A Doll House: Act III, A dolls house part three theme and society, A Doll House Act 3, A Doll's House, Part 3: Theme and Society

Why did Mrs. Linde break up with Krogstad when they were young?

Economic necessity

What does Nora say she has to do now?

she needs to find herself and figure out who she is

Describe the conversation between Krogstad and Mrs. Linde. What is their history? How does he feel about their past? How does she feel about their past?

Krogstad and Mrs. Linde had a relationship. He feels that women leave their current significant others the moment someone better comes along. She couldn't wait for Krogstad to be successful.

What was in the second letter? How does Torvald react to this letter?

Krogstad is apologizing for trying to blackmail them and returns the forged IOU. He is happy and forgives Nora. He says "I'm saved."

Why does Nora call herself a "doll-wife" and a "doll-child?"

Like a doll, you choose what it wears, what it says, acts, and thinks. She has been controlled her entire life.

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?

Monetary concerns can sometimes outweigh personal desires.

Which theme is best developed through the events described in this passage?

Monetary concerns can sometimes outweigh personal desires.

How do they reconcile? Why does Mrs. Linde feel that they should get back together?

Mrs. Linde needs someone to take care of and Krogstad's young children need a mother

How does Nora describe herself in relation to her father and Torvald?

she sees herself a doll child to her father and a doll wife to Torvald because they treated her like a doll

Why won't Mrs. Linde allow Krogstad to call his letter back?

she thinks the truth should come out to help the relationship between Nora and Torvald

"An exit should always be effective, but that's what I can't get Nora to grasp." Is Nora's final exit effective?

yes because she is gone

How does Torvald describe Nora talking about "scientific research?" Again, how does he think of her?

"Come now — little Nora talking about scientific research!" He thinks it's cute that she would be that smart. Torvald treats his wife as an inferior

What evidence from the passage best supports the theme that society placed expectations on men and women based on gender?

"I have often wished that you might be threatened by some great danger, so that I might risk my life's blood, and everything, for your sake."

What evidence from the text best supports the theme that it is important to have independence?

"I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and everything about me."

What evidence from the passage best supports the theme that one's true nature is revealed in times of distress?

"Miserable creature—what have you done?"

Torvald's reaction is to describe their new relationship as what?

"Playtime's over. Now for the schooling." He's going to teach her how to be a good wife.

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?

"This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding."

Which evidence from the text best supports the theme that it is better if the truth comes out?

"This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding."

What does Torvald say about Mrs. Linde?

"she is a frightful bore"

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?

*NOT* Mrs. Linde creates a conflict by promising something she cannot give to Krogstad, which develops the theme that empty promises can destroy relationships.

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.

*NOT* Mrs. Linde's desire to work to support her family demonstrates the theme "making sacrifices to support others is worth it." and *NOT* Mrs. Linde's view of her past decisions demonstrates the theme "a lack of love and family can make one feel purposeless."

Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Nora: Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being a proper wife for you. Helmer: And you can say that! Nora: And I—how am I fitted to bring up the children? Helmer: Nora! Nora: Didn't you say so yourself a little while ago—that you dare not trust me to bring them up? Helmer: In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? Nora: Indeed, you were perfectly right. I am not fit for the task. There is another task I must undertake first. I must try and educate myself—you are not the man to help me in that. I must do that for myself. And that is why I am going to leave you now. How does Nora's character develop the theme that taking ownership of your own life is sometimes necessary?

*NOT* Nora wishes that she had not asked Helmer to educate her because she feels he has failed, so she wants to leave to find a new teacher.

Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Helmer [kissing her on the forehead]: Goodnight, my little singing-bird. Sleep sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters through. [He takes his letters and goes into his room, shutting the door after him.] Nora [gropes distractedly about, seizes HELMER'S domino, throws it round her, while she says in quick, hoarse, spasmodic whispers]: Never to see him again. Never! Never! [Puts her shawl over her head.] Never to see my children again either—never again. Never! Never!—Ah! the icy, black water—the unfathomable depths—If only it were over! He has got it now—now he is reading it. Goodbye, Torvald and my children! [She is about to rush out through the hall, when HELMER opens his door hurriedly and stands with an open letter in his hand.] How do the stage directions best support the theme that the truth can never be hidden? Select two options.

*NOT* When Helmer kisses Nora on the forehead, he is telling her that he will always love her despite what happens. & When Nora speaks in spasmodic whispers, she is showing that the truth about Helmer is causing her a great deal of distress. (One of these might be right Idk yet.)

Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Nora: And I—how am I fitted to bring up the children? Helmer: Nora! Nora: Didn't you say so yourself a little while ago—that you dare not trust me to bring them up? Helmer: In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? Nora: Indeed, you were perfectly right. I am not fit for the task. There is another task I must undertake first. I must try and educate myself—you are not the man to help me in that. I must do that for myself. And that is why I am going to leave you now. Helmer [springing up]: What do you say? Nora: I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you any longer. Which 1800s societal expectation does the excerpt most challenge?

*NOT* Women were obligated to share the same opinions as men.

Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. 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. What widely accepted archetype of the late 1800s does this text challenge?

*NOT* the man as a trickster

Which themes are best demonstrated by the evidence in this passage? Select two options.

-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 statements are universal themes associated with this topic? Select three options.

-The loss of innocence is a result of gaining experience and making mistakes. -Protecting the innocence of others prevents them from taking risks in their lives.

How do the stage directions best support the theme that the truth can never be hidden? Select two options.

-When Nora wraps her shawl around herself, she is attempting to hide from Helmer and symbolically keep her secrets hidden. -When Helmer stands with the open letter, he is showing Nora that he knows of her actions and wants to confront her.

Which descriptions are examples of archetypes? Select three options.

-a recurring model for a setting that is accepted by most people -a reflection of the traditions common throughout a society -a character who is an embodiment of the human experience

What does she say would be the "greatest miracle?"

That they can one day have a genuine marriage.

How did Dr. Rank announce his "death?"

A black cross on his calling cards

What did Nora point out about their marriage and their relationship?

That they've never had a serious talk about anything

What is the symbolism of a masquerade party?

Appearances, pretend, like a doll house

How is Nora's relationship with her husband the same as it was with her father?

Both molded her into what they wanted her to be.

Describe Torvald's reaction to the letter? How does he describe Nora? How does he describe her father? How will this affect him?

He is furious. He calls her a hypocrite, a liar, a criminal. He says her father has no religion, morals, and a sense of duty. His reputation is ruined.

Why is Nora upset over Torvald's reaction to the second letter? What did it show her about their relationship?

He only cared about his sake, not hers. It shows Torvald only cares about himself

How does Nora describe Torvald's "love?"

He thinks it's fun to be in love with her

What would be Dr. Rank's costume at the next party? What should Nora's be?

He would be invisible; Nora would be Charmed Life (because she is always lucky) and would not need a costume

What about Krogstad's letter? What does Mrs. Linde want him to do with it? What does Krogstad want to do with it?

It is still in the mailbox. She wants the letter to stay there but he will demand it back.

Why does Helmer tell Mrs. Linde she should embroider rather than knit?

It looks prettier

What does Mrs. Linde say needs to happen in the Helmer household?

Nora and Torvald need to straighten out their lives, be honest, enough secrecy

How does Nora's character develop the theme that taking ownership of your own life is sometimes necessary?

Nora decides that her decisions to be a wife and raise children were wrong, so she is leaving in order to educate herself properly.

How does religion relate to this? The law?

She is not sure what religion is and the law doesn't allow a woman to protect the men in her life

What does Nora seem to be planning in the top page of 1109?

She is planning to escape and commit suicide

Describe the "miracle" was waiting for?

She was hoping for Torvald to take the blame for her crime

What does Torvald say about Nora and her costume and doing the tarantella at the party? What does he pretend?

She was perfect. He pretends Nora is his secret bride-to-be/mistress

How does Helmer say about Nora in her costume?

She was worth looking at

How does Nora's conflict in this excerpt best demonstrate a difference between life in the late 1800s and life today?

The conflict demonstrates that women are expected to remain in the roles assigned to them.

Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Helmer: Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. Nora: I don't believe that any longer. I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are—or, at all events, that I must try and become one. I know quite well, Torvald, that most people would think you right, and that views of that kind are to be found in books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or with what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get to understand them. Helmer: Can you not understand your place in your own home? Have you not a reliable guide in such matters as that?—have you no religion? Nora: I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. How does Nora's conflict in this excerpt best demonstrate a difference between life in the late 1800s and life today?

The conflict demonstrates that women are expected to remain in the roles assigned to them.

What does the law say about a wife leaving home?

The father is no longer responsible for the children

Explain the metaphor of the shipwreck.

The two would be better off suffering together than suffering alone

Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll's House. Mrs. Linde [looking at her watch]: Not yet—and the time is nearly up. If only he does not—. [Listens again.] Ah, there he is. [Goes into the hall and opens the outer door carefully. Light footsteps are heard on the stairs. She whispers.] Come in. There is no one here. Krogstad [in the doorway]: I found a note from you at home. What does this mean? Mrs. Linde: It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with you. Krogstad: Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should be here? Mrs. Linde: It is impossible where I live; there is no private entrance to my rooms. Come in; we are quite alone. The maid is asleep, and the Helmers are at the dance upstairs. Which statement best explains how the conventions of plot and setting contribute to the theme?

The use of letters and secret meetings develops the theme that hiding the truth will eventually lead to hardship.

Why does Nora decide to leave Torvald and their children?

To discover herself

What does Torvald decide about Nora and their children?

To the outside, they'll pretend everything is normal but cannot be near the children and their relationship is over

How many times have Helmer and Nora talked seriously in their eight year marriage?

once(the moment right now in the Act) but never up to this point

How did Nora come to this revelation about them? After what happened?

When he showed his hate for her when he got Krogstad's first letter.

What does Dr. Rank leave for the Helmers in their mailbox?

a business card with a black cross on it

What is a universal theme?

a message about the human condition that people, regardless of differences, understand on a personal level

What do you think of Mrs. Linde?

although she is being nosy, she is just trying to help

What does Mrs. Linde propose she and Krogstad should do?

get married and take care of each other

How does Helmer's attitude change after he reads the letter that the maid brings him?

he forgives Nora and is calm and patronizing

How does Torvald react to reading the letter? What does he say about Krogstad?

he gets really, really angry and says that Krogstad is unscrupulous(dishonest, bad person) and now he has to do what Krogstad says

What does the letter that arrives for Mrs. Helmer say?

he repents, returns the bond and will not seek legal action

What does Dr. Rank say are the results of his test?

he says death is certain

What does Helmer say about the lock on the mailbox?

he says someone had tried to pick the lock because there were scratches on it

What does Helmer tell Nora about their relationship and about his feelings for her?

he says that he forgives her and that their relationship will be stronger and that her helplessness makes her more attractive to him

Why does Krogstad think Mrs. Linde got rid of him? What reasons does she give for breaking off their relationship?

he thinks she got rid of him because she is heartless and wanted money but she says that she needed the money to help her family(brothers and mother)

"At the next masquerade, I'm going to be invisible." Explain the irony in Dr. Rank's statement

it is ironic because he is going to be dead

Is Helmer's remark, "an exit should always be effective, but that's what I can't get Nora to grasp," ironic? Explain

it is ironic because she does have an effective exit and he had no idea that she was going to leave him

What was the "miracle" Nora kept hoping for? Did it happen?

that Torvald would take responsibility for her mistake and protect her and save her and this did not happen because he just got mad at her

What widely accepted archetype of the late 1800s does this text challenge?

the man as a ruler

Is it odd that Helmer and Nora have never talked seriously in their eight year marriage? In today's society, is this odd?

this is odd and in today's society, this is definitely odd because today you have conversations about money, children, etc.