatleavesapictureinthemind.Imageryisbroughtoutbythe

useof:similes,metaphors,personification,andvividdescription.

UseofMetaphors

Torvaldaffectionatelyuses‘pet’namestorefertohiswife.Hecallsher:my‘little

skylark’,‘littlesquirrel’,and‘littlefeatherhead’(p.2-3).ThisshowsthatTorvald

considersNoraassomethingthathecouldcontrolandtreatthewayhefeelslike.

Later,NorapointstothisdomineeringnatureofTorvaldasareasonwhyshe

decidestowalkoutonhermarriage(p.117).

AfterdiscoveringthatNorahadliedthatKrogstadhadnotbeeninthehouse,

Torvaldusespetnamesasshewarnshiswifenottolieagain.Hecallsher‘my

littlesongbird’(p.44).ThisshowsthatTorvaldviewedNoraasachildwhohadto

abidebyTorvald’swishesandcommands.becontrolledandguidedonwhatis

goodorbad.

TorvaldclaimsthatKrogstad’sflawedmoralcharacterisnotagoodexampleto

thechildren.Hesaysinsuchanatmosphere,‘liesinfectsandpoisonsthewhole

lifeofahome.’,andthe‘children’sbreathisfullofthegermsofevil.’Thisshows

thatTorvaldthinksKrogstad’schildrenarebeingpoorlyraisedupbecausethey

havetolookuptotheirfatherwhohasamorallyflawedcharacter.

NorareferstoherselfasTorvald’s‘littlesquirrel’,and‘skylark’inordertoplead

withherhusbandtoletKrogstadkeephispositionattheBank(p.57).Forthat

favour,NoraisacceptingtobesubmissivetoTorvaldandlethim controlherthe

wayhe wishes.This proves thatTorvald used the petnames to show his

manlinessoverNora.TorvaldhoweverturnsdownNora’sadvancessayingthat

Nora,his‘skylark’,hasalwaysbeensubmissive.ThisprovesthatTorvaldviewed

Noraasachildthathecouldcontrolwheneverhewished.

Krogstadreferstohimselfasa‘shipwreckedman’clingingontolifeafterbeing

abandonedbyMrs.Linde(p.87).ThisshowsthatKrogstadwashopelessandhis

lifewasheadedintodestructionafterMrs.Lindewalkedawayfrom him.

Noraaccusesherhusbandoftreatingherasadoll-wife(p.112).Thismeansthat

TorvaldcontrolledNora’swifeandtreatedherthewayhewished.Thiseventually

leadstoNorawalkingoutofhermarriage.

Useofsimiles

Mrs.LindejustlikeKrogstadsayssheislikea‘shipwreckedwoman’clingingonto

lifebecauseshefeltherlifewasemptywithnoonetokeephercompany(p.87).

SheeventuallyfindscompanywhensheandKrogstaddecidetogetmarried.

[email protected]


c.)IRONY

Mrs.Lindeabandonsherfiancéforanothermanwhocouldprovideforherbedridden

motherand heryoungerbrothers.Surprisingly,hersupposed well-offhusband dies

leavingherpennilessandchildless.Herhusband’sbusinessalsocollapsesandshehas

toengageinincominggeneratingventuresthatarenotsuccessfuleither(p.14).Itis

ironic thatdespite ofgetting married to a financially stable man she ends up

impoverishedandshehastostartlookingformoneytosustainherlife.

Mrs.LindethinksthatitwasunwiseforNoratoprocuremoneyforherhusband’s

treatmentwithoutNora’shusbandknowledgeyetthissavedTorvald’slifejustlikeMrs.

Lindegotmarriedtoamanbecausethemancouldprovideforherbedriddenmotherand

hertwoyoungbrothers(p.17-19).Mrs.LindetookasimilarstepasNorayetsheclaims

thatNoraprocuringthemoneywithoutherhusband’sknowledgewasunwise.

NoraclaimsthatshedoesnotknowanythingaboutKrogstad’smanykindsofbusiness

(p.24)yetsheprocuredtheloanusedfortheHelmersvacationfrom him.Thisisbecause

shefeelsguiltythattheloanwasnotprocuredintherightwayandsheinvolvedherself

withamanwithaflawedcharacter.

Nora,beforethechildren,referstoKrogstadasastranger(p.32).Thisisstrangesince

NoraandKrogstadarewellknowntoeachother.ShecallsKrogstadastrangerbecause

ofhisflawedcharacterandbecauseshesecretlyprocuredaloanfrom him andshedoes

notwantittoberevealed.

NoraclaimsthatsheusedherinfluencetogetMrs.Lindeajobatthebank.However,

whenKrogstadaskshertousethatinfluencetoensurethathedoesnotlosehisjob,

Norasuddenlysaysshedidnothaveanyinfluenceoverherhusband(p.33-34).She

makesthisquickturnbecausesheknowssuchamovewillcreatesuspicionasTorvald

wasamanwithnomoralcharacter.

Nora is demeaning towards Krogstad and calls him a subordinate (p.33).This is

surprisingsinceitisKrogstadwhohelpedhersecurealoan.Similarly,thoughKrogstadis

asubordinate,theletterhewritestoTorvaldaboutNora’sfraudthrowsherintoaconflict

withherhusbandleadingtoNorawalkingoutonherfamily.Itissurprisingthataman

consideredasasubordinatecouldachievethat.

TorvaldthinksthatKrogstadwasbeggingNoratointercedeonhisbehalfsothathedoes

notlosehisjobatthebank(p.43).However,thatisnotaccuratesinceKrogstadwas

threateningtoexposeNora’sfraudifshedidnotinfluenceherhusbandnottosackhim.

ItisironicalthatDoctorRankkeepsitasecretfrom Torvaldthathewasgoingtodieyet

Torvaldwashisclosefriend(p.64)

WhenKrogstadsaysthatmostpeopleinvolvedindamagingcasesthinkofrunningaway

[email protected]


from homeNorathinksthatKrogstadunderstandstheplightsheisin(p.74).Krogstad

howevergoesaheadandputsfreshdemandsonNora’shusbandandtomakematters

worsehedropstheletterrevealingNora’sfraudtoTorvald’sletter-box.

Initially,Mrs.LindepromisestohelpNorasothathersecretisnotrevealedtoTorvald.

However,whenthatappearsachievableaftercomingintogoodtermswithKrogstadshe

retractsandsaysthatTorvaldshouldknowherwife’ssecretsothatthecouplecanhave

acompleteunderstandingbetweenthem (p.90).

TorvaldtellsNorathathewishedshewerethreatenedbysomegreatdangersothat

Torvald sacrificeshislife forNora’ssake (p.102).However,When Nora’sfraud is

revealedTorvalddoesnotstandbyNorabutcondemnsandinsultshim.

TorvaldtellsNorathatbecauseofherfraud,hewouldnotallow hertobringupthe

children.However,whenKrogstadsendsanotherlettertobringclosuretotheissue,

TorvaldchangeshisearlierstandandtellsNorathatsheshouldremainwithhim inorder

totakecareofthechildren(p.112).

TorvaldisrigidthathewouldneverbowtothepressuresofKrogstadtolethim keephis

jobattheBank.Surprisingly,whenKrogstadthreatenstoblackmailtheHelmersover

Nora’sfraudTorvaldclaimsthathewoulddoallhecouldtoappeaseKrogstad(p.105).

d.)DRAMATICIRONY

DoctorRankwhiletalkingofKrogstadasapersonwhosuffersfrom adiseasedmoral

charactertellsNoraandMrs.LindethattheydonotknowKrogstad(p.25).Howeverthe

audienceisawarethatKrogstadisknowntoMrs.LindeasherformerfiancéandNora

becausehehelpedherprocurealoan.

Nora,beforethechildren,referstoKrogstadasastranger(p.32).Thisisinaccuratesince

NoraandKrogstadarewellknowntoeachother.ShecallsKrogstadastrangerbecause

ofhisflawedcharacterandbecauseshesecretlyprocuredaloanfrom him andshedoes

notwantittoberevealed.

TorvaldthinksthatKrogstadwasbeggingNoratointercedeonhisbehalfsothathedoes

notlosehisjobattheBank(p.43).However,thatisnotaccuratesinceKrogstadwas

threateningtoexposeNora’sfraudifshedidnotinfluenceherhusbandnottosackhim.

TheaudienceisawareofthisbutTorvaldisnot.

TorvaldunknowinglypointsoutcorrectlythatNoraisnervousandfearfulofKrogstadand

healsosaysthatKrogstad’sletterwaslyingsomewhere(p.82-83).Torvaldspeaksall

thesewithoutknowingthateverythinghesaidwastruebutboththeaudienceandNora

areawarethatKrogstadhasplacedaletterdetailingNora’sfraudinTorvald’sletter-box.

WhenNoratellsDoctorRankthathewasheldupbyscientificinvestigationTorvaldtakes

itliterallythatTorvaldwascarryingoutscientificresearch(p.98).Hedoesnotknowthat

[email protected]


DoctorRankhadpromisedNoratocarryoutalasthealthchecktoconfirm ifhisdeath

wasimminent.

WhenTorvaldasksDoctorRankwherehewillbeinthenextfancydressball,hesaysthat

hewillbe‘invisible(p.99).’TorvaldthinksthatisajokebutboththeaudienceandNora

know thatitmeansDoctorRankwouldhavediedashishealthhadworsened.The

audience,andNoraknowwhatDoctorRankistalkingaboutbutTorvalddoesnotknow.

e.)PREMONITION/FORESHADOW

Norabuysherdaughter,Emmy,adollandadolly’sbedstead(p.4).TheseChristmasgifts

showthestereotypicalgenderrolesthatsocietyhasassignedwomen.Emmyisexpected

topossiblytakecareofthechildrenandbesubordinatetoherhusband.Norahhowever

saysthatEmmywouldsoonbreakthedollsintopieces.Thisisapremonitionofhow

Norawoulddefytheculturalnormsthatsubjugatedwomenbywalkingoutonherfamily.

NoratellsMrs.LindeandDoctorRankthatshehassomethingshewishedtorevealto

Torvaldburshecouldnotsinceitwasshocking.WhentheypressNoratorevealthe

secretsheonlysaysthatshewasdamned(p.27).Thiswasapremonitionoftheconflict

thatwouldensuewhenTorvaldfinallygetstolearnofNora’sfraudulentloan.Aconflict

arisesoverNora’sfraudulentloanandleadstoaseparationbetweenNoraandher

husband.

Noraobserveshow herhusbandaccusesKrogstadofpoisoninghisownchildrenand

home.NoraputshimselfinKrogstad’sshoessinceshe,too,hascommittedthesame

crimeofforgeryandsheistroubledsinceherhusbandmighthavethesameviewsabout

her(p.48).ThiscomestopasswhenTorvalddiscoversNora’sfraud.Heprohibitsher

from comingclosetotheirchildrenasheclaimsNora’sfraudmeantthatshecouldnot

betrustedtoimpacttherightvaluestothechildren.

Norainformsthenursethatshewillnotbewiththechildrenasmuchasshewaswith

them before.Shealsothanksthenurseforbeingagoodmothertohersincechildhood

andtellsherthatshetrustedherthatshecouldtakegoodcareofthechildrenifshewere

notaround(p.50-51).ThisisapremonitionofwhathappenslaterwhenNorawalksoutof

hermarriageandthechildrenareleftunderthecareofthenurse.

Torvaldsaysthatsomethinguglyhadcomebetweenhim andNora.Hethinksthatitis

DoctorRank’sdeath(p.102).Thatsomethinguglyhoweverwasapremonitionoftheugly

conflictthatwouldcomebetweenthem whenTorvalddiscoversNora’sfraud.This

eventuallyleadsNoratowalkoutontheirmarriage.

f.)RHETORICALQUESTIONS

Thereisuseofrhetoricalquestions.Mrs.LindeisshockedthatitisNorawhoprocured

thehugeamountofmoneyforTorvald’streatment.Sheasks,‘You?’,‘Allthatmoney?’(p.

[email protected]


18).

NorashowsthatshecoulddoanythingforthesakeofsavingTorvald’slifeincluding

borrowingmoneywithoutherhusband’sconsent.Shesays,‘Couldn’tI?’,‘Whynot?’(p.

18).

Noraissurprisedthatsheisbeingaccusedoffraudyetsheforgedthesignatureforthe

sakeofTorvald’slifeandtosavehersickfatherfrom anxiety(p.41).Shethinksthatthe

lawisunreasonableforhermotivesbehindtheactionwerehonourable.Otherinstances

ofuseofrhetoricalquestionsarefoundonpage43,44,and97.

g.)FLASHBACK

NoratellsKrogstadhowsomepeoplewithnomoralcharacterattemptedtotarnishher

father’snamebywritingdamaginginformationabouthim inthepapers.ItwasTorvald

thatinquiredandclearedherfather’sname(p.58).Noraremembersthistocaution

TorvaldthatKrogstadwasalso capableoftarnishingtheirimageifhewillnotlet

Krogstadkeephispost.

NoraremembersherfatherwholikeTorvaldtreatedherlikeadoll(p.112).Bothcontrol

andtreatherthewaytheylikedandfinallyNoragetstiredandwalksoutonTorvald.

h.)PERSONIFICATION

DoctorRankclaimsthathisinternaleconomyisbankrupt(p.63).Thissimplymeansthat

hishealthhaddeterioratedandhecouldnotsustainhislifethereforehewasgoingtodie.

DoctorRank’shealthisgiventhehumanattributeofbankruptcy.

i.)SARCASM

KrogstadsaysthatTorvaldwouldbeoverwhelmedifhelearntNora’sfraudandthatis

whyheisbetteroffinthedarkashewouldlackthecouragetofacesuchrevelations

(p.72).

j.)SOLILOQUY

[email protected]


NoratalkstoherselfimmediatelyKrogstadleaves(p.41).Noracannotcometoterms

thatKrogstadwantstorevealhersecret.ThisisbecauseNorafearsitmightcausea

conflictwithherhusband.Shehoweverconvincesherselfthatsheobtainedtheloan

fraudulentlyforthesakeofherhusband’slife(p.42).

NoraalsodismissesKrogstad’sthreatandisconvincedthattheirswillbeahappyfamily.

SheisalsoreadytoactsubmissivelytoTorvald,believingthatTorvaldwillbeonherside

(p.43).

NoraisworriedthatTorvald’sjudgementagainstKrogstad’slackofmoralcharactermay

applytoher.JustlikeTorvaldaccusesKrogstadofpoisoninghishomebecauseofhis

crimes,Noraequallythinksthatshemightbepoisoningherchildrenbecauseofherfraud

(p.48).

NoraisworriedthatKrogstadmayrevealhersecretandbreakherfamily.Shehowever

comfortsherselfthatsuchaterribleoccurrencewasimpossibleasitwouldspelldoom

forherlifeandthatofheryoungfamily(p.49).Norashowssimilarworriesabouther

secretbeingrevealedtoKrogstadatothervarioustimes(p.62,71,76,77,84,100,102).

Mrs.LindeisworriedwhetherKrogstadwillshowupontime(p.85).Sheneededhim to

arriveearlysothatsheconvinceshim torecallunopened,theletterthathehassentto

Torvald.ThiswouldhelpNora’ssecretnottoberevealedtoherhusband.

WhenKrogstadacceptstogetbacktogetherwithMrs.Linde,sheisveryhappyasherlife

hasbeenempty(p.91).Mrs.Lindewillnow havepeopletotakecareofandgiveher

company.

[email protected]


EXCERPTS,QUESTIONS,ANDANSWERS.

1.Readthefollowingexcerptandthenanswerthequestionsthatfollow.(25marks)

Mrs.Linde: (smiling)Nora,Nora,haven'tyoulearnedsenseyet?Inourschooldaysyouwereagreatspendthrift.

Nora: (laughing)Yes,thatiswhatTorvaldsaysnow.(Wagsherfingerather.)But"Nora,Nora"isnotsosillyasyouthink.Wehavenotbeeninapositionformetowastemoney.Wehavebothhadtowork.

Mrs.Linde: Youtoo?

Nora: Yes;oddsandends,needlework,crotchet-work,embroidery,andthatkindofthing.(droppinghervoice)Andotherthingsaswell.YouknowTorvaldlefthisofficewhenweweremarried?Therewasnoprospectofpromotionthere,andhehadtotryandearnmorethanbefore.Butduringthefirstyearheover-workedhimselfdreadfully.Yousee,hehadtomakemoneyeverywayhecould,andheworkedearlyandlate;buthecouldn'tstandit,andfelldreadfullyill,andthedoctorssaiditwasnecessaryforhim togosouth.

Mrs.Linde: YouspentawholeyearinItaly,didn'tyou?

Nora: Yes.Itwasnoeasymattertogetaway,Icantellyou.ItwasjustafterIvar

wasborn;butnaturallywehadtogo.Itwasawonderfullybeautifuljourney,

anditsavedTorvald'slife.Butitcostatremendouslotofmoney,Christine.Mrs.Linde: SoIshouldthink.

Nora: Itcostabouttwohundredandfiftypounds.

That'salot,isn'tit?

Mrs.Linde: Yes,andinemergencieslikethatitisluckytohavethemoney.

Nora: Ioughttotellyouthatwehaditfrom papa.

Mrs.Linde: Oh,Isee.Itwasjustaboutthattimethathe died,wasn'tit?Nora: Yes;and,justthinkofit,Icouldn'tgoandnursehim.Iwasexpectinglittle

Ivar'sbirtheverydayandIhadmypoorsickTorvaldtolookafter.Mydear,

kindfather—Ineversawhim again,Christine.ThatwasthesaddesttimeI

haveknownsinceourmarriage.

Mrs.Linde: Iknowhowfondyouwereofhim.AndthenyouwentofftoItaly?

Nora: Yes;youseewehadmoneythen,andthedoctorsinsistedonourgoing,so

westartedamonthlater.

Mrs.Linde: Andyourhusbandcamebackquitewell?

Nora: Assoundasabell!

a.)Brieflyexplainwhathappensbeforetheeventsinthisexcerpt.(3marks)

[email protected]


Mrs.Linde,Nora’schildhoodfriendgetsintothehouse.NoraobservesthatMrs.Linde

lookedpalerandthinner.Noraalsopointsoutthatshesaw inthepapersthatMrs.

Linde’shusbandhaddied.ShealsoinformsheroftheHelmersjoythatTorvaldhadbeen

mademanageroftheBankandwithsuchagoodpayingjobtheywouldliveagoodlife.

b.)WhatevidencedoesNoraputforwardtoshowthatsheisnotaspendthrift?(3marks)

NorainformsMrs.LindethattheHelmershavenotbeeninapositiontowastemoney.

Shealsoclaimstheyhavehadtoworkhardtomakeendsmeet.Noraengagesin

needlework,crotchetwork,andembroideryinordertomakemoremoneyforthefamily.

c.)WhatdoesthedialoguerevealaboutthecharacterofbothTorvaldandMrs.Linde?

(4marks)

Torvaldishardworking.WhenTorvaldleaveshisofficeforanotherjobheoverworks

himselfinanattempttoearnmoremoneythanbefore.Thismakeshim falldreadfullyill.

Mrs.Lindeisjudgemental.Mrs.LindeisquicktojudgeNoraasaspendthrift,ahabitshe

claimsNorahadduringtheirschooldaysbutNorainformsMrs.Lindethatthatwasnot

anaccuraterepresentationofherastheHelmershavenotbeeninapositiontowaste

money.

d.)WhydoesNoratellMrs.Lindethatshegotthemoneyfrom papa?(3marks)

NoradoesnotwantMrs.LindetoknowthatshegotaloanwithoutTorvald'sapproval.

Shealsogotthemoneyfraudulentlyfrom Krogstadandsheispayingitininstalments.

e.)DescribetheironyinthisexcerptinlightofNora’ssacrificesandrelatedeventsthat

happenelsewhereinthistext. (5marks)

WhenTorvaldfallsdreadfullyillNoraaccompanieshim forthevacationeventhoughIvar

hadjustbeenborn.Shealsogoesoutofhiswaytogetthemoney.Noraisalsounableto

nursehersickfatherasshewastakingcareofTorvald.Ontheotherhand,whenTorvald

learnsofNora’sfraudulentloan heaccusesNoraforbeing morallydecadent.She

criticiseherforshaminghisnameandtellsherthatshewillnotbeallowedanywhere

closetothechildren.

f.)Rewritethefollowinginindirectspeech. (1mark)

“Iknowhowfondyouwereofhim.”Mrs.Lindesaid.

Mrs.LindesaidthatsheknewhowfondNorawasofhim.

g.)Stateandillustrateaninstanceofimageryinthisexcerpt.(2marks)

Useofasimile–Assoundasabell

h.)WhichemergencyinvolvingmoneydidMrs.Lindehaveandhowdidsheresolveit?

[email protected]


(4marks)

Mrs.Linde’smotherwassicklyandshehadtwoyoungbrotherstotakecareof.Since

neithershe norherfiancé atthe time,Krogstad,had moneyshe breaks offthe

engagementandgetsmarriedtoamanwhowasquitewelloffthen.


Nora: Papadidn'tgiveusashilling.ItwasIWh0procuredthemoney.

Mrs.Linde: You?Allthatlargesum?

Nora: Twohundredandfiftypounds.Whatdoyouthinkofthat?

Mrs.Linde: ButNora,howcouldyoupossiblydoit?DidyouwinaprizeintheLottery?

Nora: (contemptuously)IntheLottery?Therewouldhavebeennocreditinthat.

Mrs.Linde: Butwheredidyougetitfrom,then?Nora:(hummingandsmilingwithanair

ofmystery)Hm,hm!Aha!

Mrs.Linde: Becauseyoucouldn'thaveborrowedit.

Nora: Couldn'tI?Whynot?

Mrs.Linde: No,awifecannotborrowwithoutherhusband'sconsent.

Nora: (tossingherhead)Oh,ifitisawifewhohasanyheadforbusiness—awifewhohasthewittobealittlebitclever—

Mrs.Linde: Idon'tunderstanditatall,Nora.

Nora: Thereisnoneedyoushould.IneversaidIhadborrowedthemoney.Imayhavegotitsomeotherway.(liesbackonthesofa)PerhapsIgotitfromsomeotheradmirer.WhenanyoneisasattractiveasIam —

Mrs.Linde: Youareamadcreature.Nora: Now,youknowyou'refullofcuriosity,Christine.Mrs.Linde: Listentome,Noradear.Haven'tyoubeenalittlebitimprudent?Nora: (sitsupstraight)Isitimprudenttosavehusband'slife?

Mrs.Linde: Itseemstomeimprudentwithouthisknowledge,to—

Nora: Butitwasabsolutelynecessarythatheshouldnotknow!Mygoodness,

can'tyouunderstandthat?Itwasnecessaryheshouldhavenoideawhata

dangerousconditionhewasin.Itwastomethatthedoctorscameandsaid

thathislifewasindanger,andthattheonlythingtosavehim wastolivein

thesouth.DoyousupposeIdidn'ttry,firstofall,togetwhatIwantedasifit

wereformyself?Itoldhim how muchIshouldlovetotravelabroadlike

otheryoungwives;Itriedtearsandentreatieswithhim;Itoldhim thathe

oughttoremembertheconditionIwasin,andthatheoughttobekindand

indulgenttome;Ievenhintedthathemightraisealoan.Thatnearlymade

him angry,Christine.HesaidIwasthoughtless,andthatitwashisdutyas

myhusbandnottoindulgemeinmywhimsandcaprices—asIbelievehe

calledthem.Verywell,Ithought,youmustbesaved— andthatwashowI

cametodeviseawayoutofthedifficulty—

a.)WhathasledtothepresentdiscussionbetweenNoraandMrs.Linde?(4marks)

[email protected]


Mrs.LindebelittlesNora’slifetroublesclaimingthatNoraconcernsherselfonlywith

housecare.NoraaccusesMrs.Lindeofbeingliketheotherpeopleinherlifewhothink

thatsheisincapableofanything.Shethenrevealsthatsheistheonewhosaved

Torvald’slife.ShefurthersaysthatDoctorsrevealedonlytoherthatTorvald’slifewasin

danger.WhenNorabecomesunsuccessfullyincunninglypleadingwithTorvaldtotake

herforavacationinthesouthsheprocuresthemoneythattheyuseinthevacation.

b.)WhatleadstoNoraultimatelyprocuringthemoneybehindherhusband’sback?(4

marks)

Noracouldnotinform herhusbandthepurposeofprocuringthemoneyasshehadbeen

warnedbydoctorsnottorevealtoTorvaldthathewasdreadfullyill.Shealsodisguises

thatsheneededtogoforavacationinthesouthsincethiswouldhavehelpedtreat

Torvald’ssicknessbutTorvaldcouldhearnoneofit.TorvaldalsorejectsNora’sproposal

thathetakesaloantotakeNoratoavacation.WhenitbecomesimpossibleforNorato

convinceTorvaldtogotothesouth,Noraisthenforcedtoprocuremoneytosave

Torvald’slife.

c.)WhatdoesthisexcerptrevealaboutTorvald’scharacter?(4marks)

Torvaldischauvinistic.WhenNorahintsthatTorvaldtakesaloanforatriptoItalyforthe

sakeofhistreatmentTorvaldrejectshersuggestionandpointsoutthatNorawas

thoughtlessanditwashisdutyasherhusbandnottoindulgeinNora’sextravagancies.

Torvaldisrigid.MuchasNoratriestopleadforatriptoItalyforhisownsakeheis

adamantandhedoesnotgiveintoNora’srequests.ThisforcesNoratoprocuremoney

secretly.

d.)Basedonthisexcerpt,whatshowsthatthissocietydiscriminatesagainstwomen?

(4marks)

Womencannotborrow moneywithouttheirhusbands’consent.Mrs.Lindedismisses

Nora’sremarkthatshemighthaveborrowedthemoneysinceherhusbandwasnot

awareofit.Noraisforcedtoretractherearlierremarkthatsheborrowedmoneywithout

herhusband’sconsentsinceshefearedbeingjudgedbyMrs.Linde.Norathencomesup

withanotherreasononhowshemighthaveprocuredthemoney.

e.)Discussaninstanceofironyinthisconversation.(3marks)

Mrs.LindethinksthatitwasunwiseforNoratoprocuremoneyforherhusband’s

treatmentwithoutNora’shusbandknowledgeyetthissavedTorvald’slife.Mrs.Linde

forgetsthatshealsobetrayedherfiancéandgotmarriedtoamanbecausetheman

couldprovideforherbedriddenmotherandhertwoyoungbrothers.

[email protected]


WhenNorahintsthatTorvaldtakesaloanforatriptoItalyforthesakeofhistreatment

TorvaldrejectshersuggestionandpointsoutthatNorawasthoughtlessanditwashis

dutyasherhusbandnottoindulgeinNora’sextravagancies.Itisthereforeironicthatthe

moneywhichwasusedforTorvald’streatmentwasprocuredintheform ofaloanandit

isNora,awoman,whoprocuresitwithoutherhusband’sconsent.

f.)Identifyandillustrateonefeatureofstyleusedinthisconversation(2marks)

Thereisuseofrhetoricalquestions.Mrs.LindeisshockedthatitisNorawhoprocured

thehugeamountofmoneyforTorvald’streatment.Sheasks,‘You?’,‘Allthatmoney?’

NorashowsthatshecoulddoanythingforthesakeofsavingTorvald’slifeincluding

borrowingmoneywithoutherhusband’sconsent.Shesays,‘Couldn’tI?’,‘Whynot?’

g.)Addaquestiontagtothefollowingstatement.(1mark).

Awifecannotborrowwithoutherhusband’sconsent.

Awifecannotborrowwithoutherhusband’sconsent,canshe?

h.)Givethemeaningofthefollowingexpressionsasusedintheexcerpt.(3marks)

i.)lottery–luckydrawwherewinnersreceiveprizes

ii.)imprudent–unwise/notsensible

iii.)whimsandcaprices–suddenextravagantwishes


Krogstad: (changinghistone)Mrs.Helmer,youwillbesogoodastouseyourinfluence

onmybehalf.

Nora: What?Whatdoyoumean?

[email protected]


Krogstad: YouwillbesokindastoseethatIam allowedtokeepmysubordinate

positionintheBank.

Nora: Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Whoproposestotakeyourpostawayfrom you?

Krogstad: Oh,thereisnonecessitytokeepupthepretenceofignorance.Icanquite

understandthatyourfriendisnotveryanxioustoexposeherselftothe

chanceofrubbingshoulderswithme;andIquiteunderstand,too,whom I

havetothankforbeingturnedoff.

Nora: ButIassureyou—

Krogstad: Verylikely;but,tocometothepoint,thetimehascomewhenIshouldadvise

youtouseyourinfluencetopreventthat.

Nora: But,Mr.Krogstad,Ihavenoinfluence.

Krogstad: Haven'tyou?Ithoughtyousaidyourselfjustnow—

Nora: NaturallyIdidnotmeanyoutoputthatconstructiononit.I!Whatshouldmake

youthinkIhaveanyinfluenceofthatkindwithmyhusband?

Krogstad: Oh,Ihaveknownyourhusbandfrom ourstudentdays.Idon'tsupposeheis

anymoreunassailablethanotherhusbands.

Nora: Ifyouspeakslightinglyofmyhusband,Ishallturnyououtofthehouse.

Krogstad: Youarebold,Mrs.Helmer.

Nora: Iam notafraidofyouanylonger.AssoonastheNewYearcomes,Ishallin

averyshorttimebefreeofthewholething.

Krogstad: (controllinghimself)Listentome,Mrs.Helmer.Ifnecessary,Iam prepared

tofightformysmallpostintheBankasifIwerefightingformylife.

Nora: Soitseems.Krogstad: Itisnotonlyforthesakeofthemoney;indeed,thatweighsleastwithmein

thematter.Thereisanotherreason— well,Imayaswelltellyou.My

positionisthis.Idaresayyouknow,likeeverybodyelse,thatonce,many

yearsago,Iwasguiltyofanindiscretion.

a.)WhichinfluenceisKrogstadalludingto?(2marks)

Noraclaimsthatshehasatinylittlebitofinfluence.Sheusesitonherhusbandandher

husbandacceptstofindMrs.Lindeajob.

b.)WhatdidNoraspecificallysaytoTorvaldthatmakeshim promisetogetMrs.Lindea

job? (4marks)

[email protected]


NorasaysthatMrs.Lindewascleveratbook-keeping;shewasanxioustoworkundera

clevermansoastoperfectherself;shehadtakenalongjourneytoseeTorvaldwhenshe

hearsthatTorvaldhadbeenappointedmanageroftheBank;andshehopedTorvald

woulddosomethingforMrs.LindeforNora’ssake.

c.)WhatevidencedoesKrogstadgivetoshowthathisbankjobisunderthreat?(3marks)

KrogstadtellsNoranottofeignignorancethathewasgoingtolosehisjob.Heinforms

NorathathehopedMrs.Lindedidnotwanttoclashwithhim bytakingawayhisjob.He

alsoaccusesNoraofbeingresponsibleforhim beingturnedoffwhenhecametovisit

Torvald.

d.)WhatdoesthisconversationrevealaboutthecharacterofNora?(4marks)

Noraisprotective.WhenKrogstadtalksunkindlyaboutNora’shusbandshethreatensto

turnKrogstadoutofthehouse.ThisisbecauseKrogstadinhisutterancedoesnotshow

respectforTorvaldandNoratriestobeprotectiveofherhusband.

Noraisfearless.NoratellsKrogstadthatshenolongerfearshim.Thisisbecauseshe

knowsthatTorvaldwillhavelotsofmoneyatthestartoftheNewYearandshewillbe

abletopayoffKrogstad’sremainingloan.

e.)Discussaninstanceofironyfrom thisexcerpt.(3marks)

NoraearlierclaimedthatshehasinfluenceoverherhusbandbutwhenKrogstadasks

NoratousethesameinfluencetopreventKrogstadfrom losinghisjob,Norachanges

andclaimsshehadnoinfluence.

f.)WhichjobdoesKrogstaddoatthebankandwhydoeshewanttobesacked?(2marks)

Krogstadworksasaclerkatthebankandhewantstobesackedbecauseofhisflawed

moralcharacter.Heisaccusedofthecrimeofforgery.

[email protected]


g.)Whathappensafterthisexcerpt?(4marks)

Krogstadsayshewilldoeverythinghecanforthesakeofhischildrentomakesurehis

nameisnottarnishedanymore;healsotellsNorathathewillcompelhertoensurehe

doesnotlosehisjoborheexposesNora’sfraudtoherhusband;healsomakesNora

awarethatshecommittedafraudbyforgingherfather’ssignature.

h.)Givethemeaningofthefollowingexpressionsasusedintheexcerpt.(3marks)

i.)subordinate–lesspowerful

ii.)rubbingshoulders–meetandclash

iii.)unassailable–cannotbemanipulated/convinced


Nora: Butyoumustbelieveme,Mr.Krogstad;itisnotinmypowertohelpyouatall.

Krogstad: Thenitisbecauseyouhaven'tthewill;butIhavemeanstocompelyou.

Nora: Youdon'tmeanthatyouwilltellmyhusbandthatIoweyoumoney?

Krogstad: Hm!—supposeIweretotellhim?

Nora: Itwouldbeperfectlyinfamousofyou.(sobbing)Tothinkofhislearningmysecret,whichhasbeenmyjoyandpride,insuchanugly,clumsyway—thatheshouldlearnitfromyou!Anditwouldputmeinahorriblydisagreeableposition—

Krogstad: Onlydisagreeable?

Nora: (impetuously)Welldoit,then!— anditwillbetheworseforyou.Myhusbandwillseeforhimselfwhatablackguardyouare,andcertainlywon'tkeepyourpostthen.

Krogstad: Iaskedyouifitwasonlyadisagreeablesceneathomethatyouwereafraidof?

Nora: Ifmyhusbanddoesgettoknowofit,ofcoursehewillatoncepayyouwhatisstillowing,and

weshallhavenothingmoretodowithyou.

Krogstad: (comingastepnearer)Listentome,Mrs.Helmer.Eitheryouhaveaverybadmemoryor

youknowverylittleofbusiness.Ishallbeobligedtoremindyouofafewdetails.

Nora: Whatdoyoumean?

Krogstad: Whenyourhusbandwasill,youcametometoborrowtwohundredandfiftypounds.

Nora: Ididn'tknowanyoneelsetogoto.

Krogstad: Ipromisedtogetyouthatamount—

Nora: Yes,andyoudidso.

Krogstad: Ipromisedtogetyouthatamount,oncertainconditions.Yourmindwassotakenupwith

[email protected]


yourhusband'sillness,andyouweresoanxioustogetthemoneyforyourjourneythatyou

seemtohavepaidnoattentiontotheconditionsofourbargain.Therefore,itwillnotbeamiss

ifIremindyouofthem.Now,IpromisedtogetthemoneyonthesecurityofabondwhichI

drewup.

Nora: Yes,andwhichIsigned.

a.)Brieflydescribewhathappensbeforetheeventsinthisexcerpt.(3marks)

Krogstad’stellsNorathathewasguiltyofanindiscretionbutthematterneverwentto

thecourts.Krogstad’svowsto protecthisimageforthesakeofhischildrenand

thereforevowstofighttokeephispositionattheBank.NorainformsKrogstadthatshe

wouldhaveclearedoffherdebtbythebeginningoftheNew Year.Norathreatensto

chaseKrogstadoutofthehouseifhecontinuoustospeakdisrespectfullyofTorvald.

b.)AccordingtoNora,howwillherhusbandreactifKrogstadweretorevealhersecret?

Writeyouranswerinnoteform.(4marks)

i.)itwouldleadtoanunpleasantrelationshipbetweenNoraandherhusband.

ii.)TorvaldwouldrealisehowdishonestKrogstadis.

iii.)Torvaldwouldfirehim from hisjobattheBank.

iv.)TorvaldwillpayKrogstadwhatNorastillowedhim.

c.)WhichkindofhelpdoesKrogstadwantfrom Nora?(2marks)

KrogstadwantsNoratoinfluenceherhusbandsothathedoesnotfirehim from hisjob

attheBank.

d.)WhatdoesthisconversationshowaboutNora’scharacter?(4marks)

Noraisemotional-WhenKrogstadthreatenstorevealNora’ssecrettoherhusband,

Norabeginstosob.Thisisbecausesheknowsshewillbebadlyexposed.

Noraissuperior–NorafeelsbadthatamorallyflawedpersonlikeKrogstadistheone

[email protected]


whocouldrevealthesecretthatsheprocuredaloanin-ordertosavethelifeofTorvald.

Noraisalovingandcaringwoman- Norawassoworriedofherhusband’sillnessthat

sheprocuresaloanwithoutpayingattentiontothetermsandconditions.Shewas

anxioustoseeherhusbandgetwell.

e.)HowdoesTorvaldreactwhenhelearnsofNora’ssecret?(5marks)

TorvaldbecomesangryandhurlsinsultsatNoracallingheramiserablecreature.He

demandsanexplanationfrom Nora.Heaccusesherofhavingtakenafterherfather’s

lackofmoralcharacter.Heaccusesherofhavingruinedherfutureashewouldbeinthe

powerofanunscrupulousman.HefearsthatKrogstadmightspreadthenewsabout

Nora’sfraudandhecanbesuspectedofbeingpartytoNora’scriminalaction.He

promisestofindsomewayofappeasingKrogstad.Hesaysthathecannolongertrust

Noratobringupthechildrenthoughheallowshertostayinthehouse.

f.)From thisconversation,whatdowelearnaboutKrogstad’scharacter?(4marks)

Heismanipulative.KrogstadthreatenstorevealNora’ssecrettoherhusbandifshedoes

notpreventTorvaldfrom firingher.Thesecretisthatsheobtainedaloanfraudulently.

Krogstadisintimidating.HerevealsdetailbydetailNora’sfraud.Thisismeanttomake

Nora realise thatshe has committed a fraud and therefore submitto Krogstad’s

demandsorshebecomesexposed.

g.)Rewritethefollowingsentenceasinstructed.(1mark)

Whenyourhusbandwasill,youcametometoborrow twohundredandfiftypounds.

(Rewritebeginningwith:Had…)

Hadyourhusbandnotbeenill,youwouldnothavecometometoborrowtwohundred

andfiftypounds.

h.)Whathappensaftertheeventsinthisexcerpt?(2marks)

KrogstadinformsNorathatsheforgedherfather’ssignatureandthedatewasnot

writteninherfather’shandwriting.Noraconfessesthatsheforgedherfather’ssignature

inordertosecurealoanforTorvald’streatment.Torvaldbythenwasdreadfullyill.

5.)Readthefollowingexcerptandthenanswerthequestionsthatfollow.(25marks)

Krogstad: Areyouawarethatisadangerousconfession?

Nora: Inwhatway?Youshallhaveyourmoneysoon.

Krogstad: Letmeaskyouaquestion;whydidyounotsendthepapertoyourfather?

Nora: Itwasimpossible;papawassoill.IfIhadaskedhimforhissignature,Ishouldhave

hadtotellhimwhatthemoneywastobeusedfor;andwhenhewassoillhimself,I

couldn'ttellhimthatmyhusband'slifewasindanger—itwasimpossible.

[email protected]


Krogstad: Itwouldhavebeenbetterforyouifyouhadgivenupyourtripabroad.

Nora: No,thatwasimpossible.Thattripwastosavemyhusband'slife;Icouldn'tgivethat

up.

Krogstad: Butdiditneveroccurtoyouthatyouwerecommittingafraudonme?

Nora: Icouldn'ttakethatintoaccount;Ididn'ttroublemyselfaboutyouatall.I

couldn'tbearyou,becauseyouputsomanyheartlessdifficultiesinmyway,

althoughyouknewwhatadangerousconditionmyhusbandwasin.

Krogstad: Mrs.Helmer,youevidentlydonotrealiseclearlywhatitisthatyouhave

beenguiltyof.ButIcanassureyouthatmyonefalsestep,whichlostmeall

myreputation,wasnothingmoreornothingworsethanwhatyouhavedone.

Nora: You?Doyouaskmetobelievethatyouwerebraveenoughtorunariskto

saveyourwife'slife?

Krogstad: Thelawcaresnothingaboutmotives.

Nora: Thenitmustbeaveryfoolishlaw.

Krogstad: Foolishornotitisthelaw bywhichyouwillbejudged,ifIproducethis

paperincourt.

Nora: Idon'tbelieveit.Isadaughternottobeallowedtospareherdyingfather

anxietyandcare?Isawifenottobeallowedtosaveherhusband'slife?I

don'tknow muchaboutlaw;butIam certainthattheremustbelaws

permittingsuchthingsasthat.Haveyounoknowledgeofsuchlaws—you

whoarealawyer?Youmustbeaverypoorlawyer,Mr.Krogstad.

a.)WhatarethedetailsofNora’sconfession?(4marks)

ThedateindicatedonthepaperwasinaccuratesinceNora’sfatherhaddiedthreedays

earlier.Noraistheonewhodatedherfather’ssignature.Norasignedonthepaper

insteadofherfathermeaningthatNorausedfraudtoprocurethemoneyfrom Krogstad.

b.)WhyisNoracertainthatKrogstadwillhavehismoneysoon?(3marks)

Nora’shusbandhasgotajobasthemanageroftheBankmeaningthatheisgoingto

earnlotsofmoneysoon.Noraishopefulthatshewillusepartofthemoneythatshewill

begiventopayofftheloan.

c.)WhatmadeNoraforgeherfather’ssignature?(2marks)

Herfatherwasillandifhehadaskedforhissignatureshewouldhavehadtotellhim that

Torvaldwasdreadfullyill.Thiscouldhavemadeherfather’sillnesstogetworse.

d.)WhatdoesthisconversationrevealaboutKrogstad’scharacter?(4marks)

Krogstadiscold/unsympathetic.HeputssomanydifficultiesalongNora’sawaywhen

sheattemptstoprocurealoanforTorvald’streatment.HedidnotsympathisewithNora

[email protected]


whosehusbandwascriticallyillandNoraneededthemoneyforherhusband’streatment.

Krogstadisintimidating.HetellsNorathatifheweretoproducethepaperwiththe

forgedsignatureincourt,thelawwillnotcareabouthermotivesandNorawillbejudged.

HealsotellsNorathatifheweretolosehispositionattheBankthentheHelmerstoo

willlosetheirs.

e.)Howdoestheconflictpresentinthisexcerptproceedandend?(6marks)

NoraurgesherhusbandnottodismissKrogstadbutherhusbandrefuses.Torvaldsends

thedismissallettertoKrogstad.KrogstadvisitsNoraandleavesaletterdetailingNora’s

fraudinTorvald’sletterbox.NorarevealstoMrs.LindeabouthersecretandMrs.Linde

offerstohelp.Mrs.KrogstadwritesaretractingletteroverNora’sfraud.Torvaldreads

Krogstad’sfirstletterandcriticisesNoraforheractions.Torvaldgetsthesecondletter

from KrogstadandtellsNoratoforgetallthathadhappenedbetweenthem.Norais

howeveradamantandshewalksoutofhermarriage.

f.)State,illustrateandgivetheeffectivenessoftheuseofrhetoricalquestionsinthis

excerpt. (3marks)

NorausesrhetoricalquestionswhileaddressingKrogstad.Shesays,‘Isadaughternotto

beallowedtospareherdyingfatheranxietyandcare?’,and‘Isawifenottobeallowedto

saveherhusband’slife?’Noraisportrayedascaringandselfless.Themotivesbehind

herforgerywerenoble.

g.)Changethefollowingstatementintoindirectspeech.(1mark)

“Areyouawarethatisadangerousconfession?”Krogstadasked.

Krogstadaskedifshewasawarethatthatwasadangerousconfession.

h.)Givethemeaningofthefollowingwordsasusedintheextract.(2marks)

i.)heartless–withoutfeelingsofpity

ii.)reputation–people’sopinionaboutaperson’scharacter


Nora: Thatisniceofyou.(goestotheChristmasTree;ashortpause)Howprettythe

redflowerslook—.But,tellme,wasitreallysomethingverybadthatthisKrogstad

wasguiltyof?

Helmer: Heforgedsomeone'sname.Haveyouanyideawhatthatmeans?

Nora: Isn'titpossiblethathewasdriventodoitbynecessity?

Helmer: Yes;or,asinsomanycases,byimprudence.Iam notsoheartlessastocondemna

man altogetherbecauseofasinglefalsestepofthatkind.

Nora: No,youwouldn'twouldyou,Torvald?

[email protected]


Helmer: Manyamanhasbeenabletoretrievehischaracter,ifhehasopenlyconfessedhisfault

and takenhispunishment.

Nora: Punishment—?

Helmer: ButKrogstaddidnothingofthatsort;hegothimselfoutofitbyacunningtrick,and

that

iswhyhehasgoneunderaltogether.

Nora: Butdoyouthinkitwould—?

Helmer: Justthinkhowaguiltymanlikethathastolieandplaythehypocritewitheveryone;

how

hehastowearamaskinthepresenceofthosenearanddeartohim,evenbefore

hisownwifeandchildren.Andaboutthechildren-thatisthemostterriblepart

ofitall,Nora.

Nora: How?

Helmer: Becausesuchanatmosphereofliesinfectsandpoisonsthewholelifeofa

home- Eachbreaththechildrentakeinsuchahouseisfullofthegermsofevil.

Nora: (comingnearerhim)Areyousureofthat?Mydear,Ihaveoftenseenitinthe

courseofmylifeasalawyer.Almosteveryonewhohasgonetothebadearly

inlifehashadadeceitfulmother.

Nora: Whydoyouonlysay—mother?

a.)Whathappensbeforetheeventspresentedinthisexcerpt?(3marks)

NoraasksTorvaldtohelpherprepareforthefancy-dressballpartythatwastohappenat

theStenborgs’.NoraliestoTorvaldthatnoonehadbeenatthehouse.TorvaldtellsNora

thathesawKrogstadgoingoutofthegateandwarnshernottolieagain.Torvaldtells

NorathatheknowsKrogstadhasbeenbegginghertosayagoodwordforhim sothathe

doesnotlosehisjob.TorvaldissurprisedthatNorawouldtalktoapersonofnomoral

characterasKrogstad.

b.)WhatargumentdoesHelmerputforwardtoshow thathewasnotsoheartlessto

wanttosackKrogstad? (2marks)

Heclaimsthatmanymenhavebeenabletoretrievetheircharacterbyopenlyconfessing

theirfaultandtakingtheirpunishment.Krogstadneverconfessedtohiscrime.Instead,

Krogstadhasgotoutofhiscrimebyacunningtrick.

c.)HowisHelmer’sjudgementofKrogstadareflectionofhisjudgementonNora?

(3marks)

NorajustlikeTorvaldcommitsacrimeofforgery.Noraalsotriestoconcealherfraud

from herfamily.Norawantstogetoutbysilentlypayingtheremainingloanwithout

Torvald’sknowledge.WhenTorvaldgetstoknow ofNora’sfraudheforbidsherfrom

comingclosertothem asshewouldbeabadinfluence.

[email protected]


d.)WhatdoesthisconversationrevealaboutKrogstad’scharacter?(4marks)

Krogstadisfraudulent–TorvaldtellsNorathatheforgedsomeone’sname.

Heisunrepentant–Krogstaddoesnotconfessofhiscrime.Instead,hegetshimselfout

ofitbyacunningtrick.

Heisunconcerned– TorvaldisworriedthatKrogstad’slackofmoralcharacterwill

poisonthelifeofhisfamily.ToTorvald,Krogstadseemsnotworriedabouthisflawed

character.

e.)ElsewhereinthetextwhatshowsthatKrogstadisconcernedabouthispublicimage?

(3marks)

Krogstadsaysthathewillfightforhispostatthebankaslosingitwillharm hispublic

image.Hestatesthatafew yearsagohewasguiltyofanindiscretionandhewillnot

allowtobeexposedagainsincehewasnotamongtheworst.Healsoclaimshewillfight

toothandnailtoprotecthisimageforthesakeofhissonswhoaregrowingup.

f.)“Almosteveryonewhohasgonetothebadearlyinlifehashadadeceitfulmother.”

i.)WhatdoesthisstatementrevealaboutTorvald’scharacter?(2marks)

Torvaldischauvinistic.Torvald’sclaimsarestereotypicalandhechooseson

womensinceheviewsmenasamoresuperiorgender.

ii.)Elsewhereinthetext,howisTorvald’sbehaviourin(i)demonstrated?(2marks)

Torvaldholdstheview thatwomeningeneralareincapableofplanningand

managingfinances.Hebelievesthatwomenspendmoneyrecklessly.

g.)Commentontheuseofimageryinthisexcerpt.(3marks)

Useofmetaphors-TorvaldclaimsthatKrogstad’sfamilylivesinanatmosphere

where,‘liesinfectsandpoisonsthewholelifeofahome.’,andthe‘children’sbreathis

fullofthegermsofevil.’ThisshowsthatTorvaldthinksKrogstad’schildrenarebeing

poorlyraisedupbecausetheyhavetolookuptotheirfatherwhohasnomoral

character.

h.)Givethemeaningofthefollowingwordsasusedintheexcerpt.(3marks)

i.)necessity–needforsomething

ii.)imprudence–anunwisedecision

iii.)retrieve–getback

[email protected]



Helmer: Haveyoureallythecouragetoopenupthatquestionagain?

Nora: Yes,dear,youmustdoasIask;youmustletKrogstadkeephispostInthebank.

Helmer: MydearNora,itishispostthatIhavearrangedMrs.Lindeshallhave.

Nora: Yes,youhavebeenawfullykindaboutthat;butyoucouldjustaswelldismisssome

otherclerkinsteadofKrogstad.

Helmer: Thisissimplyincredibleobstinacy!Becauseyouchosetogivehim athoughtless

promisethatyouwouldspeakforhim,Iamexpectedto—

Nora: Thatisn'tthereason,Torvald.Itisforyourownsake.Thisfellowwritesinthemost

scurrilous newspapers;you have told me so yourself.He can do you an

unspeakableamountofharm.Iamfrightenedtodeathofhim—

Helmer: Ah,Iunderstand;itisrecollectionsofthepastthatscareyou.

Nora: Whatdoyoumean?

Helmer: Naturallyyouarethinkingofyourfather.

Nora: Yes—yes,ofcourse.Justrecalltoyourmindwhatthesemaliciouscreatureswrote

inthepapersaboutpapa,andhowhorriblytheyslanderedhim.Ibelievetheywould

haveprocuredhisdismissaliftheDepartmenthadnotsentyouovertoinquireinto

it,andifyouhadnotbeensokindlydisposedandhelpfultohim.

Helmer: MylittleNora,thereisanimportantdifferencebetweenyourfatherandme.Yourfather's

reputationasapublicofficialwasnotabovesuspicion.Mineis,andIhopeitwillcontinuetobe

so,aslongasIholdmyoffice.

Nora: Younevercantellwhatmischiefthesemenmaycontrive.Weoughttobesowelloff,sosnug

andhappyhereinourpeacefulhome,andhavenocares—youandIandthechildren,Torvald!

ThatiswhyIbegyousoearnestly—

Helmer: Anditisjustbyintercedingforhimthatyoumakeitimpossibleformetokeephim.Itisalready

knownattheBankthatImeantodismissKrogstad.Isittogetaboutnowthatthenew

managerhaschangedhismindathiswife'sbidding—

Nora: Andwhatifitdid?

Helmer: Ofcourse!—ifonlythisobstinatelittlepersoncangetherway!DoyousupposeIamgoingtomakemyselfridiculousbeforemywholestaff,toletpeoplethinkthatIamamantobe

swayedbyallsortsofoutsideinfluence?Ishouldverysoonfeeltheconsequencesofit,Ican

tellyou!Andbesides,thereisonethingthatmakesitquiteimpossibleformetohave

KrogstadintheBankaslongasIammanager.


NoraactssubmissivelybeforeTorvaldhopingthathewillagreetoherrequestofletting

Krogstadkeephisjob.Torvaldstatesthathehasjustcomefrom theBank.Mrs.Linde

[email protected]


helpsNoramakeherdressreadyforthefancyballdress.Mrs.LindetellsNorathatshe

feltNorawasconcealingsomethingfrom her.

b.)WhatreasonsdoesTorvaldgiveastowhyhecannotletKrogstadkeephisjob?Give

youranswerinpointform. (4marks)

i.)TorvaldhadalreadyarrangedMrs.LindetotakeupKrogstad’spost.

ii.)Torvald’sreputationisabovesuspicionsohedoesn’thavetofearKrogstadtarnishing

hisname.

iii.)ItwasalreadyknownattheBankthatTorvaldwastodismissKrogstad.

iv.)ByintercedingforKrogstad,NorahasmadeitimpossibleforTorvaldtokeephim as

Torvalddoesn’twanttobeviewedasamanwhocanbeswayedbyoutsideinfluence.

c.)WhatstarkcontrastemergesbetweentheHelmersinthisexcerpt?(4marks)

Noraisportrayedasopen-mindedwhileTorvaldisportrayedasuncompromising.Nora

suggestswaysofgettingoutoftheconflictinvolvingKrogstadwhileTorvaldisrigidand

insiststhathewilldismissKrogstadnomatterwhat.

NoraisportrayedasconsciouswhileTorvaldisportrayedasdismissive.Noraisworried

thatKrogstadmaybreakthepeacethathasexistedwithintheirfamilywhileTorvaldis

unmovedsinceheclaimshisreputationisabovesuspicion.

d.)DiscussanyonesimilaritybetweentheHelmersasrevealedinthisexcerpt.(3marks)

TheHelmersarebothselfish.NorasuggeststhatTorvaldcandismissanyotherclerkbut

notKrogstad.Shedoesnotcarewhethertheclerktobedismissedisinnocentornot.

Torvaldontheotherhandcaresonlyabouthisreputationandignoreshiswife’sconcerns

thatdismissingKrogstadwillaffectthepeacethathasexistedinthefamily.

e.)State,andillustrateanystylisticdeviceusedinthisexcerpt.(2marks)

Thereisuseofflashback.NoratellsKrogstadhowsomepeoplewithnomoralcharacter

attemptedtotarnishherfather’snamebywritingdamaginginformationabouthim inthe

papers.ItwasTorvaldthatinquiredandclearedherfather’sname.

f.)WhatisTorvald’sattitudetowardsNora’sfather?(3marks)

TorvaldisdoubtfulastowhetherNora’sfatherwasareputableman.Thisisbecauseof

theallegationsthatwereplacedonhim withregardstohisprofessionalconduct.Torvald

thinksthathehasabetterreputationthanNora’sfather.

g.)Whathappensaftertheeventspresentedinthisexcerpt?(3marks)

[email protected]


TorvaldsaysthatheandKrogstadwerechildhoodfriends.Healsosaysthatanother

reasonhewilldismissKrogstadisbecauseofhislackofrespectasheaddresseshim

casuallyanddisrespectfullybeforeotherpeople.NoraaccusesTorvaldofbeingnarrow

minded.ThismakesTorvaldangryandheimmediatelyordersKrogstaddismissalletter

tobesenttoKrogstad.

h.)Givethemeaningofthefollowingwordsasusedinthisexcerpt.(3marks)

i.)obstinacy–stubbornness

ii.)scurrilous–reputationdamaging

iii.)slandered–spokefalsely


Nora: (advancingtowardshim)Speaklow—myhusbandisathome.

Krogstad: Nomatteraboutthat.

Hora: Whatdoyouwantofme?

Krogstad: Anexplanationofsomething.

Nora: Makehastethen.Whatisit?

Krogstad: Youknow,Isuppose,thatIhavegotmydismissal.

Nora: Icouldn'tpreventit,Mr.Krogstad.IfoughtashardasIcouldonyourside,butitwas

nogood.

Krogstad: Doesyourhusbandloveyousolittle,then?HeknowswhatIcanexposeyouto,

andyetheventures—

Nora: Howcanyousupposethathehasanyknowledgeofthesort?

Krogstad: Ididn'tsupposesoatall.ItwouldnotbetheleastlikeourdearTorvaldHelmerto

showsomuchcourage—

Nora: Mr.Krogstad,alittlerespectformyhusband,please.

Krogstad: Certainly—alltherespecthedeserves.Butsinceyouhavekeptthematterso

carefullytoyourself,Imakeboldtosupposethatyouhavealittlecleareridea,than

youhadyesterday,ofwhatitactuallyisthatyouhavedone?

Nora: Morethanyoucouldeverteachme.

Krogstad: Yes,suchabadlawyerasIam.Whatisityouwantofme?

Krogstad: Onlytoseehowyouwere,Mrs.HelmerIhavebeenthinkingaboutyouall

daylong.Amerecashier,aquilldriver,a—well,amanlikeme-evenhehas

alittleofwhatiscalledfeeling,youknow.

Nora: Showit,then;thinkofmylittlechildren.

Krogstad: Haveyouandyourhusbandthoughtofmine?Butnevermindaboutthat.I

[email protected]


onlywantedtotellyouthatyouneednottakethismattertooseriously.In

thefirstplacetherewillbenoaccusationmadeonmypart.

Nora: No,ofcoursenot;Iwassureofthat.

Krogstad: Thewholethingcanbearrangedamicable-thereisnoreasonwhyanyone

shouldknowanythingaboutit.Itwillremainasecretbetweenusthree.

Nora: Myhusbandmustnevergettoknowanythingaboutit.

a.)Whathashappenedbeforetheeventspresentedinthisextract?(4marks)

ThemaidreportstoNorathatshetriedtoturnKrogstadaway.Krogstadhoweverrefuses

toleaveandsayshemusttalktoNorafirst.NoratellsDoctorRanknottotellKrogstad

thatshehadorderedforanew dress.NoratellsDoctorRankthatherfatherlikedto

controlherjustlikeTorvald.NoraasksDoctorRankifhedidnotfeelashamedof

declaringhisaffectionstowardsher.NorarefusestotellDoctorRankthefavourshe

wantedfrom him.

b.)DescribethesarcasticremarkthatKrogstadmakesandhow itcomestopass?(4

marks)

KrogstadmocksTorvald’slackofcourage.HesaysthatTorvaldwouldbeoverwhelmed

ifhelearntNora’sfraudandthatiswhyheisbetteroffinthedarkashewouldlackthe

couragetofacesuchrevelations.TheremarksturnouttobetruebecausewhenTorvald

learnsaboutNora’sfraudulentloanhelacksthecouragetostandwithherwife,instead

hecondemnsheractionandsaysthathewillfindawayofworkingthingsoutwith

Krogstad.

c.)WhatdoesthisdialoguerevealaboutthecharacterofNora?(4marks)

Noraissecretive-Noradoesnotwantherhusbandtoknow thatsheisspeakingto

Krogstad.ThisisbecauseofKrogstad’sbadreputationasamanwithnomoralcharacter.

Shealsofearsherhusbandmightknowaboutherfraudulentloan.

Noraisprotective–NorawarnsKrogstadnottomockherhusband’scourageashewas

showingdisrespecttoTorvald.NoraalsopleadswithKrogstadnottoexposeherfraud

asitwillaffectherlittlechildren.

d.)DescribetheeventsthatleadtoKrogstadgettinghisdismissalletter.(5marks)

TorvaldgetsappointedasthenewmanageroftheBank.HeplanstodismissKrogstad

becausehehadnomoralcharacter.Torvaldisgivenpowerstomakechangesinthestaff

oftheBank.KrogstadthreatenstorevealNora’sfraudifshedoesnotpreventhis

dismissal.NoraunsuccessfullypleadswithherhusbandnottodismissKrogstad.When

Nora’shusbandremainsadamant,shecallshim narrow-minded.Torvaldgetsangryand

immediatelyordersthatKrogstad’sdismissalletterbesenttoKrogstad.

e.)Apartfrom beingsarcastic,identifyandillustrateanyothercharactertraitofKrogstad

[email protected]


asshowninthisextract.(2marks)

Krogstadisvengeful.HetellsNorathatherhusbanddidnotknowwhathecouldexpose

Norato.ThisisbecauseNora’shusbandhaddismissedhim yethehadinformationabout

Nora’sfraudulentloan.

f.)Explainaninstanceofcross-purposeinthisextract.(3marks)

KrogstadtellsNorathattherewillbenoaccusationsinthewholematterofNora’s

fraudulentloan.NorarespondsthatsheknewthatwashowKrogstadwouldhandlethe

issue.Nora howeverdoes notknow thatKrogstad’s statementstands onlyifhis

demandsaremet.IftheyarenotmetKrogstadwillexposeNora’sfraud.

g.)Whathappensimmediatelyaftertheeventsinthisextract?(3marks)

KrogstadtellsNorathatevenifshestoodwithsomuchmoneyinherhandhewillnever

partwithherbond.Noraadmitsthatsheplannedtorunawayfrom herhomebutshedid

nothavethecourage.KrogstadsaysthathehastheletterrevealingNora’sfraudinhis

pocketandheplannedtogiveittoNora’shusband.NoratellsKrogstadtotearupthe

letter.


Nora: Iam notspeakingofwhatIoweyou.Tellmewhatsum youareaskingmy

husbandfor,andIwillgetthemoney.

Krogstad: Iam notaskingyourhusbandforapenny.

Nora: Whatdoyouwantthen?

Krogstad: Iwilltellyou.Iwanttorehabilitatemyself,Mrs.Helmer;Iwanttogeton;

andinthatyourhusbandmusthelpme.ForthelastyearandahalfI

havenothadahandinanythingdishonourable,amidallthattimeI

havebeenstrugglinginmostrestrictedcircumstances.Iwascontent

toworkmywayup stepbystep.Now Iam turnedout,andIam not

goingtobesatisfiedwithmerelybeingtakenintofavouragain.Iwant

togeton,Itellyou.IwanttogetintotheBankagain,inahigher

position.Yourhusbandmustmakeaplaceforme—

Nora: Thathewillneverdo!

Krogstad: Hewill;Iknow him;hedarenotprotest.AndassoonasIam inthere

again with him,then you willsee!Within a yearIshallbethe

manager'srighthand.ItwillbeNilsKrogstadandnotTorvaldHelmer

whomanagestheBank.

Nora: That’sathingyouwillneversee.1

Krogstad: Doyoumeanthatyouwill—?

Nora: Ihavecourageenoughforitnow.

Krogstad: Oh,youcan’tfrightenme.Afine,spoiltladylikeyou–

Nora: Youwillsee,youwillsee.

[email protected]


Krogstad: Undertheice,perhaps?Downintothecoldcoal-blackwater?Andthen,inthespring

tofloatuptothesurface,allhorribleandunrecognisable,withyourhairfallenout-.

Nora: Youcan'tfrightenme.

Krogstad: Noryoume.Peopledon'tdosuchthings,Mrs.Helmer.Besides,whatusewouldit

be?Ishouldhavehimcompletelyinmypowerallthesame.

Nora: Afterwards?WhenIamnolonger—

Krogstad: HaveyouforgottenthatitisIwhohavethekeepingofyourreputation?(NORAstandsspeechlesslylookingathim.)Well,now,Ihavewarnedyou.Donotdo

anythingfoolish.WhenHelmerhashadmyletter,Ishallexpectamessagefrom

him.Andbesureyourememberthatitisyourhusbandhimselfwhohasforcedme

intosuchwaysasthisagain.Iwillneverforgivehimforthat.Goodbye,Mrs.Helmer.

(exitthroughthehall)


KrogstadsaysthathehastheletterrevealingNora’sfraudinhispocketandheplanned

togiveittoNora’shusband.NoratellsKrogstadtotearuptheletter.KrogstadtellsNora

thatevenifshestoodwithsomuchmoneyinherhandhewillneverpartwithherbond.

Noraadmitsthatsheplannedtorunawayfrom herhomebutshedidnothavethe

courage.KrogstadtellsNorathatthewholematterofherfraudulentloancouldbe

arrangedamicablybetweenthethreeofthem.

b.)Explaintheironypresentinthisexcerpt.(3marks)

KrogstaddoesnotwantthemoneythatNoraoweshim.Instead,heisdemandingtobe

takenbackintotheBank.Afterbeingtakenback,hedoesnotplantoworkfaithfullybut

touseblackmailuntilhebecomesTorvald’srighthandmanandinfluencetheoperations

oftheBank.

c.)WhatdoesthisextractrevealaboutKrogstad’scharacter?(4marks)

Krogstadismanipulative.HeisnolongerinterestedingettingbackNora’sloan.Instead,

hewantsNora’sfraudtoremainsecretonlyifheisallowedtogetintotheBankagain

andgivenahigherposition.Aftergettingthehigherposition,heplanstobeTorvald’s

righthandmansothathecaninfluencetheoperationsoftheBank.

Krogstadisdemeaning.KrogstadcallsNoraa‘finespoiltlady’.Thisshowsthathelacked

respectforNoraasheaddressesherinacasualmanner.

Krogstadisintimidating.KrogstadpromisestohaveTorvaldinhispowerandhealso

remindsNorathathestillhasherbondandthereforeherreputation.Hesaysthesein

orderfortheHelmers’tofulfilhisdemands.

d.)How doesTorvaldreactwhenhefindsoutNora’ssecret?Giveyouranswerinnote

form.(5marks)

[email protected]


i.)TorvaldinsultsNoracallingherahypocrite,aliar,andacriminal.

ii.)HeaccusesNoraofinheritingherfather’slackofmoralcharacter.

iii.)TorvaldaccusesNoraofdestroyinghishappinessandruininghisfuture.

iv.)HeisworriedthathemaybesuspectedofbeingpartytoNora’scriminalaction.

v.)HetellsNoratoremaininthehousebutshewillnotbeallowedtobringupthe

children.

e.)WhatisKrogstad’sattitudetowardsNora?(3marks)

KrogstadisdemeaningtowardsNora.Hecallshera‘finespoiltlady’andtellsNorathatif

heweretorevealherfraudulentloanherlifewouldbehorrible.

f.)Describehowtheconflictpresentedinthisextractends.(3marks)

Mrs.LindeofferstotalktoKrogstadtoaskforhisletterback.KrogstadacceptsbutMrs.

LindesaystheyshouldgivetheHelmerstimetosolvetheirissuessothattheydonot

havetoliveinsecrecyanymore.TorvaldscoldsNoraforhercrime.WhenKrogstad’s

retractionletterisreadNorarealisesthehypocrisyofTorvaldandwalksawayfrom her

marriage.

g.)Whathappensimmediatelyaftertheeventsinthisexcerpt?(3marks)

NoraobservesasKrogstaddropstheletterintothebox.Mrs.LindeobservesthatNora

lookedanxiousandnervous.NorashowsMrs.LindetheletterthatKrogstadhasdropped

inthebox.ShetellsMrs.LindethatitwasKrogstadwholentherthemoney.Shealso

confessesthatsheforgedaname.ShetellsMrs.Lindethatshebearsresponsibilityfor

thefraudulentloanthatshetook.


Krogstad: Iwillaskformyletterback.

Mrs.Linde: No,no.

Krogstad: Yes,ofcourseIwill.IwillwaithereuntilHelmercomes;Iwilltellhim hemustgive

memyletterback—thatitonlyconcernsmydismissal—thatheisnottoreadit—

Mrs.Linde: No,Nils,youmustnotrecallyourletter.

Krogstad: Buttellme,wasn'titforthatverypurposethatyouaskedmetomeetyouhere?

Mrs.Linde: Inmyfirstmomentoffright,itwas.Buttwenty-fourhourshaveelapsedsince

then,andinthattimeIhavewitnessedincrediblethingsinthishouse.Helmer

mustknowallaboutit.Thisunhappysecretmustbedisclosed;theymusthavea

completeunderstanding betweenthem,whichisimpossiblewithallthis

concealmentandfalsehoodgoingon.

Krogstad: Verywell,ifyouwilltaketheresponsibility.ButthereisonethingIcandoin

any case,andIshalldoitatonce.

Mrs.Linde: (listening)Youmustbequickandgo!Thedanceisover;wearenotsafea

moment;longer.

[email protected]


Krogstad: Iwillwaitforyoubelow.

Mrs.Linde: Yesdo.Youmustseemebacktomydoor-

Krogstad: Ihaveneverhadsuchanamazingpieceofgoodfortuneinmylife!(goes outthrough-theouterdoor;the doorbetween the room andthehallremainsopen)

Mrs.Linde:(tidying up the room and laying herhatand cloak ready)Whatadifference!Whata-difference!Someonetoworkforandlivefor—ahometobring

comfortinto.ThatIwilldo,indeed.Iwishtheywouldbequickandcome— (listens)Ah,

theretheyarenow.Imustputonmythings,(shetakesupherhatandcloak.HELMER'SandNORA'Svoicesareheardoutside;akeyisturned,andHELMER bringsNORA almostbyforceintothe hall.SheisinanItaliancostumewithalargeblackshawl aroundher;heisineveningdress,andablackdominowhich isflyingopen.)


Mrs.LindeinformsKrogstadthatNora’shusbandhadnotyetopenedtheletterthathe

sent.Mrs.LindeinformsKrogstadtoleavesinceshewasexpectingtheHelmerstoarrive

soon.Krogstad isrelieved thathewould beableto gethisreputation backafter

acceptingNora’sideathattheyshouldgetmarried.Mrs.LindetellsKrogstadthatherlife

wasemptyandasksherthattheygetmarriedtokeepeachothercompany.

b.)From thisextract,explainthedifferentviewsthatbothMrs.LindeandKrogstadhave

overthefateofKrogstad’sletter. (4

marks)

Krogstadwantshisletterback.HeplanstoaskTorvaldtogivehim backhisletter

withoutreadingit.ThiswouldpreventhisearlierplannedblackmailagainsttheHelmers

andhewillhaveprovedtoMrs.Lindethatheisareformedman.Noraontheotherhand

doesnotwantKrogstadtorecallhisletter.Onasecondthought,shethinksthatitwould

bebetterifTorvaldgetstoknowaboutNora’ssecretsothatthecouplegettoacomplete

understandingbetweenthemselves.

c.)HowdoKrogstad’sfeelingstowardsMrs.Lindechangeinthedurationofthisexcerpt?

(3marks)

Initially,KrogstadisdoubtfulofMrs.Linde’sseriousnessthattheyshouldgettogether.

ThisisbecauseMrs.Lindeoncelefthim foranothermanwhohadmoremoney.Nora

howeverconvincesherthatthatwouldneverhappen.Krogstad’sattheendofthis

excerptisjoyousnowthatheandMrs.Lindearegoingtobemarried.

d.)WhatdoesthisextractrevealaboutthecharacterofMrs.Linde(4marks)

Mrs.Lindeisreasonable.SheasksKrogstadnottorecallhislettersoastoletTorvald

[email protected]


know aboutNora’sfraudulentloanandforthemarriedcoupletoreachacomplete

understandingbetweenthem.

Sheiscautious.Mrs.LindedoesnotwanttheHelmers’tofindhertalkingtoKrogstadso

sheasksKrogstadtohurryupandleave.

e.)“ButthereisonethingIcandoinanycase,andIshalldoitatonce.”Whatisitthat

Krogstaddoesandhowdoesitaffectothercharacters?(5marks)

KrogstadwritesNoraalettersayingthatheregretsandfeelssorryforhisactions.He

alsosaysinhisletterthathehadfoundhappinessinhislife.HealsoreturnsNora’sbond.

WhileTorvaldisrelievedthathehadbeensavedfrom blackmailandhumiliationNorais

angrysinceTorvaldhadturnedagainstherbeforethearrivalofKrogstad’sletter.She

decidestowalkoutofhermarriage.

f.)ExplainthefeatureofstyleinMrs.Linde’slastutterance.(3marks)

Thereisuseofsoliloquy.WhenKrogstadandMrs.Lindeaccepttobemarried,sheisvery

happyasherlifehasbeenempty.Mrs.Lindewillnow havepeopletotakecareofand

givehercompany.

g.)Rewritethefollowingsentencesasinstructed.(2marks)

i.)Ihaveneverhadsuchanamazingpieceofgoodfortuneinmylife.(Rewritethis

sentencebeginningwith:It...)

ItisthemostamazingpieceofgoodfortunethatIhaveeverhadinmylife.

ii.)Awomanwhohasoncesoldherselfforanother’ssakedoesn’tdoitfora

secondtime.(Rewriteaddingaquestiontag)

Awomanwhohasoncesoldherselfforanother’ssakedoesn’tdoitforasecond

time,doesshe?


Nora: Itgivesmegreatpain,Torvald,foryouhavealwaysbeensokindtome,butIcannot

helpit.Idonotloveyouanymore.

Helmer: (regaininghiscomposure)Isthataclearcertainconvictiontoo?

Nora: Yesabsolutelyclearandcertain.ThatiswhyIwillnotstayhereanylonger.

Helmer: AndcanyoutellmewhatIhavedonetoforfeityourlove?

Nora: YesindeedIcan.Itwastonight,whenthewonderfulthingdidnothappen;thenI

sawyouwerenotthemanIhadthoughtyouwere.

Helmer: Explainyourselfbetter.Idon'tunderstandyou.

Nora: Ihavewaitedsopatientlyforeightyears;forgoodnessknows,Iknewverywellthat

and

[email protected]


wonderfulthingsdon'thappeneveryday.Thenthishorriblemisfortunecame

uponme;andthenIfeltquitecertainthatthewonderfulthingwasgoingto

happenatlast.WhenKrogstad'sletterwaslyingoutthere,neverforamomentdidI

imaginethatyouwouldconsenttoacceptthisman'sconditions.Iwassoabsolutely

certainthatyouwouldsaytohim;publishthethingtothewholeworld.Andwhenthatwas

done—Helmer:Yeswhatthen?— whenIhadexposedmywifetoshameand

disgrace?

Nora: Whenthatwasdone,Iwassoabsolutelycertain,youwouldcomeforwardandtake

everythinguponyourself,andsay:Iam theguiltyone.

Helmer: Nora—!

Nora: YoumeanthatIwouldneverhaveacceptedsuchasacrificeonyourpart?No,of

coursenot.Butwhatwouldmyassuranceshavebeenworthagainstyours?That

wasthewonderfulthingwhichIhopedforandfeared;anditwastopreventthat

thatIwantedtokillmyself.

Helmer: Iwouldgladlyworknightanddayforyou,Nora—bearsorrowandwantforyour

sake.Butnomanwouldsacrificehishonourfortheoneheloves.

Nora: Itisathinghundredsofthousandsofwomenhavedone.


Noracomplainsthatheisvilifiedbythelawforsparingherolddyingfatherandsaving

herhusband’slife.TorvaldtellsNorathatshecannotleaveherfamilysinceshewasa

wifeandamother.NorasaysthatshewillleaveherhomeandTorvaldcannotforbidher.

NoraasksTorvaldhow shewasfittobringupthechildrenwhenhehadsaidafew

momentsagothathecouldnottrustNoratobringupthechildren.NoraaccusesTorvald

fortreatingherlikeadoll-wifejustlikeherfathertreatedherlikeadoll-child?

b.)WhatlineofactiondidNoraexpectfrom TorvaldafterKrogstad’sfirstletterandwhat

isTorvald’sactualresponse?(4marks)

NoraexpectedthatTorvaldwouldrejectKrogstad’sconditionandtellhim tomakeNora’s

fraudpublicbutTorvaldtellsNorathathewillfindawayofappeasingKrogstadno

matterthecost.NoraexpectedTorvaldtoadmitresponsibilityforNora’sfraudasNora

committedthefraudtosaveTorvald’slifebutTorvaldturnsagainstNoraaccusingherof

creatingamess.

c.)Whydoesn’tNoraloveTorvaldanymore?(3marks)

Torvald’struecharacterasaselfishmanhadbeenrevealed.EventhoughNorasacrificed

forTorvaldbyprocuringaloanthatwasusedforTorvald’streatmentthussavinghislife;

TorvaldcannotdothesameforTorvald.Instead,heinsultsandcondemnsNora’sactions

thatsavedhislife.ThisrevealedTorvald’slackoftruelovetowardsNora.

d.)WhatdoesthisexcerptrevealaboutthecharacterofNora?(4marks)

[email protected]


Sheiscourageous.NorafacesTorvaldandinformshim thatshedidnotlovehim

anymorebecausehewasselfish.WhileNorahasmadesacrificesforTorvald,thesame

cannotbesaidofTorvald.

Sheisselfless.NorahasmadesacrificesforTorvald’ssakeandshesaysitissomething

hundredsofthousandsofwomenhavedone.ThisiscontrastedtoTorvaldwhorefuses

tostandwithhiswifeoverthefraudulentbondthatNoratookforTorvald’ssake.

e.)Elsewhere,whatotherwrongsdoesNoraclaim Torvaldhasdoneagainsther?(5

marks)

TorvaldhasnevertakentimetounderstandNora.HehasneverlovedNora–hehasonly

beeninlovewithher.NorahasbeenTorvald’swifejusttopleasehim andlivetheway

Torvaldlived.ItwasTorvald’sfaultthatNorahasledanemptylifeforshehasneverbeen

happy.Torvaldhasmadeherhisdoll-wife.SheaccusesTorvaldofhypocrisyashehad

indicatedthathecouldnottrustherwiththechildrenonlyforhim toturnback.

f.)Describeaninstanceofironyinthisexcerpt?(3marks)

Torvaldclaimsthatmenwouldneversacrificetheirhonourforthesakeofthosethey

loveyetNoraclaimsthathundredsofthousandsofwomenhavesacrificedtheirhonour

forthosetheylove.Itissurprisingthatwhilemostwomencanputtheirhonouronthe

linejustfortheirmen,themencannotsacrificetheirhonourforthewomen.

g.)Whathappensimmediatelyaftertheeventsinthisexcerpt?(3marks)

NoraclaimsthatshehadnotuntilnowknownTorvald’sselfishcharacter.Norasaysthat

shecannotspendthenightinthehouse.ShetellsTorvaldthathewaslegallyfreedfrom

allhisobligationstowardsher.NoratellsTorvaldnottowriteherlettersorsendher

money.Noraleavesthehouse.

[email protected]


SAMPLEESSAYQUESTIONSANDANSWERS

1.“ItisTorvald’streatmentofNoraasa‘doll’thatultimatelyleadsNorato

walkoutonhim andthechildren.”Writeanessaytosupportthisstatement

usingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.


decidesthekindoffoodthatNorashouldandshouldnoteat.Noradisobeysandsecretly

eatsthemacaroons.Norawassurelyinacageanditwasamatteroftimebeforeshe

boltedout.Torvald’sorderswereoutrageousasNorawasamaturewomancapableof

makingherownlifestyledecisions.

Torvaldaffectionatelyuses‘pet’namestorefertohiswife.Hecallsher:my‘littleskylark’,

‘littlesquirrel’,and‘littlefeatherhead’.ThisshowsthatTorvaldthinksthathe‘owns’Nora

andcancontrolherashewishes.ThisportraysTorvaldasdemeaningtowardsNora.Itis

suchtreatmentthatultimatelyleadsNoratowalkawayfrom hermarriage.



dutyasherhusbandnottoindulgeinNora’ssuddenextravagancies.Thatportrays

TorvaldaschauvinisticasheregardedNoraasawomanthathadtobecontrolled.Nora

realisesthislaterandwalksoutonherfamily.


TorvaldthatshetookaloanbecauseofTorvald’schauvinisticcharacter.Torvald,it

seems,stronglybelievesthatwomenshouldnottakeloanswithouttheconsentoftheir

husbands.ThatexplainswhyNoraprocuredtheloanwithoutTorvald’sconsent.Itisthis

malechauvinism thatNoragrowstiredofandwalksoutonTorvald,andherfamily.

AfterdiscoveringNora’ssecretTorvaldhumiliatesandinsultsNora.Torvaldbecomes

angryandhurlsinsultsatNoracallingherallkindsofnames.Theseactionshelpto

revealTorvaldasaselfishanddomineeringhusband.ItbecomestoolatewhenTorvald

receivesthesecondletterfrom Krogstadasthedamagehadalreadybeendone.Nora

walksoutonTorvaldandthechildren.

2.“Everycloudhasasilverlining.”Writeanessaytosupportthisstatement

showinghow Krogstad’srevelationofNora’ssecrethelpedratherthan

harmedtheHelmers’family.Useillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

Torvald’shypocrisywasproved.ThoughTorvaldactedasifhelovedNora,thisbeliefis

provenwrong.Immediatelythesecretcomesout,TorvalddenouncesNoraaccusingher

[email protected]


oftarnishinghisreputation.

NoraisalsofinallyabletoseeTorvald’struecharacter.NorathoughtthatwithTorvald

theywouldmakeahappyfamilyandshedoeseverythingshecantomakethisareality.

However,duringherdifficulttimewhenherfraudisrevealedsheisabletowitness

Torvaldturningagainsther.ThisopenedhereyestothetruecharacterofTorvald.

TorvaldthoughtthatNorawasasubmissivewifewhom hecouldcontrolandmanipulate

thewayhefeelslike.HoweverwhenheturnsagainstNoraanddenouncesheractions

Norarebelsandwalksout.Torvaldfinallygotaglimpseofthetruecharacterofhiswife.

ShewasnotassubmissiveandaseasilymanipulatedasTorvaldthought.

Torvaldfinallycomestoarealisationthathistreatmentofhiswifewaswrong.Hetries

unsuccessfullytopreventNorafrom leavingbutinvain.Helearnshislessonthehard

waythathischauvinism andsuperiorattitudetowardsNorahadcosthismarriage.

3.“Torvald’smalechauvinism ultimatelyleadstothebreakdownofhis

family.”Writeanessaytosupportthisstatementusingillustrationsfrom

HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

Torvaldaffectionatelyuses‘pet’namestorefertohiswife.HecallsNoraashis‘little

skylark’,‘littlesquirrel’,and‘littlefeatherhead’.ThisshowsthatTorvaldcontrolledherwife

andexpectedhertodoashewished.TorvalddoesthissinceheconsideredNoraasa

womanwhoseliferevolvedaroundherhusband.Noragetstiredofthistreatmentand

laterdecidestowalkoutonherhusband.

TorvaldisportrayedaschauvinisticasheregardedNoraasawomanthathadtobe

controlled.WhenNorahintsthatTorvaldtakesaloanforatriptoItalyforthesakeofhis

treatmentTorvaldrejectshersuggestionandpointsoutthatNorawasthoughtlessandit

washisdutyasherhusbandnottoindulgeinNora’ssuddenextravagancies.Noraisthen

forcedtoprocurealoanforTorvald’streatmentwithouthisconsent.Later,whenNora’s

actionisrevealed,TorvalddenouncesNora’saction.ThisrevealsTorvald’sselfishness

andhypocrisyandNoradecidestowalkoutofhermarriage.


owedheranything.Thisisdespitethefactthemoneythatsheprocuredwasusedforthe

vacationthatsavedTorvald’slife.ThisshowsthatTorvaldviewedNoraasinferior.Itis

thisattitudethatleadsNoratowalkoutonTorvald,andherfamily.

AfterdiscoveringNora’ssecretTorvaldhumiliatesandinsultsNora.Hedoesnotforonce

[email protected]


reflectthatNora’sfraudwasasacrificeforthesakeofhislife.Torvalddoesallthese

becauseheconsideredhiswifeasinferiorandonewhoneededtobecontrolled.It

becomestoolatewhenTorvaldreceivesthesecondletterfrom KrogstadasTorvald’s

hypocrisyandselfishnesshadbeenrevealed.NorawalksoutonTorvaldandthechildren.

4.“Krogstadistheepitomeofthemoraldecayinsociety.”Writeanessay

tosupportthisstatementusingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

Krogstadismorallydecadentandthisgetshim intoconflictswithothercharacters.

DoctorRankaccusesKrogstadofbeingmorallydecadent.ThisisbecauseofKrogstad’s

manysuspiciousbusinessdeals.Krogstadhasatarnishednameandaflawedcharacter

thusnoonewouldliketoassociatewithhim.


from firingher.ThisportraysKrogstadasmanipulativeashetakesadvantageofthe

fraudthatNoraengagedinforhisownpersonalbenefits.

Krogstadisaccusedofforgery.Insteadofopenlyconfessinghisfaultandtakinghis

punishment,Krogstadgetshimselfoutbyacunningtrick.Thisshowshislackofmoral

characterandexplainswhyTorvalddecidestosackhim.

KrogstadcomesupwithmoredemandsandthreatenstoblackmailtheHelmersifhis

demandsarenotmet.HestatesthatNora’sfraudwillremainsecretonlyifheisallowed

togetintotheBankagainandgivenahigherposition.Thiswasblackmailonthe

Helmers’.Aftergettingthehigherposition,heplanstobeTorvald’srighthandmanso

thathecaninfluencetheoperationsoftheBank.HethereforeplanstoholdTorvald

hostagebyblackmailinghim withNora’sfraud.KrogstadalsowantstouseNora’sfraud

togetbackhisreputation.Theseactionsportrayhim asmorallydecadent.

5.“BehindNora’ssecretivenatureisadesiretoprotectandshow loveto

hisfamily.” Writeanessaytosupportthisstatementusingillustrations

from HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

Nora’sacceptanceofthe‘pet’namesportraysherassubmissive.Shetoleratesthese

namesasshethinksthattheyareaportrayalofTorvaldslovetowardsher.Norais

comfortablewithalltheseasshethoughtitportrayedtheirsasahappyfamily.Whenshe

laterprovesthatTorvaldusedthenamesnotbecauseofhislovebuthisownselfish

interestsshedecidestowalkawayfrom hermarriage.

Nora ignores the judgementalnature ofTorvald.Torvald criticises Nora’s reckless

spendingandarguesthatherwastefulnatureisatraitshehasacquiredfrom herfather.

Thisisbesidethepointthatherpriorityisspendingonthechildrenandbringingsomejoy

intothefamily.Noraignoresalltheseforshestillultimatelybelievesinthelovethat

Torvaldhastowardsherandthefamily.

[email protected]


NoradoesnotinitiallyrevealthatsheprocuredaloantocaterforTorvald’svacation.She

knewthatthiscouldpossiblystartaconflictwithherhusband.Shethereforegoesoutof

herwaytoobtainmoneyforTorvald’streatmentandisintheprocessoffinishing

repayingit.ToNora,whatwasimportantwasthelifeofTorvaldandnotthecultural

normsthattiedwomen’sabilities.


soastopayfortheloanthatsheprocuredforTorvald’streatment.Thisisbecauseshe

fearedTorvald’sreactionifsheweretotellhim oftheloanthatshesecured.Norafinds

otherwaysofearningmoney.Shegetscopyingworkandthatenableshertoraisethe

moneythatsheusestopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan.Noraalsoonlyspendshalfthe

moneythatTorvaldgivesherforbuyingdresses.Thisisbecausesheneededtosavethe

othersoastopayofftheinstalmentsoftheloan.Insteadofburdeningthefamilywith

debt,shetakesherowninitiativestorepaytheloanthatsheprocuredforTorvald’s

vacation.

Norahidesfrom TorvaldherbusinessdealingwithKrogstadforthesakeofherfamily.

WhenKrogstadthreatenstoexposeherfraud,Noraattemptstoshieldherfamilyby

beggingTorvaldnottosackKrogstad.However,Torvaldignoresherandthisalmost

leadstotheHelmersnamebeingtarnished.AconflictthatleadsNoratowalkoutofher

marriagealsoarises.ThisiswhatNoratriedsohardtopreventbytryingtohideher

secret.

6.“Nora and Torvald were as differentas dayand nightand itwas

inevitablethattheywouldclash.”Writeanessaytosupportthisstatement

usingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

WhileNoraisportrayedassecretive,Torvaldopenlyshowsherdemeaningnature.Nora

triestosolveconflictsthatwillexposeherandherfamilyinsecret.Shesecretlyprocures

aloanandtriestopreventKrogstadfrom exposingher.Torvaldontheotherhandopenly

showsherdisapprovalofNora’sactions.HeisinsensitivetoNoraasahumanbeing.He

criticisesherforengaginginafraudandevenlayspunishmentforNora’saction.Torvald

doesnottakehistimetounderstandhiswife.

NoraissubmissivewhileTorvaldisportrayedaschauvinistic.Nora’sacceptanceofthe

‘pet’namesportraysherassubmissive.Shethinksthattheywereasymbolofher

husband’saffectiontowardsher.Noraalso observesTorvald’schauvinism burshe

choosestoignore questionhim becauseshefearedtoupsethim.Torvaldontheother

handisportrayedaschauvinistic.Torvaldhasalow opinionregardingwomenandhe

controlshiswifethewayhewishes.Thislaterleadstoaconflict.

[email protected]


NoraisselflesswhileTorvaldisrigid.Noragoesoutofherwaytosecurealoanthat

savestheliveofTorvald.Shealsogoesoutofherwaytomakesuresherepaystheloan

withoutinvolvingherfamily.Torvald,ontheotherhandisrigid,asherefusesNora’spleas

thattheygoforavacation.ThisforcesNoratoprocurealoaninordertosavehislife.He

alsorefusestolistentoNoranottosackKrogstadandthiscouldhaveledtothe

Helmers’imagebeingtarnished.

NoraiscaringwhileTorvaldisselfish.Noraensuresthatherhusbandgetswellafterhe

fallssick.Shealsoensuresherchildrenarelivingacomfortablelifebynotdivertingthe

housekeepmoneytoclearingherloan.Torvaldontheotherhanddoeswhathewishesto

do.HeshowsNoraaffectioninawaythatshowsheissuperior.WhenNora’ssecretis

revealedheisworriedonlyabouthisreputationandhedoesnotrememberthesacrifices

thatNorahasmadeforhim andthefamily.

NoraisportrayedaspatientwhileTorvaldisportrayedasrash.Norawaitsforan

appropriatetimewhenshewouldrevealhersecrettoTorvald.Torvaldontheotherhand

makesrashdecisionsbasedonhisemotions.WhenNorasaysthatheisnarrow-minded

hebecomesangryandimmediatelyordersKrogstad’sdismissallettertobesentto

Krogstad.

7.“Noraisnotentirelyaspendthrift.Shealsoshowsherselflessnessand

generosity.’Writeanessaytosupportthisstatementusingillustrations


Noraisportrayedasagenerouscharacter.ShepaystheporterwhocarriesherChristmas

treeandherbasket,andstillleaveshim withthechange.

Norahashadtoeconomiseonherspendingandsheonlyspendswhentheconditions

areright.NoratellsTorvaldthatthereasonshehasspentalotofmoneyonChristmas

itemsisthattheyhavehadtoeconomiseinalltheotherprecedingChristmasfestivities.

ShealsoclaimsthatTorvaldwasgoingtohaveabigsalary.MoremoneyforNora

thereforeequalsabetterlifestyle.

EventhoughNorahasthemoney,herpriorityisonherchildren.Shebuysthem Christmas

presentsbutdoesnotbuyherselfany.Thisportraysherasselflessassheputsher

children’sneedsbeforeherown.


enough.WhenthefamilyhadnomoneyduringthepreviousChristmas,Noratriesto

cheerthingsupbymakingornamentsandotherfinethings.ThisportraysNoraas

[email protected]


reasonableasshecouldadapttoanyfinancialsituation.

NoraalsodoeseverythingshecantosaveTorvaldwhowasdreadfullyill.Shegoesoutof

hiswaytogetthemoneyforTorvald'streatment.Thoughthevacationcostshera

tremendouslotofmoney,sheisabletosaveTorvald’slife.ThisshowsthatNorawasnot

entirelyaspendthriftasshewentoutofherwaytoobtainmoneyanduseditforanoble

purpose.


soastopayfortheloanthatsheprocuredforTorvald’streatment.Norafindsotherways

ofearningmoney.Shegetscopyingworkandthatenableshertoraisethemoneythat

sheusestopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan.Noraalsoonlyspendshalfthemoneythat

Torvaldgivesherforbuyingdresses.Thisisbecausesheneededtosavetheothersoas

topayofftheinstalmentsoftheloan.Insteadofburdeningthefamilywithdebt,she

takesherowninitiativestorepaytheloanthatsheprocuredforTorvald’svacation.Nora

thereforewasnotentirelyaspendthrift.

8.“Neverjudgea bookbyitscover.”Writean essayto supportthis

statementshowinghowvariouscharactersdispositionsarerevealed.Use

illustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

Noraappearsasapowerlesswomanwhoissubordinatetoherhusbandandisonlygood

atcarryingdutiesofahousewife.BeyondthathoweverNoraisaselflessandconscious

woman.ShesavesTorvald’slifebyprocuringaloanthatcatersforTorvald’svacation.

WhenNoracomestotermswithTorvald’shypocriticalandchauvinisticnatureshehas

thecouragetowalkoutofhermarriage.Thisisunlikethehousewifeorthedollthat

TorvaldknowsNoratobe.

DoctorRankisportrayed asareasonablecharacterand onewho attractsrespect

becauseofhisprofession.However,itissurprisingthatheconfesseshisaffectionsfor

Norawhom heclearlyknowsisamarriedwoman.TheDoctoristhusportrayedas

morallydecadent.

TorvaldtreatsNoraaffectionatelyandonecouldeasilyjudgethathelovesNora.Thisis

howevertestedwhenNoraengagesinfraudinordertosaveTorvald’slife.WhenTorvald

discoversthefraud thatNoraengagesin,heturnsagainstNorainsulting herand

restrictingNora’sroleinthefamily.HisactionsthatshowedhelovedNorawereallbut

hypocritical.

[email protected]


Mrs.Lindeappearsasapoorwomanwhoisstrugglingtomakealiving.Shegoestothe

HelmerssothattheyhelphergetajobattheBank.Surprisingly,sheistheonewho

sparestheHelmerstheshamewhensheconvincesKrogstadtobackdownfrom his

planstoexposetheHelmers.

9.“TherewerealwaystaletellsignsthatNorawascapableofdefying

culturalnormsthatsubjugatedoverherrights.”Writeanessaytosupport

thisstatementusingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.


decidesthekindoffoodthatNorashouldandshouldnoteat.Norahoweverdisobeys

andsecretlyeatsthemacaroons.Torvald’sorderswereoutrageousasNorawasa

maturewomancapableofmakingherownlifestyledecisions.Nora’sdefianceshowed

thatshecoulddefyanythingthatthreatenedherindependence.

NorawaskeenandsheobservedthatTorvald’sportrayalofhercharacterwasinaccurate.

SheinformsMrs.Lindethatshewasawarethatshewasregardedasaspendthriftbut

sheknewwellthatthatwasnotanaccuraterepresentationofherastheHelmershadnot

beeninapositiontowastemoney.Shealsoclaimstheyhavehadtoworkhardtomake

endsmeet.Shebecomespatienttothismisjudgementofhercharacteruntilwhenher

husband’shypocriticalnatureisrevealed.

When Torvald becomesdreadfullyill,Noragoesoutofherwayto getmoneyfor

treatment.Sheignorestheculturalnormsthatwould haverequired herto getthe

approvalofherhusbandbeforeseekingtheloan.Norawasmoreinterestedinsavingthe

lifeofherhusbandthanadheringtoculturalnormsthatdiscriminatedagainstwomen.

NoraisawareofthesuperiorattitudethatTorvaldandotherpeoplehavetowardsher.


life.SheclaimsNoraengagesonlyinsmallhouseholdcaresandcallsNoraachild.Nora

informsMrs.Lindethatshewasjustliketheotherpeoplewhothoughtherincapableof

anythingserious.ThisshowsthatNorawasawarethatshewaslookeddownuponandit

wasonlyamatteroftimebeforeshefoughtback.

Nora isawareofTorvald’schauvinisticnature.Shedoesnotinform him thatshe

procuredaloanbecauseTorvaldholdsstrongopinionsinfavourofapatriarchalsociety.

Torvaldalsohasasuperiorattitudetowardshiswife.NoraobservesthatTorvaldhasa

manlyindependenceanditwouldnotsitwellwithhim thatheowesNoraanythingafter

Noraprocuresaloanthatsaveshislife.ThisshowsthatNorawasawareofTorvald’s

chauvinistictendenciesandwhentheybecometoomuchNorawalksoutonhim.

Noradoesnotunderstandwhysheisaccusedoffraudyethermotiveswerenoble.She

claimsthatsheforgedherfather’ssignatureforherfather’sandTorvald’sbestinterests.

[email protected]


Shequestionsthesociety’sjudgementandregardsitasflawed.ThisshowsthatNora

wascapableoffightingbackagainstpracticesthatwereinhumane.

Norabeginstoshowsignsofopenrebellionagainstherhusband.Initially,Noraisaware

thatherhusbandexpectshertobehavesubmissivelybeforehim.Whenshepreparesto

askforafavourfrom Torvald,Norausesthepetnamesherhusbandusesonher.This

showedthathewasawarethatherhusbandlikedtocontrolherlikeachild.When

TorvaldrejectsherrequesttoletKrogstadkeephisjob,Norareferstoherhusbandas

narrow-minded.ThisshowedNora’sbravenessassuchastatementwasunexpected

from her.ThisgetsTorvaldangryandheimmediatelyordersthesendingofKrogstad’s

dismissallettertoKrogstad.

ItthereforedoesnotcomeassurprisewhenNorawalksoutonTorvaldandherchildren.

WhenTorvald’sselfishnessandhypocrisyarerevealedNoracannolongerpersevere,she

ignoreshertraditionalroleasahousewifeandgoesouttotheworldtodiscoverherself

andherplaceintheworld.

10.“Mrs.Lindeistheembodimentofreason.”Writeanessaytosupport

thisstatementusingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

Mrs.Lindeabandonsherfiancébecausesheneededamanwhocouldprovidemoneyto

takecareofhersickmotherandheryoungersiblings.Shesacrificesherlovelifeforthe

sakeofherfamily.Unfortunately,herhusbanddiesleavingherchildlessandpenniless

andshehastorequestherchildhoodfriend,Nora,tohelphergetajobtosustainher.

Mrs.Lindeisawareoftheculturalnormsthatdiscriminateagainstwomen.Sheinforms

Norathatitwasimprudentforhertoprocureahugeloanwithouttheconsentofher

husband.EventhoughNoraisjustifiedinprocuringtheloansheputsherselfupagainst

theforcesofapatriarchalsocietythatdemeanwomen.Theconflictthatensuesbetween

NoraandTorvaldbasedontheseculturalnormsleadtothebreakingupoftheHelmers

family.UnlikeMrs.Linde,Noraunderestimatedthepowerfulforcesofpatriarchy.

Mrs.Lindeisopen-mindedassheencouragesNoratofaceherhusbandandtellhim the

truthabouttheloanthatshetookfortheirvacation.ShewonderswhenNorawillbeable

toletthesecretouttoherhusband.

WhileNoraisoverwhelmedbyemotionsthatherhusbandwilldiscoverherfraud,Mrs.

Lindethinksofasolutiontotheproblem.WhenMrs.LindelearnsthatitisKrogstadwho

lentNorathemoney,sheofferstogoandtalktoKrogstadtorecallhisletterunread.She

thereforepartiallyeasesNora’sworriesthatherfraudulentloanwillberevealedto

Torvald.

EventhoughMrs.LindewouldhaveconvincedKrogstadtorecallhisletterunread,she

advisesKrogstadtowaitandlettheHelmer’ssolvetheirissuesinsteadofthem livingin

secrecy.ThishelpstheHelmersastheirrealcharacterisrevealedeventhoughNora

[email protected]


walksoutofhermarriage.

11.“Moneyisthe source ofallevil.”Write an essayto supportthis

statementshowing how money causes individuals to clash and the

consequencesthatfollow.Useillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

Moneyisthesourceoftensionthatexistsbothinfamiliesandbetweenindividuals.

TorvaldgetsintoanargumentwithNorasinceheholdstheviewthatNora,andwomenin

generalareincapableofplanningandmanagingfinances.Torvaldalsousesmoneyasa

meanstoappease,andcontrolNoraandgethertodowhathelikes.

ThejudgementalnatureofTorvaldarisesbecauseofmoney.TorvaldcriticisesNora’s

recklessspendingandarguesthatherwastefulnatureisatraitshehasacquiredfrom

herfather.Initially,Noraignoresalltheseforshestillultimatelybelievesinthelovethat

Torvald has towards herand the family butlaterwhen she learns ofTorvald’s

judgementalnatureshewalksawayfrom hermarriage.

Mrs.Lindeabandonsherformerfiancée,Krogstad,becausesheneededamanwho

couldprovidemoneytotakecareofhersickmotherandheryoungersiblings.She

sacrificestheloveofherlifeforawealthymanwhocouldtakecareofhersickmother,

andheryoungersiblings.Surprisingly,herwelloffhusbanddiesleavingherchildlessand

penniless.ThoughtheylaterremarryKrogstadpointsMrs.Lindeoutforherbetrayal.

Noraprocuresaloanwithoutinvolvingherhusband.Shedoesthisbecauseherhusband

wasdreadfullyillandneededtogoforavacationinthesouth.Whenthissecretis

revealedaconflictensuesbetweenherandTorvaldanditultimatelyleadstoNora

walkingoutonherfamily.ThiswasallbecauseoftheloanthatNoraprocuresfortheir

vacationinthesouth.

Theclosecirclesofthosewhoholdpowerfuljobsaredemeaningtothosewithless

powerfulones.NoratellsKrogstadthatheoughtnottooffendanyonewhohasinfluence.

ThismeansthatNorafeltshewassuperiortoKrogstadsinceherhusbandhadamore

powerfulpositionthanKrogstad’s.ThatexplainswhyNoraisableto convinceher

husbandtogetMrs.Lindeajobatthebank.

Moneygivespowerforsomepeopletobemanipulative.Krogstadthreatenstoreveal

Nora’ssecrettoherhusbandifshedoesnotpreventTorvaldfrom firingher.Krogstad

hasthecouragetotellNorathissincehehelpedNoraprocurealoanwhichshehasnot

yetfinishedpaying.

12.“NoralosesherpatiencewithTorvald’sdemeaninganddomineering

natureandseekstofindherownfreedom.”Writeanessaytosupportthis

statementusingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

[email protected]


TorvaldisportrayedasdomineeringtowardsNora.Torvaldwatchesoverandattemptsto

controleveryaspectofNora’slife.HeevendecidesthekindoffoodthatNorashouldand

shouldnoteat.Noraeatsthemacaroonsinsecretbecauseherhusbandhasoutlawed

herfrom eatingthem.HealsodictatesthekindofpeopleNorashouldandshouldnot

relatewithsomethingthatNoradefiesasshemeetsKrogstadagainafterherhusband’s

warning.ThisshowsthatshedidnotapproveofTorvald'sdomineeringnature.

Torvaldisdemeaning.Heuses‘pet’namessuchas‘lark’,‘squirrel’,and‘featherhead’to

refertohiswife.ThoughthiswassupposedtobeademonstrationofTorvald’slove

towardsNora,sheultimatelydiscoversthatTorvaldusedthenamestoshowhiscontrol

overherlife.ThisleadsNoratowalkawayfrom hermarriageandfamily.



dutyasherhusbandnottoindulgeinNora’sextravagancies.ThisshowsthatTorvald

waschauvinisticandheconsideredNoraasawomanwhohadtobecontrolled.When

Norafinallygetstolearnthis,shewalksoutonTorvaldandthechildren.

Nora isawareofTorvald’schauvinisticnature.Shedoesnotinform him thatshe

procuredaloanbecauseTorvaldholdsstrongopinionsinfavourofapatriarchalsociety.

Torvaldalsohasasuperiorattitudetowardshiswife.NoraobservesthatTorvaldhasa

manlyindependenceanditwouldnotsitwellwithhim thatheowesNoraanythingafter

Noraprocuresaloanthatsaveshislife.ThisshowsthatNorawasawareofTorvald’s

chauvinistictendenciesandwhentheybecometoomuchNorawalksoutonhim.

Afterdiscovering Nora’ssecretTorvald humiliatesand insultsNora.Noraexpected

Torvaldtostandupforherthewayshesacrificedtosavehislifebutitbecomesapparent

thatTorvaldonlythoughtabouthimself.ItbecomestoolatewhenTorvaldreceivesthe

secondletterfrom Krogstadasthedamagehadalreadybeendone.Norawalksoutofher

marriage.

13.“IfTorvaldwouldnothavebeentoojudgementalfrom thestart,he

wouldhavepreventedNorafrom walkingawayfrom herfamily.”Writean

essaytosupportthisstatementusingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

TorvaldcriticisesNora’srecklessspendingandarguesthatherwastefulnatureisatrait

shehasacquiredfrom herfather.NorawaskeenandsheobservedtoMrs.Lindethat

Torvald’sportrayalofhercharacterwasinaccurateastheHelmershadnotbeenina

positiontowastemoney.Shealsoclaimstheyhavehadtoworkhardtomakeendsmeet.

Shebecomespatienttothismisjudgementofhercharacteruntilwhenherhusband’s

hypocriticalnatureisrevealed.


[email protected]

Novels,UpdatedICT,CPA,KASNEB,HighSchool&PrimaryNotes 0714497530100


dutyasherhusbandnottoindulgeinNora’sextravagancies.ThisshowsthatTorvald

waschauvinisticandheconsideredNoraasawomanwhohadtobecontrolled.When

Norafinallygetstolearnthis,shewalksoutonTorvaldandthechildren.IfTorvaldcould

havebeenmoreunderstandingofhiswife,overherrequestforavacation,theconflict

thatleadstoNorawalkingoutwouldnothaveoccurred.

Torvaldholdsstrongopinionsinfavourofapatriarchalsociety.ThatexplainsNora’s

decisiontoprocurealoanwithouthisconsent.Torvaldwouldpossiblyhaveprevented

Norafrom procuringtheloanbecausesheisawoman.Torvaldalsohasasuperior

attitudetowardshiswife.NoraobservesthatTorvaldhasamanlyindependenceandit

wouldnotsitwellwithhim thatheowesNoraanythingafterNoraprocuresaloanthat

saveshislife.ThisshowsthatTorvaldthinkslowlyofwomen.Nora,later,becomestired

ofthisgenderdiscriminationandwalksoutofhermarriage.

AfterdiscoveringNora’ssecretTorvaldgetsangryandhumiliatesNora.Hecallsherall

sortsofnamesandhedoesnotforoncereflectonNora’ssacrificethatsavedhislife.It

becomes too late when Torvald receives the second letterfrom Krogstad as his

selfishnessandhypocrisyhadalreadybeenrevealed.Norathendecidestowalksoutof

hermarriage.

14.“Noradid notdeservecondemnation asshehad madenumerous

sacrifices on behalfofherfamily.”Write an essay to supportthis

statementusingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

NoradideverythingshecouldtosaveTorvaldwhowasdreadfullyill.Shegoesoutofher

waytoprocurealoantocaterforTorvald’streatment.HeractionsavedTorvald’slife.

Shealsotakesresponsibilityandstartspayingtheloanininstalments.

NoraalsoaccompaniesTorvaldforthevacationeventhoughIvarhadjustbeenborn.

NoraisalsounabletonursehersickfatherasshewastakingcareofTorvald.Thisis

despitethefactthatshewasveryfondofherfather.Shedescribesitasthesaddesttime

intheirmarriageasshewasnotabletoseeherfatheragain.ThisshowedhowNoraput

thelifeofherhusbandaboveanythingelse.


soastopayfortheloanthatsheprocuredforTorvald’streatment.Thisisbecauseshe

fearedTorvald’sreactionifsheweretotellhim oftheloanthatshesecured.Norafinds

otherwaysofearningmoney.Shegetscopyingworkandthatenableshertoraisethe

moneythatsheusestopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan.Insteadofburdeningthefamily

withdebt,shetakesherowninitiativestorepaytheloanthatsheprocuredforTorvald’s

vacation.

[email protected]


Also,NoraonlyspendshalfthemoneythatTorvaldgivesherforbuyingdresses.Thisis

becausesheneededtosavetheothersoastopayofftheinstalmentsoftheloan.Nora

claimsthiswashardonherasshehadtobuythesimpleandcheapclothes.Shehasto

makethissacrificeyettheloanthatsheprocuredwasusedforTorvald’streatment.Nora

doesnotusethehousekeepingmoneytopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan.Instead,she

spendsthemoneyonherchildrenasshecouldnotletthem beshabbilydressed.Nora

thereforeputstheinterestsofherfamilybeforeherown.

15.“Womensacrificesomanythingsintheirlivesforthesakeoftheir

families.”Writeanessaytosupportthisstatementusingillustrationsfrom


Mrs.Lindesacrificesherloveforherfiancéandgetsmarriedtoanothermanwhocould

provideforherbedriddenmotherandhertwoyoungbrothers.Herhusbandlaterdiesand

hisbusinesstoocollapsesleavingMrs.Lindehopeless.Sheisforcedtoengagein

incomegeneratingventuresthatarenotsuccessfuleither.Shedecidestoseekthehelp

ofNorawhohelpshergetajobatthebank.

EventhoughNorahasthemoney,herpriorityisonherchildren.Shebuysthem Christmas

presentsbutdoesnotbuyherselfany.Thisportraysherasselflessassheputsher

children’sneedsbeforeherown.Whenthefamilyhadnomoneyduringtheprevious

Christmas,shetriestocheerthingsupbymakingornamentsandotherfinethings.

NoradideverythingshecouldtosaveTorvaldwhowasdreadfullyill.WhenTorvald

rejectsherrequestsforavacationshegoesoutofherwaytoprocurealoantocaterfor

Torvald’streatment.HeractionsavesTorvald’slife.Shealsotakesresponsibilityand

startspayingtheloanininstalments.

Nora also does everything she can to save Torvald who was dreadfully ill.She

accompaniesTorvaldforthevacationeventhoughIvarhadjustbeenborn.Shealsogoes

outofhiswaytogetthemoney.Noraisalsounabletonursehersickfatherasshewas

takingcareofTorvald.Thisisdespitethefactthatshewasveryfondofherfather.

Norahastosacrificeherdesireforelegantdressessoastobeabletosaveandpayfor

theloanthatsheprocured.NoraonlyspendshalfthemoneythatTorvaldgivesherfor

buyingdresses.Thisisbecausesheneededtosavetheothersoastopayoffthe

instalmentsoftheloan.Noraclaimsthiswashardonherasshehadtobuythesimple

andcheapclothes.Shehastomakethissacrificeyettheloanthatsheprocuredwas

usedforTorvald’streatment.

Annesacrificesherloveforherdaughterin-ordertoworkasNora’snurse.Norathanks

herforbeingmotherlytoherandsheisconfidentthatAnnetoocantakegoodcareof

Nora’schildren.

[email protected]


16.“Betrayalis a vice that hurts and leads to disintegration of

relationships.”Writeanessaytosupportthisstatementusingillustrations


Mrs.Lindebetraysherfiancé.SheabandonsKrogstadbecausehehadnomoneyto

provideforherbedriddenmotherandhertwoyoungbrothers.Instead,Mrs.Lindegets

marriedtoanothermanwhocouldprovideforherbedriddenmotherandhertwoyoung

brothers.EventhoughMrs.LindelatergetsremarriedtoKrogstad,Krogstadaccusesher

ofbetrayal.Healsosayshislifeturnedupsidedownwhensheleft.

Norabetraysherfatherbynotvisitinghim whenhewassick.Thisisdespitethefactthat

Norasaysshewasfondofhim.Shelaterforgeshissignatureinordertoprocurealoan

forTorvald’svacation.Noraevenstatesthatthatwasthesaddesttimeshehadever

knownsincehermarriage.

KrogstadthreatenstobetrayNoratoherhusbandthatshetookaloan.Thisisdespite

thefactthatNoraisrepayingtheloan.Krogstadthreatenstorevealthissecretsothat

Norainfluencesherhusbandnottodismisshim from hisjobatthebank.

DoctorRankbetrayshisclosefriendshipwithTorvaldbyopenlyexpressinghisaffection

towardsTorvald’swife.NoratellsDoctorRankthatitwashorridandclumsyofhim to

declarehisaffectiontowardsher.DoctorRank’sactionleadstolossoftrustbetweenhim

andNora.

17.“Culturalnorms thatdiscriminate againstwomen destroyfamilies

insteadofbuildingthem.”Writeanessaytosupportthisstatementusing

illustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.


decidesthekindoffoodthatNorashouldandshouldnoteat.Noradisobeysandsecretly

eatsthemacaroons.Torvald’sorderswereoutrageousasNorawasamaturewoman

capableofmakingherownlifestyledecisions.

When Torvald becomesdreadfullyill,Noragoesoutofherwayto getmoneyfor

treatment.Sheignorestheculturalnormsthatwould haverequired herto getthe

approvalofherhusbandbeforeseekingtheloan.Norawasmoreinterestedinsavingthe

lifeofherhusbandthanadheringtoculturalnormsthatdiscriminatedagainstwomen.

WhenTorvalddiscoversaboutit,itleadstoaconflictinwhichNorawalksoutofher

marriage.

NoraisawareofthesuperiorattitudethatTorvaldandotherpeoplehavetowardsher.


life.SheclaimsNoraengagesonlyinsmallhouseholdcaresandcallsNoraachild.Nora

informsMrs.Lindethatshewasjustliketheotherpeoplewhothoughtherincapableof

[email protected]


anythingserious.NoragetstiredofthesamesuperiorattitudeshownbyTorvaldandshe

decidestowalkoutofhermarriage.

NoraobservesthatTorvaldhasamanlyindependenceanditwouldnotsitwellwithhim

thatheowesNora,awoman,anythingafterNoraprocuresaloanthatsaveshislife.This

showsthatNorawasawareofTorvald’schauvinistictendenciesandwhentheybecome

toomuchNorawalksoutonhim.

18.“A society thatis morally decadentimmerses itselfinto vicious

conflicts.”Writeanessaytosupportthisstatementusingillustrationsfrom


Krogstadismorallydecadentandthisgetshim intoconflictswithothercharacters.

DoctorRankaccusesKrogstadofbeingmorallycorrupt.ThisisbecauseofKrogstad’s

manysuspiciousbusinessdeals.Krogstadhasatarnishednameandaflawedcharacter

thusnoonewouldliketoassociatewithhim.


from firingher.ThisportraysKrogstadasmanipulativeashetakesadvantageofthe

fraudthatNoraengagedinforhisownpersonalbenefits.


thisbecauseherfatherhaddiedandshewasworriedofherhusband’sillness.Even

thoughhermotiveswerenoble,heractionsportrayherasmorallydecadent.

DoctorRankisportrayedasimmoral.HeopenlyexpressinghisaffectiontowardsNora

yetheknewthatNorawasamarriedwoman.NoratellsDoctorRankthatitwashorrid

andclumsyofhim todeclarehisaffectiontowardsher. Itissurprisingthatsuch

behaviourcancomefrom apersonofDoctorRank’sstature.DoctorRank’sactionleads

toloseoftrustbetweenhim andNora.

19.“ItisthroughMrs.LindethatNora’struecharacterisrevealed.”Write

anessaytosupportthisstatementusingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’s

ADoll’sHouse.

ThroughMrs.LindeNoraisportrayedaskeen.NorainformsMrs.Lindethatsheisaware

thatsheisregardedasaspendthriftbutsheknowswellthatthatisnotanaccurate

representationofherastheHelmershavenotbeeninapositiontowastemoney.She

alsoclaimstheyhavehadtoworkhardtomakeendsmeet.

ThroughMrs.LindeNoraisportrayedasselfless.WhenMrs.LindedismissesNoraas

nothavingexperiencedtherealtroublesandburdensoflife,NorainformsMrs.Lindethat

shewasjustliketheotherpeoplewhothoughtherincapableofanythingserious.She

revealsthatsheistheonewhosavedTorvald’slifebyprocuringaloanthatwasusedfor

[email protected]


theirvacation.

ThroughMrs.LindeNoraisportrayedashardworking.Inordertobeabletopaythe

instalments,NorainformsMrs.Lindethatshehadtofindotherwaysofearningmoney.

Shegetscopyingworkandsheenableshertoraisethemoneythatsheusestopaythe

instalmentsoftheloan.

ThroughMrs.LindeNoraisportrayedaslovingandcaring.NoratellsMrs.Lindethatshe

neverusedthehousekeepingmoneytopaytheinstalmentsoftheloan.Instead,she

spendsthemoneyonherchildrenasshecouldnotletthem beshabbilydressed.This

showsthatNoraputtheinterestsofherfamilybeforeherown.

ThroughMrs.LindeNoraisalsoportrayedasfearful.NoraseeksMrs.Linde’sthoughts

onthedecisionthatshetooktoprocuretheloanwithoutgettingconsentfrom her

husband.Noraisworriedaboutwhetherwhatshedidwasrightorwrong,andwhether

sheshouldinform herhusbandthatsheprocuredtheloan.

ThroughMrs.LindeNoraisportrayedassecretive.Noraclaimsthatthereisasecretthat

sheishidingfrom Torvald.SheishoweverreluctanttorevealiteventoDoctorRankand

Mrs.Linde.ThesecretconcernstheloanthatsheprocuredtocaterfortheHelmers

vacation.Noraisfearfulthatifthissecretisrevealeditwouldbringconflictintothe

family.Sheisthereforeportrayedasprotectiveofherfamily.

20.“TherearebothsimilaritiesanddifferencesinthecharactersofNora

andMrs.Lindeinlightofthechallengesthattheyfaceintheirlives.”Write

anessaytosupportthisstatementusingillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’s

ADoll’sHouse.

BothNoraandMrs.Lindeareselfless.NoradoeseverythingshecantosaveTorvaldwho

wasdreadfullyill.Shegoesoutofhiswaytoprocurealoanforthevacationthatsaves

Torvald’slife.Mrs.Lindeontheotherhandsacrificesherloveforherfiancéandgets

marriedtoanothermanwhocouldprovideforherbedriddenmotherandhertwoyoung

brothers.Bothwomenareproudofthesacrificestheymakeforthesakeoftheirloved

ones.

BothNoraandMrs.Lindearehard-workingwhenfacedwithchallengingsituations.Nora

getscopyingworkandthisenableshertoraisethemoneythatsheusestopaythe

instalmentsoftheloansheprocuredfortheirvacation.Shedoesthisbecauseshedid

notwantthepaymentoftheloantobeaburdentoherfamily.Mrs.Lindedoeseverything

shecantogenerateincomeafterherhusband’sdeath.Shetriestoopenaschool,runa

[email protected]


shopandwhenallthesefailshestillapproachtheHelmersforajob.

Bothofthem havealsoledemptylives.Mrs.LindetellsKrogstadthatshewaslikea

shipwreckedwomanbecausetherewasnoonetolivefor.Itisforthisreasonthatshe

suggeststoKrogstadthattheybemarried.NoraalsotellsTorvaldthatshewasnever

givenachancetoknowherselfasherlifehavealwaysrevolvedaroundherfatherandher

husband.Thisiswhyshehasdecidedtowalkoutonherfamilysothatshecandiscover

theworldbyherown.

WhileNoraisconsciousMrs.Lindeisportrayedasjudgemental.Mrs.Lindeisquickto

judgeNoraasaspendthrift,ahabitsheclaimsNorahadduringtheirschooldays.Nora

informsMrs.Lindethatsheisawarethatsheisregardedasaspendthriftbutsheknows

wellthatthatisnotanaccuraterepresentationofherastheHelmershavenotbeenina

positiontowastemoney.Healsoclaimstheyhavehadtoworkhardtomakeendsmeet.

NoraissecretivewhileMrs.Lindeisopen-minded.NorafearsrevealingtoTorvaldthat

sheprocuredaloanfortheirvacationasthiswouldbreaktheirfamily.Mrs.Lindeonthe

otherhandisopen-mindedassheencouragesNoratofaceherhusbandandtellherthe

truth.EventhoughshehadconvincedKrogstadtorecallhisletterunread,sheretracts

tellsKrogstadtowaitandlettheHelmer’ssolvetheirissuesinsteadoflivinginsecrecy.

21.“DoctorRankisnotanoblecharacterafterall.”Writeanessayto

supportthisstatementshowingthevariousflawsinDoctorRank’sactions.

Useillustrationsfrom HenrikIbsen’sADoll’sHouse.

DoctorRankisjudgemental.HeisquicktoaccuseKrogstadasbeingmorallydecadent

yethetoo,hasloosemoralsasseenwhenheconfesseshisaffectiontowardsNora,a

marriedwoman.ThisissurprisingasDoctorRankisamanofsomelearningandwedo

notexpecthim tobemorallydecadent.

DespitehislearningDoctorRanklacksconfidentiality.Heisquicktorevealthenatureof

Krogstad’svisittoNoraandMrs.Linde.Weexpectedhim nottogivesuchinformationas

Krogstad’svisitwasofficialandhethereforedisregardedcommonetiquette.

DespitebeingamanofhighlearningDoctorRankisportrayedassuperstitious.Doctor

Rankclaims thathe is cursed as he is paying the price forhis father’s youthful

exuberanceandexcesses.Hehasinheritedadangerousdiseasefrom whichheexpects

[email protected]


todie.ItisleastexpectedthatamanofDoctorRank’slearningshouldhavesuchbeliefs.

DoctorRankalsorefusestorevealtoTorvaldthathewasgoingtodiechoosingonlyto

inform NorayetTorvaldwashisclosefriend.DoctorRankisnotopentoTorvaldandonly

speaksmetaphoricallytohim abouthisimpendingdeath.HeclaimsthatTorvaldshould

besparedofsuchhorriblenews.ForsuchaseriousmatterDoctorRankshouldatleast

haveinformedhisclosefriend.

[email protected]


*LATESTHIGHSCHOOLNOTES*

*0714497530*(MrIsaboke)

Mathsform 1-4

Englishform 1-4

kiswahiliform 1-4

chemistryform 1--4

Biologyform 1-4

Physicsform 1--4

Agricultureform 1--4

Businessform 1--4

Creform 1--4

Historyform 1--4

Computerform 1--4

[email protected]


Geographyform 1--4

Homesciencef1--4

I.R.Estudiesf1-4

Frenchnotes

Setbooksguides

Primaryschoolnotes

KCSETopicals

*CPA*tuitioning

Updated*CPA,CIFAATD*KASNEBnotes

Updated*CPS,CICT,ATD*KASNEBNotes

Updated*ICT,IT,ACCA,CFA*notes

Forextradingguidance

*CCTV*installation&Networkingservices

Onlineservices

*_Allthematerialsareinsoftcopyandwe'llupdated

Text/callorWhatsApp*0714497530togetyourcopy_*

*https://wa.me/254714497530*

the doll's house - ATIKA SCHOOL

Documents

Transcript of the doll's house - ATIKA SCHOOL