A Dolls House Flashcards
(38 cards)
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
Mrs Linde and Krogstad's discussion:
1. whispers: come in there's no one here
2. Do you really think I'm so utterly heartless? You think it was easy for me to give you up.
3. 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.
4. Nils, suppose we two shipwrecked souls could join hands?
5. 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.
6. You're just being hysterical and romantic. You want to find an excuse for self-sacrifice.
7. I need someone to be a mother too.
8. 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
How does Torvald act at the beginning of Act 3?
1. makes a roaring success - and very well deserved - though possibly a trifle too realistic, more so than was aesthetically necessary, strictly speaking.
2. But knitting now that's an ugly business ... arms all huddled up, great clumsy needles
3. We've got rid of her at last. Dreadful bore that woman is
4. What not look at my most treasured possession? At all this wonderful beauty that's mine, mine alone, all mine.
5. 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.
6. You're joking with me. Don't want, don't want aren't I your husband?
7. Scientific experiment. Those are big words for my little Nora to use
8. Often I wish some terrible danger might threaten you, so that I could offer my life and my blood, everything for your sake.
27
How does Nora react at the beginning of Act 3?
1. Yes, I'm very tired. Soon I shall sleep.
2. You mustn't talk to me like that tonight + don't look at me like that
3. Leave me Torvald! Get away from me! I don't want all this.
28
In relation to news to Dr Rank's death:
1. Now he's going to slink away and hide like a wounded beast.
2. His loneliness and suffering seemed to provide a kind of dark background to the happy sunlight of our marriage.
3. An ugliness has come between us: thoughts of death and dissolution.
29
How does Nora initially act on the letter?
1. It is true. I've loved you more than anything else in this world
2. Let me go. You're not going to suffer for my sake. I won't let you.
30
How does Torvald initially act on the letter?
1. Wretched woman! What have you done?
2. stop being theatrical
3. 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.
4. I repeat. All of your father's recklessness and instability he has handed on to you. No religion, no morals, no sense of duty.
5. You have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined my whole future. Oh its too dreadful to contemplate.
6. 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
How does Nora change as she sees Torvald's reaction?
1. looks unflinchingly at him + her expression growing colder
2. silently and stares unblinkingly at him
3. coldly calm
4. taking off my fancy dress
32
How does Torvald's reaction change?
1. Utters a cry of joy
2. Yes, yes it's true. I am saved. Nora, I am saved.
3. It's over. Why are you looking so pale? Ah my poor little Nora
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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
How does Nora criticise education?
1. You're not the right man to educate me into being the right wife for you
2. What about me? Am I fit to educate the children?
3. duty towards myself
4. I must educate myself
5. first and foremost I am a human being
34
How does Torvald react to Nora's criticism of education?
1. playtime is over. Now the time has come for education
2. But you're blind - you've no experience of the world
3. O but this is monstrous. Can you neglect your most sacred duties?
35
How does Nora criticise matrimony?
1. we have never exchanged a serious word on a serious subject
2. A great wrong has been done to me Torvald. First by papa and then by you.
3. undisturbed: I've been living here like a pauper from hand to mouth. I performed tricks for you.
4. You have never loved me. You only thought it was fun to be in love with me.
5. 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
How does Torvald react to Nora's opinion on marriage?
1. Did you expect me to drag you into all my worries? Worries you couldn't have possibly helped me with.
2. How can you be so unreasonable and ungrateful? Haven't you been happy here.
3. May be a little truth in what you say though you exaggerate and romanticise
4. First and foremost you are a wife and a mother
5. What kind of a way is this to describe our marriage?
37
Torvald vs Nora:
1. 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
2. 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
3. No man can be expected to sacrifice his honour even for the person he loves vs millions of women have done it
38
How does the play end?
1. Can I never be anything but a stranger to you?
2. Miracle of miracles would have to happen + life together between us two could become a marriage
3. A hope strikes him
4. The street door is slammed shut downstairs
