A Doll's House Part 2: Suspense and Irony

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Nurse: What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch cold, ma'am, and make yourself ill. Nora: Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children? Nurse: The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, but— Nora: Do they ask much for me? Nurse: You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them. Nora: Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now as I was before. Nurse: Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything. Nora: Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if she went away altogether? Nurse: Good heavens!—went away altogether? How does the interaction between the nurse and Nora advance the plot?

It demonstrates that Nora is considering leaving her children.

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Helmer: Krogstad's dismissal. Nora: Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald, call her back! Do it for my sake—for your own sake—for the children's sake! Do you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You don't know what that letter can bring upon us. Helmer: It's too late. Nora: Yes, it's too late. Helmer: My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although really it is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn't it an insult to think that I should be afraid of a starving quill-driver's vengeance? But I forgive you nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for me. [Takes her in his arms.] And that is as it should be, my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall have both courage and strength if they be needed. You will see I am man enough to take everything upon myself. Nora: [in a horror-stricken voice]. What do you mean by that? Helmer: Everything, I say— Nora: [recovering herself] You will never have to do that. What dramatic irony occurs in this passage? Select two options.

Helmer thinks that Nora's worry about him is related to his reputation and is a sign of her love for him, while the audience knows that it is the risk she took to get a loan that shows her love. Helmer thinks that Krogstad's vengeance will be against him, but the audience knows that Krogstad will take vengeance against Nora and her reputation as an honest woman.

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Nora: You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no cares—you and I and the children, Torvald! That is why I beg you so earnestly— Helmer: And it is just by interceding for him that you make it impossible for me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank that I mean to dismiss Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the new manager has changed his mind at his wife's bidding— Nora: And what if it did? Helmer: Of course!—if only this obstinate little person can get her way! Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of outside influence? I should very soon feel the consequences of it, I can tell you! And besides, there is one thing that makes it quite impossible for me to have Krogstad in the Bank as long as I am manager. Nora: Whatever is that? Helmer: His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if necessary— Nora: Yes, you could—couldn't you? Helmer: And I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when we were boys. It was one of those rash friendships that so often prove an incubus in afterlife. I may as well tell you plainly, we were once on very intimate terms with one another. But this tactless fellow lays no restraint on himself when other people are present. On the contrary, he thinks it gives him the right to adopt a familiar tone with me, and every minute it is "I say, Helmer, old fellow!" and that sort of thing. I assure you it is extremely painful for me. He would make my position in the Bank intolerable. What inference does the text best support?

Helmer's self-esteem is dependent on people believing that he is not influenced by his wife.

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Mrs. Linde: [goes on sewing. A short silence] Does Doctor Rank come here everyday? Nora: Everyday regularly. He is Torvald's most intimate friend, and a great friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family. Mrs. Linde: But tell me this—is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn't he the kind of man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable? Nora: Not in the least. What makes you think that? Mrs. Linde: When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he had often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I noticed that your husband hadn't the slightest idea who I was. So how could Doctor Rank—? Nora: That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of me that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first he used to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk at home, so naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about such things with Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them. Mrs. Linde: Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in many things, and I am older than you in many ways and have a little more experience. Let me tell you this—you ought to make an end of it with Doctor Rank. How does the conversation between Mrs. Linde and Nora affect the plot?

It has a major impact, because it hints at the doctor's feelings for Nora and her attempt at manipulation.

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Mrs. Linde: When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he had often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I noticed that your husband hadn't the slightest idea who I was. So how could Doctor Rank—? Nora: That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of me that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first he used to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk at home, so naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about such things with Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them. Mrs. Linde: Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in many things, and I am older than you in many ways and have a little more experience. Let me tell you this—you ought to make an end of it with Doctor Rank. What prediction does this excerpt best support?

Mrs. Linde will accuse Nora of having an affair.

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Nora: That letter is from Krogstad. Mrs. Linde: Nora—it was Krogstad who lent you the money! Nora: Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it. Mrs. Linde: Believe me, Nora, that's the best thing for both of you. Nora: You don't know all. I forged a name. Mrs. Linde: Good heavens—! Nora: I only want to say this to you, Christine—you must be my witness. Mrs. Linde: Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to—? Nora: If I should go out of my mind—and it might easily happen— Mrs. Linde: Nora! Nora: Or if anything else should happen to me—anything, for instance, that might prevent my being here— Mrs. Linde: Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind. Nora: And if it should happen that there were some one who wanted to take all the responsibility, all the blame, you understand— Mrs. Linde: Yes, yes—but how can you suppose—? Nora: Then you must be my witness, that it is not true, Christine. I am not out of my mind at all; I am in my right senses now, and I tell you no one else has known anything about it; I, and I alone, did the whole thing. Remember that. Which statement best describes the conflict?

Nora has forged her father's name on the loan she received from Krogstad, and he is threatening to expose her to Helmer.

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Helmer: [putting his papers together] Now then, little Miss Obstinate. Nora: [breathlessly]. Torvald—what was that letter? Helmer: Krogstad's dismissal. Nora: Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald, call her back! Do it for my sake—for your own sake—for the children's sake! Do you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You don't know what that letter can bring upon us. Helmer: It's too late. Nora: Yes, it's too late. Helmer: My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although really it is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn't it an insult to think that I should be afraid of a starving quill-driver's vengeance? But I forgive you nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for me. [Takes her in his arms.] And that is as it should be, my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall have both courage and strength if they be needed. You will see I am man enough to take everything upon myself. Nora: [in a horror-stricken voice]. What do you mean by that? Helmer: Everything, I say— Nora: [recovering herself] You will never have to do that. Helmer: That's right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man and wife should. That is how it shall be. [Caressing her.] Are you content now? There! There! Not these frightened dove's eyes! The whole thing is only the wildest fancy! Now, you must go and play through the Tarantella and practise with your tambourine. I shall go into the inner office and shut the door, and I shall hear nothing; you can make as much noise as you please. [Turns back at the door.] And when Rank comes, tell him where he will find me. [Nods to her, takes his papers and goes into his room, and shuts the door after him.] Nora: [bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, and whispers] He was capable of doing it. He will do it. He will do it in spite of everything. No, not that! Never, never! Anything rather than that! Oh, for some help, some way out of it! [The door-bell rings.] Doctor Rank! Anything rather than that—anything, whatever it is! [She puts her hands over her face, pulls herself together, goes to the door and opens it. RANK is standing without, hanging up his coat. During the following dialogue it begins to grow dark.] How does the interaction between Helmer and Nora affect the plot?

Nora realizes that Helmer's actions are intended to preserve his masculinity, not their marriage.

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Nora: [putting her arms round her neck] Dear old Anne, you were a good mother to me when I was little. Nurse: Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. Nora: And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would—What nonsense I am talking! [Opens the box.] Go in to them. Now I must—. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look. Nurse: I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as you, ma'am. [Goes into the room on the left.] Nora: [begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from her]. If only I dared go out. If only no one would come. If only I could be sure nothing would happen here in the meantime. Stuff and nonsense! No one will come. Only I mustn't think about it. I will brush my muff. What lovely, lovely gloves! Out of my thoughts, out of my thoughts! One, two, three, four, five, six— [Screams.] Ah! there is someone coming—. [Makes a movement towards the door, but stands irresolute.] What prediction does this excerpt best support?

Nora will decide to leave her family.

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Rank: Let me play for her. Helmer [getting up]. Yes, do. I can correct her better then. [RANK sits down at the piano and plays. NORA dances more and more wildly. HELMER has taken up a position beside the stove, and during her dance gives her frequent instructions. She does not seem to hear him; her hair comes down and falls over her shoulders; she pays no attention to it, but goes on dancing. Enter MRS. LINDE:] Mrs. Linde: [standing as if spell-bound in the doorway] Oh!— Nora: [as she dances] Such fun, Christine! Helmer: My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it. Nora: So it does. Helmer: Stop, Rank; this is sheer madness. Stop, I tell you! [RANK stops playing, and NORA suddenly stands still. HELMER goes up to her.] I could never have believed it. You have forgotten everything I taught you. Nora: [throwing away the tambourine]. There, you see. Helmer: You will want a lot of coaching. Nora: Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to the last minute. Promise me that, Torvald! Helmer: You can depend on me. Which statement best describes the dramatic irony in this passage?

The audience knows that Nora is intentionally failing to dance correctly, but Helmer does not.

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Nora: You must not think of anything but me, either today or tomorrow; you mustn't open a single letter—not even open the letter-box— Helmer: Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow— Nora: Yes, indeed I am. Helmer: Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter from him lying there. Nora: I don't know; I think there is; but you must not read anything of that kind now. Nothing horrid must come between us until this is all over. Rank: [whispers to HELMER] You mustn't contradict her. Helmer: [taking her in his arms] The child shall have her way. But tomorrow night, after you have danced— Nora: Then you will be free. [The MAID appears in the doorway to the right.] Maid: Dinner is served, ma'am. Nora: We will have champagne, Helen. Maid: Very good, ma'am. [Exit.] Helmer: Hullo!—are we going to have a banquet? Nora: Yes, a champagne banquet until the small hours. [Calls out.] And a few macaroons, Helen—lots, just for once! Helmer: Come, come, don't be so wild and nervous. Be my own little skylark, as you used. Nora: Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. Christine, you must help me to do up my hair. Rank: [whispers to HELMER as they go out] I suppose there is nothing—she is not expecting anything? Helmer: Far from it, my dear fellow; it is simply nothing more than this childish nervousness I was telling you of. [They go into the right-hand room.] Nora: Well? Mrs. Linde: Gone out of town. Nora: I could tell from your face. Mrs. Linde: He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note for him. Nora: You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. After all, it is splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to happen. Mrs. Linde: What is it that you are waiting for? Nora: Oh, you wouldn't understand. Go in to them, I will come in a moment. [MRS. LINDE goes into the dining-room. NORA stands still for a little while, as if to compose herself. Then she looks at her watch.] Five o'clock. Seven hours until midnight; and then four-and-twenty hours until the next midnight. Then the Tarantella will be over. Twenty-four and seven? Thirty-one hours to live. Helmer: [from the doorway on the right] Where's my little skylark? Nora: [going to him with her arms outstretched] Here she is! What evidence from the text supports the prediction that Helmer will learn the contents of the letter? Select three options.

Helmer knows that there is a piece of mail from Krogstad in the box. Helmer thinks that Nora is nervous and dismisses her pleas about the mail. Mrs. Linde fails to find Krogstad so he can take back the piece of mail.