Ibsen: Main characters

Question 1

Who are the protagonists of the two plays?

Answer 1

Nora Helmer and Hedda Gabler

Question 2

Introduction

Answer 2

\+ titles and playwright 
\+ introduce two characters and their development 
\+ link development to themes 
\+ introduce naturalism 
\+ explain the impact of naturalist style

Question 3

Paragraphs

Answer 3

1 - minor characters
2 - marriages
3 - final actions

Question 4

Paragraph 1 topic

Answer 4

The characters of Mrs Linde and Mrs Elvsted introduce the characterisations of Nora and Hedda - respectively - by juxtaposing them

Question 5

Paragraph 1 quotes

Answer 5

+ “All alone. how dreadful that must be for you. I’ve three lovely children”
+ “Someone to work for - to live for! A home to bring joy into”

+ “You mean you’ve left your hoop me for good?…But what do you suppose people will say?” “They can say what the like”
+ “Her hair is of a handsome auburn colour, but is not especially abundant”
+ “Her hair is extremely fair…and abundant”
+ “I’m burning your child, Thea! You with beautiful, wavy hair!”

Question 6

Paragraph 2 topic

Answer 6

Nora is increasingly submissive to her husband than Hedda, as Torvold has an increasingly fragile masculinity.

Question 7

Paragraph 2 quotes

Answer 7

+ “You know I could never act against your wishes”
+ “It’s incredible what an expensive pet she is for a man to keep”
+ “Is that my skylark twittering out there?”

+ “Tesman: Here, Hedda take a look. Hedda: Thanks, I won’t bother”
+ “Against the rear wall…hands the portait of a handsome old man in general’s uniform”
+ “Hedda…is to ne regarded rather as her father’s daughter than her husband’s wife”

Question 8

Paragraph 3 topic

Answer 8

Nora successfully leaves her family and becomes independent in society, whilst Hedda kills herself as a final act of liberation

Question 9

Paragraph 3 quotes

Answer 9

+ “I must stand on my own feet if I am to find out the truth ahoy myself and about life. So I can’t go on living here any longer!”
+ “She goes out through the hall…The street door is slammed shut downstairs”

+ “I’m in your power, Judge. From now on, you’ve got your hold over me.”
+ “Not free. Still not free! (Rises passionately)”
+ “Tesman: she’s shot herself! Shot herself in the head! Fancy that! Brack: But, good god! People don’t do such things!”