Act II Elaina Sperry, Katherine Pelton, & Kaji Loro
The Scene Christmas Day - Messy around the Christmas tree: symbolism - Nora stressed about her problem with Krogstad - The nurse leaves Nora her costume for the party that evening - Nora asks Torvald to save Krogstad s job but he reveals that he really doesn t like him https://www.seattleshakespeare.org/shows/a-dolls-house-2013/#jp-carousel-2742
The Scene - Dr. Rank tells Nora that he s going to die and when he s near the end, he ll send her a card with a black cross on it - Nora flirts with him (trying to get him to help her with the Krogstad problem) but he admits that he s in love with her - When I was at home, of course I loved papa best. But I always thought it tremendous fun if I could steal down into the maids room, because they never moralised at all, and talked to each other about such entertaining things (Ibsen 47). - Krogstad gets fired & he drops a letter in their letterbox https://www.seattleshakespeare.org/shows/a-dolls-house-2013/#jp-carousel-2743
Characters Characters: Nora Helmer: married to Torvald. She took out a loan from Krogstad to help her husband and forged her father s name, a serious offense. Although she had good motives, she could get in trouble if truth is revealed. Torvald Helmer: Married to Nora, thinks she wastes money, spending it extravagantly. He is a prideful man. Christine Linde: Old childhood friend of Nora who comes to her for financial help. She married a man for money but he died and left her with nothing. Nora tells her she might be able to get her a job. Dr. Rank: Confesses his love for Nora, says he does not want Torvald to see him die and tells Nora to keep him out of it. Nils Krogstad: Morally ill Works at Torvald s bank and holds a small, unimportant position. He is worried Linde will replace him because of his previous misconduct and attempts to blackmail Nora into helping him keep his position. Helene: Maid for the Helmers.
Conflicts Nora vs Krogstad Nora owes him money from the trip her and Torvald took to Italy Blackmails her by writing a letter to Torvald telling him the truth about the money - unless she can convince Torvald to not fire him Holds her misuse of money over her head - creates mistrust Krogstad vs Torvald Torvald wants to fire Krogstad from the bank because Krogstad is morally ill Linde vs Krogstad Linde wants to take Krogstad s position at Torvald s bank Nora vs Dr. Rank Asking him for money or not - until he reveals he s in love with her Nora vs Nora How should she handle the whole situation - tell the truth and face consequences or run away
Themes & Symbols Symbols: The costume for the party Torvald makes her wear the dress for the party - dressing her like a doll Coaching her on the dance so she moves like he wants her to - like a doll Tarantella Dance associated with curing the bite of a tarantula - cure herself of guilt by being Torvald s little skylark/squirrel/helpless little mortal The letter Krogstad leaves a letter exposing Nora after he hears he was fired. Christmas Tree The state of the family matches state of tree - in ruins Themes: Torvald s desire for perfection without effort Torvald s dominance in their relationship
Themes & Symbols continued... Symbols: Anne Marie - ran away from her own children to raise Nora - people have problems outside of Nora s Dr. Rank s illness - consumption of the spine Inherited from his dad; Nora s biggest fear: ruining her children
Quotes - When I was at home, of course I loved papa best. But I always thought it tremendous fun if I could steal down into the maids room, because they never moralised at all, and talked to each other about such entertaining things (Ibsen 47). - Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of your reputation? (Ibsen 51) - Well, now, I have warned you. Do not do anything foolish. When Helmer has had my letter, I shall expect a message from him. And be sure you remember that it is your husband himself who has forced me into such ways as this again. I will never forgive him for that. Goodbye, Mrs. Helmer (Ibsen 51)
Works Cited Isben, Henrik A Doll s House. Old Main: Pennsylvania State University, 2010. PDF