A doll’s house key quotes

Question 1

Torvald’s reaction to Nora rejecting her duties

Answer 1

‘First and foremost you are a wife and mother’

Question 2

Nora’s reaction to ‘First and foremost you are a wife and mother’

Answer 2

‘I believe that first and foremost I am a human being’

Question 3

Torvald explaining why he didn’t take the blame for Nora

Answer 3

‘No man can be expected to sacrifice his honour for the person he loves’

Question 4

Torvald after receiving the second letter

Answer 4

‘I would not be a true man if your feminine helplessness did not make you doubly attractive in my eyes’

Question 5

Torvald asking Nora of the consequences of her leaving

Answer 5

‘But to leave your home, your husband, your children! Have you thought what people will say?’

Question 6

What does Nora say she is doing off stage while Torvald is ranting out of relief after the second letter

Answer 6

‘Taking off my fancy dress’

Question 7

Nora explaining how Torvald and her papa have ruined her life

Answer 7

‘I’ve been your doll-wife, just as I used to be papa’s doll-child’

Question 8

Nora explaining how Torvald and her papa have ruined her life

Answer 8

‘I’ve been your doll-wife, just as I used to be papa’s doll-child’

Question 9

Nora lying to Torvald Act 1

Answer 9

‘You know I could never act against your wishes’

Question 10

Nora telling Torvald how she acted to get her way

Answer 10

‘I performed tricks for you’
- voice symbolises female frustration with the oppressive patriarchy

Question 11

What does Christine say about women not being able to borrow money

Answer 11

‘Well, a wife can’t borrow money without her husband’s consent’

Question 12

What does Nora say about not knowing Torvald anymore? Act 3

Answer 12

‘I realised I had been living here with a complete stranger’