english 10b unit test
Read the passage from A Doll's House. Helmer: What are little people called that are always wasting money? Nora: Spendthrifts—I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very sensible plan, isn't it? Helmer: [smiling] Indeed it is—that is to say, if you were really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again. Nora: Oh but, Torvald— Helmer: You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. [Puts his arm round her waist.] It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are! Nora: It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can. Helmer: [laughing] That's very true,—all you can. But you can't save anything! Nora: [smiling quietly and happily] You haven't any idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.
Based on this passage, which statement is the best inference about Torvald's character? answer: He loves his wife, but he treats her like a child rather than an adult.
Read the passage from A Doll's House. Helmer: [calls out from his room]. Is that my little lark twittering out there? Nora: [busy opening some of the parcels]. Yes, it is! Helmer: Is it my little squirrel bustling about? Nora: Yes! Helmer: When did my squirrel come home? Nora: Just now. [Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.] Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought. Helmer: Don't disturb me. [A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room, pen in hand.] Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again? Nora: Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to economize.
How do the stage directions in brackets affect the meaning of the text? Answer: They show the reader that Torvald thinks that Nora bought too much.
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Mrs. Linde: We have a great deal to talk about. Krogstad: I shouldn't have thought so. Mrs. Linde: No, you have never properly understood me. Krogstad: Was there anything else to understand except what was obvious to all the world—a heartless woman jilts a man when a more lucrative chance turns up? Mrs. Linde: Do you believe I am as absolutely heartless as all that? And do you believe that I did it with a light heart? Krogstad: Didn't you? Mrs. Linde: Nils, did you really think that? Krogstad: If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at the time? Mrs. Linde: I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, it was my duty also to put an end to all that you felt for me. Krogstad [wringing his hands]. So that was it. And all this—only for the sake of money! Mrs. Linde: You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two little brothers. We couldn't wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed hopeless then. Krogstad: That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for anyone else's sake. Mrs. Linde: Indeed, I don't know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had the right to do it.
How does Ibsen use dramatic irony to heighten suspense in this scene? Answer: Krogstad is going to try to take his job back from Mrs. Linde, and the audience knows it, but Mrs. Linde does not know that this will happen.
Read the passage from A Doll's House. Nora: Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn't on any account—no one in the world must know, Christine, except you. Mrs. Linde: But what is it? Nora: Come here. [Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.] Now I will show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who saved Torvald's life. Mrs. Linde: "Saved"? How? Nora: I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have recovered if he had not gone there— Mrs. Linde: Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. Nora: [smiling] Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, but— Mrs. Linde: But— Nora: Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money.
How does the author develop a social issue in this passage? answer: by introducing the conflict that Nora is proud of her accomplishment but has to keep it secret
Read the passage from A Doll's House. Nora: Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often wondered about—how could you have the heart to put your own child out among strangers? Nurse: I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora's Nurse. Nora: Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? Nurse: What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A poor girl who has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, that wicked man didn't do a single thing for me. Nora: But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you. Nurse: No, indeed she hasn't. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, and when she was married.
How does the author use the character of the nurse to develop the social issue of gender inequality? Answer:The nurse's need to give up a child in order to have a job demonstrates a woman's inability to support herself.
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Nora: In all these eight years—longer than that—from the very beginning of our acquaintance, we have never exchanged a word on any serious subject. Helmer: Was it likely that I would be continually and forever telling you about worries that you could not help me to bear? Nora: I am not speaking about business matters. I say that we have never sat down in earnest together to try and get at the bottom of anything. Helmer: But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you? Nora: That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been greatly wronged, Torvald—first by papa and then by you.
How does the conflict in the text best connect to the views of society in the late 1800s? Answer:The conflict between Nora and Helmer shows how gender roles were defined, as Helmer has complete control over everything, including what the couple discusses.
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Mrs. Linde: You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite another man. Krogstad: I am certain of it. Mrs. Linde: Is it too late now? Krogstad: Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then—? Mrs. Linde: I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real character—I can dare anything together with you. Krogstad [grasps her hands]. Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot—
How does the conflict in this passage develop a theme? Answer: Mrs. Linde resolves the conflict by committing to a new life with Krogstad, which develops the theme that new beginnings are always possible.
Read the excerpt from act 1 of A Doll's House. Helmer: Nora! [Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.] The same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New Year's Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and— Nora: [putting her hands over his mouth]. Oh! don't say such horrid things. Helmer: Still, suppose that happened, —what then? Nora: If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I owed money or not. Helmer: Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? Nora: They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were. Helmer: That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there need be any struggle. Nora: [moving towards the stove]. As you please, Torvald.
How does the interaction between Helmer and Nora advance the plot? answer: Nora realizes that Helmer will completely disapprove of her having borrowed money, so she has to continue to keep it a secret from him.
Read the excerpt from act 1 of A Doll's House. Mrs. Linde: Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. Nora: [smiling] Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, but— Mrs. Linde: But— Nora: Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money. Mrs. Linde: You? All that large sum? Nora: Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that? Mrs. Linde: But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a prize in the Lottery? Nora: [contemptuously] In the Lottery? There would have been no credit in that. Mrs. Linde: But where did you get it from, then? Nora: [humming and smiling with an air of mystery]. Hm, hm! Aha! Mrs. Linde: Because you couldn't have borrowed it. Nora: Couldn't I? Why not? Mrs. Linde: No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband's consent. Nora: [tossing her head] Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for business—a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever—
How does this excerpt best develop the theme that society places limits on the roles of women? Answer: As a woman, Nora cannot borrow money, but she does so behind her husband's back in order to save him.
Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Rank: And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see? Nora: Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. [She looks among the things, humming to herself.] Rank: [after a short silence] When I am sitting here, talking to you as intimately as this, I cannot imagine for a moment what would have become of me if I had never come into this house. Nora: [smiling] I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. Rank: [in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him] And to be obliged to leave it all— Nora: Nonsense, you are not going to leave it. Rank: [as before] And not be able to leave behind one the slightest token of one's gratitude, scarcely even a fleeting regret—nothing but an empty place which the first comer can fill as well as any other. Nora: And if I asked you now for a—? No! Rank: For what? Nora: For a big proof of your friendship— Rank: Yes, yes! Nora: I mean a tremendously big favour— Rank: Would you really make me so happy for once? Nora: Ah, but you don't know what it is yet. Rank: No—but tell me. Nora: I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason; it means advice, and help, and a favour— Rank: The bigger a thing it is the better. I can't conceive what it is you mean. Do tell me. Haven't I your confidence? Nora: More than anyone else. I know you are my truest and best friend, and so I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it is something you must help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, how inexpressibly deeply Torvald loves me; he would never for a moment hesitate to give his life for me.
What does the audience know that Doctor Rank does not? Answer: Nora is manipulating Doctor Rank for a favor
Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. 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? Nora: Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often wondered about—how could you have the heart to put your own child out among strangers? Nurse: I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora's Nurse. Nora: Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? Nurse: What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A poor girl who has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, that wicked man didn't do a single thing for me.
What evidence from the text best supports the theme that society can put mothers in impossible situations? answer: How could you have the heart to put your own child out among strangers?
Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. Krogstad: I shall only preserve it—keep it in my possession. No one who is not concerned in the matter shall have the slightest hint of it. So that if the thought of it has driven you to any desperate resolution. Nora: It has. Krogstad: If you had it in your mind to run away from your home. Nora: I had. Krogstad: Or even something worse— Nora: How could you know that? Krogstad: Give up the idea. Nora: How did you know I had thought of that? Krogstad: Most of us think of that at first. I did, too—but I hadn't the courage. Nora: [faintly] No more had I. Krogstad: [in a tone of relief]. No, that's it, isn't it—you hadn't the courage either? Nora: No, I haven't—I haven't. Krogstad: Besides, it would have been a great piece of folly. Once the first storm at home is over—. I have a letter for your husband in my pocket. Nora: Telling him everything? Krogstad: In as lenient a manner as I possibly could. What inference does the text best support? Krogstad has written a deceptive letter. Nora will follow Krogstad's advice. Krogstad thinks that Nora is foolish. Nora is considering killing herself.
What inference does the text best support? Answer: Nora is considering killing herself
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Helmer: How unreasonable and how ungrateful you are, Nora! Have you not been happy here? Nora: No, I have never been happy. I thought I was, but it has never really been so. Helmer: Not—not happy! Nora: No, only merry. And you have always been so kind to me. But our home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been your doll-wife, just as at home I was papa's doll-child; and here the children have been my dolls. I thought it great fun when you played with me, just as they thought it great fun when I played with them. That is what our marriage has been, Torvald.
What prediction does the text best support? Answer:
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Krogstad [with a searching look at her]. Is that what it all means?—that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. Is that it? Mrs. Linde: Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's sake, doesn't do it a second time. Krogstad: I will ask for my letter back. Mrs. Linde: No, no. Krogstad: Yes, of course I will. I will wait here until Helmer comes; I will tell him he must give me my letter back—that it only concerns my dismissal—that he is not to read it— Mrs. Linde: No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. Krogstad: But, tell me, wasn't it for that very purpose that you asked me to meet you here? Mrs. Linde: In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four hours have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them, which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on. Krogstad: Very well, if you will take the responsibility. But there is one thing I can do in any case, and I shall do it at once.
Which evidence from the text best supports the theme that it is better if the truth comes out? Answer: "This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding."
Read the passage from A Doll's House. Nora: But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My goodness, can't you understand that? It was necessary he should have no idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctors came and said that his life was in danger, and that the only thing to save him was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn't try, first of all, to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much I should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and entreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition I was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even hinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my husband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices—as I believe he called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved—and that was how I came to devise a way out of the difficulty— Mrs. Linde: And did your husband never get to know from your father that the money had not come from him? Nora: No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let him into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill then—alas, there never was any need to tell him. Mrs. Linde: And since then have you never told your secret to your husband? Nora: Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has such strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful and humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations altogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now.
Which evidence supports the inference that Nora is afraid of losing her relationship with her husband? Answer: "It would upset our mutual relations altogether"
Read the passage from A Doll's House. Mrs. Linde: Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven't you been a little bit imprudent? Nora: [sits up straight] Is it imprudent to save your husband's life? Mrs. Linde: It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to— Nora: But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My goodness, can't you understand that? It was necessary he should have no idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctors came and said that his life was in danger, and that the only thing to save him was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn't try, first of all, to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much I should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and entreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition I was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even hinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my husband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices—as I believe he called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved—and that was how I came to devise a way out of the difficulty— Mrs. Linde: And did your husband never get to know from your father that the money had not come from him? Nora: No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let him into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill then—alas, there never was any need to tell him
Which statement best compares Nora and Mrs. Linde's traits? answer: Nora believes that lying with good intentions is fine, while Mrs. Linde believes that lying to one's husband is wrong.
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 3 of A Doll's House. Krogstad: If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at the time? Mrs. Linde: I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, it was my duty also to put an end to all that you felt for me. Krogstad [wringing his hands]. So that was it. And all this—only for the sake of money! Mrs. Linde: You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two little brothers. We couldn't wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed hopeless then.
Which theme is best developed through the events described in this passage? Answer: Monetary concerns can sometimes outweigh personal desires.
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Mrs. Linde: I could not endure life without work. All my life, as long as I can remember, I have worked, and it has been my greatest and only pleasure. But now I am quite alone in the world—my life is so dreadfully empty and I feel so forsaken. There is not the least pleasure in working for one's self. Nils, give me someone and something to work for.
Which themes are best demonstrated by the evidence in this passage? Select two options. Answer: Mrs. Linde's desire to work to support her family demonstrates the theme "making sacrifices to support others is worth it." Mrs. Linde's view of her past decisions demonstrates the theme "a lack of love and family can make one feel purposeless."
Which elements of a play are considered literary elements? Select three options.
characters and dialogue setting and plot stage directions
