A Dolls House Flashcards
1
Q
What are the opening stage directions to Act 1?
A
- a comfortably, tastefully, but not expensively, furnished room.
- The carpet on the floor, a fire in the stove. A winter day.
2
Q
How is Nora described at the beginning of the play?
A
- tiptoes and listens at her husband’s door
- continues to laugh happily to herself
- But how thoughtless of me to sit here and chatter away like this. Dear, sweet Christine, can you forgive me?
- No, Christine it was beastly of me. Oh my poor darling what you’ve gone through.
- I’m not going to be selfish today, I’m just going to think about you. Oh but there’s one thing I must tell you.
- Oh God, Oh God Christine, isn’t it a wonderful thing to be alive and happy.
3
Q
How does Nora appear naive/childish?
A
- It made me a bit sad sometimes, because it’s lovely to wear pretty clothes.
- Then I’d sit here and imagine some rich old gentleman had fallen in love with me
- It’ll soon be spring and the air’ll be fresh and the skies blue.
- Lost in her own thoughts, laughs half to herself and claps her hands
4
Q
How does Nora speak about/act with her children?
A
- I couldn’t take anything out of what he gives me for them. The poor little angels.
- I don’t have to worry anymore. No more troubles! I can play all day with the children.
- Oh my sweet darlings look at them Christine - aren’t they beautiful?
- What red cheeks you’ve got like apples and roses
- A big dog ran after you? But he didn’t bite you? No dogs don’t bite lovely little baby dolls.
- Pale with fear. Corrupt my children. Poison my home. It isn’t true. It couldn’t be true.
- stoops down and kisses them
5
Q
How does Torvald treat Nora at the start of the play?
A
- Now now. My little songbird mustn’t droop her wings. What’s this? Is little squirrel sulking?
- The squanderbird’s a pretty little creature but she gets through an awful lot of money. Its amazing what an expensive pet she is for a man to keep.
- I don’t have to sit by myself and be bored. And you don’t have to tire your pretty eyes and your delicate little hands.
- You mustn’t disturb me
- Wags his finger. A songbird must have a clean beak to sing with. Otherwise she’ll start twittering out of tune.
- Aha, so little Miss Independent’s in trouble and needs a man to rescue her, does she?
6
Q
Idea of money throughout the play:
A
- Here’s a pound. No keep it.
- Bought did you say? All that? Has my little squanderbird been overspending again?
- We can be a little extravagant now can’t we? Just a tiny bit? You have a big salary now and you’re going to make lots and lots of money.
- Oh Nora Nora how like a woman. No debts. Never borrow. A home that is found on debts and borrowing can never be a place of freedom and beauty.
- Torvald dear, please! please! Then I’ll wrap up the notes in pretty gold paper and hang them on the Christmas tree. Wouldn’t that be fun?
- It’s such a relief. I feel so happy! Well, I mean it’s lovely to have heaps of money and not to have to worry about anything
- we’re going to have heaps and heaps of money
7
Q
How are little acts of rebellion seen in Nora?
A
- Oh I wish I could tear them into a million pieces
- But its so petty
- I’ve got the most extraordinary longing to say: Bloody hell
- flesh coloured … aren’t they beautiful? I suppose you can look a bit higher if you want to
- It was terribly amusing to go down and talk with the servants because they never told me what I ought to do and they were such fun to listen to
- We’ll drink champagne until dawn. And Helen. Put out some macaroons. Lots of macaroons for once
8
Q
How is Mrs Linde first described?
A
- in travelling clothes
- shyly and a little hesitantly
- I arrived by steamer this morning
- You’ve got a little paler though Christine and perhaps a bit thinner and older Nora much much older
9
Q
How is Mrs Linde’s experience described?
A
- not even a feeling of loss or sorrow
- smiles sadly and strokes Nora’s hair
- No Nora, just unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore and gets up restlessly
- I am both proud and happy that I was able to make my mother’s last months on earth comparatively easy
10
Q
How does Mrs Linde describe Nora?
A
- it’s sweet of you to bother so much about me Nora, especially since you know so little of the worries and hardships of life
- well good heavens - those bits of fancy work of yours - well really, your a child Nora
- But my dear Nora how on earth did you get to know about such things?
11
Q
How does Nora speak about/react to her debt?
A
- Do you suppose I didn’t try to think of other ways of getting him down there? … I cried and prayed.
- He said I was frivolous and it was his duty as a husband not to pander to my moods and caprices.
- Hasn’t a wife the right to save her husband’s life?
- I often got so so tired. But it was fun sitting there, working and earning money. It was almost like being a man.
- And you can tear it into a thousand pieces and burn the filthy beastly thing
12
Q
Theme of deception:
A
- Hide that Christmas tree away Helen
- plays with his coat buttons not looking at him
- How could I help the cat getting in and tearing everything to bits?
- I’ll lead up to it so delicately so delicately I’ll get him in the right mood
- She is mad to come under some really clever man
- still leaning over his chair slowly strokes the back of his head: I was going to ask you an enormous favour Torvald
- If little squirrel asked you really prettily to grant her a wish and I’d turn myself into a little fairy and dance for you in the moonlight
- Torvald has forbidden them … I’ll have only one. Just a little one. Two at the most. Yes now I feel really really happy.
13
Q
How does Nora appear knowledgeable and more complex at the start?
A
- For shame! How can you say such a thing? I save every penny I can.
- Hums and smiles quietly gleeful. If only you knew how many expenses we larks and squirrels have Torvald
- But Nora Nora isn’t as silly as you think
- Tosses her head. You shouldn’t say that so patronisingly.
- Papa didn’t give us a penny. It was I who found the money
- hums and smiles secretively
- years from now when Im no longer pretty
14
Q
How does Nora describe Torvald?
A
- What an idea! He’s frightfully strict about such matters. And besides hes so proud of being a man - it’d be so painful and humiliating for him to know that he owed anything to me.
- You see Torvald’s so helplessly in love with that he wants to have me all to himself - those were his very words - he got quite jealous if I as much mentioned any of my old friends.
15
Q
Ideas about morals and society’s reaction:
A
- moral cripple in with Helmer and he’s crippled all right, morally twisted
- I wonder if in your part of the world you too have a species of creature that spends its time fussing around trying to smell out moral corruption? And when they find a case they give him some nice comfortable position … the healthy ones just have to lump it.
- But surely it’s the sick who need care most? and its that attitude that is turning human society into a hospital.
- morally destroyed him and morally speaking he is dead
- I feel physically ill in the presence of a man like that
16
Q
How does Krogstad threaten Nora?
A
- Whether or not you have a merry Christmas depends on you
- Will you have the kindness to use your influence on my behalf?
- If I am forced to I shall fight for my little job at the bank as I would fight for my life
- This job in the bank was the first step on the ladder. And now your husband wants to kick me off the ladder back into the dirt.
- The law does not concern itself with motives.
- But I tell you this. If I get thrown into the gutter for a second time I shall take you with me.
17
Q
How does Nora react to Krogstad?
A
- turns with a stifled cry and half jumps up
- No the strange gentleman won’t do anything to hurt mummy
- How dare you presume to cross-examine me
- But I didn’t mean it like that. I? How on earth could you imagine that I would have any influence over my husband.
- If you speak impertinently of my husband I shall show you the door.
- Almost in tears: That’d be a filthy trick. This secret that is my pride and joy - that he should hear about it in such a filthy, beastly way - hear about it from you. It’d involve me in the most dreadful unpleasantness.
- After a short silence, throws back her head and looks defiantly at him: No it was not. It was I who wrote papa’s name there.
18
Q
Idea of hereditary and disease:
A
- It’s in your blood. yes, yes yes, these things are hereditary Nora.
- the children are fit and healthy and so am I
- must always be lying and cheating and dissembling: how he must wear a mask even in the presence of those who are dearest to him, even his own wife and children
- An atmosphere of lies contaminates and poisons every corner of the home: every breath that the children draw in such a house contains the germs of evil
- poisoning his children with lies and pretences
19
Q
How is Dr Rank’s situation described?
A
- I’ve been going through the books of this poor body of mine and I find I am bankrupt. Within a month I may be rotting up there in the churchyard.
- My poor innocent spine must pay for the fun my father had as a gay young lieutenant.
20
Q
How is Nora’s anxieties/suicide alluded to?
A
- desperate with anxiety stands as though transfixed and whispers: He said he’d do it. He will do it. He will do it. And nothing’ll stop him. No, never that. I’d rather anything. There must be some escape, some way out’
- How could you be so stupid Dr Rank? Everything was so nice.
- It’s happening. It’s happening after all. no, no, no it can’t happen. It mustn’t happen.
- Show some heart then. Think of my little children.
- with a stifled cry: There it is! Oh Torvald, Torvald! Now we’re lost!
21
Q
What are the opening stage directions to act 2?
A
- Christmas tree stands stripped and dishevelled, its candles burnt to their sockets.
- She is alone in the room, walking restfully to and fro
22
Q
How does Torvald react to Nora in act 2?
A
- Me to make a laughingstock of myself before my entire staff: give people the idea that I am open to outside influence?
- Don’t quibble. You call my motives petty. Then I must be petty too. Petty. I see.
- Isn’t it an insult to imply that I should be frightened by the vindictiveness of a depraved journalist? But I forgive you, because it so charmingly testifies to the love you bear me.
- When the real crisis comes you will not find me lacking in strength or courage. I am man enough to bear the burden for us both.
- We shall share it Nora as man and wife - and that’s as it should be. Are you happy now? There, there, there don’t look at me with those frightened little eyes. You’re simply imagining things.
- I promise. This evening I shall think of nothing but you. My poor helpless little darling.
23
Q
What does Krogstad say to Nora in Act 2?
A
- Most of us think of that at first. I did. But I hadn’t the courage
- once the first little domestic explosion is over
- I was content to fight my way back inch by inch. Now I’ve been chucked back into the mud.
- Oh you can’t frighten me - a pampered little pretty like you
- Under the ice? Down in the cold black water? And then in the spring to float up again ugly, unrecognisable, hairless
- It’s your husband that has forced me to act like this. And for that I’ll never forgive him.
24
Q
How does everyone react to the tarentella?
A
- correct me, lead me, the way you always do
- slower, slower + not so violently Nora + no, no, this won’t do at all + Rank stop it. This is sheer lunacy. Stop it I say.
- Nora dances more and more wildly + her hair works loose and falls over her shoulders: she ignores it and continues to dance.
- But Nora darling your dancing as if your life depended on it
- My child shall have her way
25
Q
Mrs Linde and Krogstad’s discussion:
A
- whispers: come in there’s no one here
- Do you really think I’m so utterly heartless? You think it was easy for me to give you up.
- When I lost you it was just as though all solid ground had been swept from under my feet. Look at me. Now I’m a shipwrecked man clinging to a spar.
- Nils, suppose we two shipwrecked souls could join hands?
- I’ve always worked for as long as I can remember. Its been the greatest joy of my life - my only joy. But now I’m alone in the world and I feel so dreadfully lost and empty.
- You’re just being hysterical and romantic. You want to find an excuse for self-sacrifice.
- I need someone to be a mother too.
- Helmer must know the truth. This unhappy secret of Nora’s must be revealed. They must come to a full understanding. There must be an end to all of these shiftings and evasions.
26
Q
How does Torvald act at the beginning of Act 3?
A
- makes a roaring success - and very well deserved - though possibly a trifle too realistic, more so than was aesthetically necessary, strictly speaking.
- But knitting now that’s an ugly business … arms all huddled up, great clumsy needles
- We’ve got rid of her at last. Dreadful bore that woman is
- What not look at my most treasured possession? At all this wonderful beauty that’s mine, mine alone, all mine.
- You stand there young and trembling and beautiful … like a huntress, a temptress my blood grew hot. I couldn’t stand it any longer. That’s why I seized you and dragged you down here with me.
- You’re joking with me. Don’t want, don’t want aren’t I your husband?
- Scientific experiment. Those are big words for my little Nora to use
- Often I wish some terrible danger might threaten you, so that I could offer my life and my blood, everything for your sake.
27
Q
How does Nora react at the beginning of Act 3?
A
- Yes, I’m very tired. Soon I shall sleep.
- You mustn’t talk to me like that tonight + don’t look at me like that
- Leave me Torvald! Get away from me! I don’t want all this.
28
Q
In relation to news to Dr Rank’s death:
A
- Now he’s going to slink away and hide like a wounded beast.
- His loneliness and suffering seemed to provide a kind of dark background to the happy sunlight of our marriage.
- An ugliness has come between us: thoughts of death and dissolution.
29
Q
How does Nora initially act on the letter?
A
- It is true. I’ve loved you more than anything else in this world
- Let me go. You’re not going to suffer for my sake. I won’t let you.
30
Q
How does Torvald initially act on the letter?
A
- Wretched woman! What have you done?
- stop being theatrical
- Oh what a dreadful awakening. For eight whole years she who was my joy and pride a hypocrite a liar - worse worse a criminal. O the hideousness of it. Shame on you shame.
- I repeat. All of your father’s recklessness and instability he has handed on to you. No religion, no morals, no sense of duty.
- You have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined my whole future. Oh its too dreadful to contemplate.
- But the children shall be taken out of your hands. I dare no longer entrust them to you. Oh to have to say this to the woman I once loved so dearly.
31
Q
How does Nora change as she sees Torvald’s reaction?
A
- looks unflinchingly at him + her expression growing colder
- silently and stares unblinkingly at him
- coldly calm
- taking off my fancy dress
32
Q
How does Torvald’s reaction change?
A
- Utters a cry of joy
- Yes, yes it’s true. I am saved. Nora, I am saved.
- It’s over. Why are you looking so pale? Ah my poor little Nora
- I shall counsel you. I shall guide you. I wouldn’t be a true man if your feminine helplessness didn’t make you doubly attractive in my eyes.
- My frightened little songbird. Don’t be afraid. I have broad wings to shield you. How lovely and peaceful this little home of ours is Nora.
- I shall watch over you like a hunted dove which I have snatched unharmed from the claws of the falcon. Your wildly beating heart shall find peace with me.
- Something indescribably wonderful and satisfying for a husband in knowing that he has forgiven his wife - forgiven her undeservedly from the bottom of his heart.
- become his property in a double sense. Not only his wife but also his child + I shall be both your will and your conscience.
33
Q
How does Nora criticise education?
A
- You’re not the right man to educate me into being the right wife for you
- What about me? Am I fit to educate the children?
- duty towards myself
- I must educate myself
- first and foremost I am a human being
34
Q
How does Torvald react to Nora’s criticism of education?
A
- playtime is over. Now the time has come for education
- But you’re blind - you’ve no experience of the world
- O but this is monstrous. Can you neglect your most sacred duties?
35
Q
How does Nora criticise matrimony?
A
- we have never exchanged a serious word on a serious subject
- A great wrong has been done to me Torvald. First by papa and then by you.
- undisturbed: I’ve been living here like a pauper from hand to mouth. I performed tricks for you.
- You have never loved me. You only thought it was fun to be in love with me.
- Our home has never been anything but a playroom. I have been your doll-wife just as I used to be papa’s doll-child. And the children have been my dolls
36
Q
How does Torvald react to Nora’s opinion on marriage?
A
- Did you expect me to drag you into all my worries? Worries you couldn’t have possibly helped me with.
- How can you be so unreasonable and ungrateful? Haven’t you been happy here.
- May be a little truth in what you say though you exaggerate and romanticise
- First and foremost you are a wife and a mother
- What kind of a way is this to describe our marriage?
37
Q
Torvald vs Nora:
A
- You’re talking like a child you don’t understand how society works vs I must try to satisfy myself which is right society or I
- You’re ill, you’re feverish. I almost believe your out of your mind vs I’ve never felt so sure and sane in my life
- No man can be expected to sacrifice his honour even for the person he loves vs millions of women have done it
38
Q
How does the play end?
A
- Can I never be anything but a stranger to you?
- Miracle of miracles would have to happen + life together between us two could become a marriage
- A hope strikes him
- The street door is slammed shut downstairs
