Act One
With what terms of endearment does Torvald address Nora at the start of the play? (Two different terms)
My little skylark
My little squirrel
Who will get Krogstad's job?
Mrs. Linde
How is the opening of this Act different to the others? And why is this significant?
Nora is not on stage — Mrs. Linde and Krogstad start the Act.
Calm before the storm / it heightens dramatic tension (the dance is heard taking place upstairs).
What is a key symbol of Nora's growing sense of passion and desire to live life on her own terms?
The Tarantella
What does Torvald do in Act One to cheer Nora up after he has chastised her?
He gives her... "Money!"
What does Nora want for Christmas?
Money to hang on the tree
Rather than having the debt repaid, what is Krogstad's plan?
Blackmail the Helmers by threatening to expose Nora's "crime." — and become ruler of the world (the bank)!
Why doesn't Mrs. Linde want Krogstad to take the letter back?
She feels their relationship is not healthy, and they need to face the truth.
What is a key symbol that represents Nora's relationship with her father, Torvald, and her children?
A doll
What is Torvald's belief about good money management?
"No debt, no borrowing."
What is Mrs. Linde's situation at the start of the play?
widowed, poor, and needing a job
What are two things that Dr. Rank reveals in this act?
He is dying and he is in love with Nora.
How do we see the change in power dynamics between Torvald and Nora in Act III? (two details)
• Stage directions/tone: cold, quiet
• Changes in length of dialogue
• Nora becomes more assertive; confident declaratives.
What crime has Nora committed AND how did Krogstad discover the crime?
Forgery. Her father's signature on the bond was dated after his death.
After receiving Krogstad's (first) letter, what are Torvald's plans for Nora's future?
She will have no contact with the children, but she will continue to live in his house for "appearances".
What was Nora's excuse for shutting herself away in the past (when she was secretly working)?
She was making ornaments / decorations for the Christmas tree
What reason did Torvald originally give for not being able to give Krogstad his job back?
And what does he say in Act II?
• Moral reasons — he cannot stand to be around a liar.
• Krogstad is too friendly with him, and does not show deference.
What does Dr. Rank leave with the Helmers and what does it signify?
Two calling cards with black crosses over his name.
His impending death.
On what, does Nora use the loan she received from Krogstad?
Be as specific as you can!
Saving Torvald's life – specifically, a holiday in Italy to help Torvald recover
What are two details, not related to Nora, that reveal Torvald's nature in Act III?
• He calls Mrs. Linde boring / tells her to take up embroidery
• His reaction to Dr. Rank's visit ("Oh, what does he want now?") / news of Dr. Rank's death
"Christine brought them to me."
— About what, is Nora lying?
The macaroons
Which character had to give up their daughter to take a job?
The children's nurse -- Anne Marie?
What is Nora's response to Helmer saying, "But no man would sacrifice his honour for one he loves"?
"It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done."
What is the new miracle that Nora says would have to happen for Torvald to become anything other than a stranger to her?
For both of them to be so changed that their life together would become a real wedlock.
After reading Krogstad's second letter, what two forms of ownership does Torvald claims to have over Nora?
Bonus points: Why does he claim to have gained this ownership?
She has become both wife and child to him.
Because he freely forgave her / gave her a new life