Plot
What is Nora’s secret?
Secret loan/ forged signature on the loan
Who is Kristine Linde, and what is her importance in “A Doll’s House”?
Kristine is Nora’s old school friend, and she comes looking for work. Kristine encourages Nora to be truthful and she even prevents Krogstad from withdrawing his letter forcing Nora to confront the truth.
What theme does this quote represent- “It was great fun, though, sitting there working and earning money. It was almost like being a man.”
Nora’s naiveness/gender roles
What literary element involves the difference between Nora’s “perfect” home life and the harsh reality of her debt?
irony
What is Torvald’s reaction to discovering Nora’s secret? Double pts: What reaction did Nora expect?
He is worried about himself only, and expects her to never see her children again. She expected him to heroically accept the blame and save her.
In what ways did Torvald treat Nora as a doll, and how did these views impact her?
Torvald would use pet names, acted possessively, showed her off to society, and dismisses any opinions that she has. This causes Nora to feel helpless and torn between herself, and her children.
“No, I assure you—I wouldn't dream of doing anything you'd disapprove of.”- What theme does this quote establish?
Deceit/dishonesty
Torvald often uses pet names such as “squirrel” or “songbird”, using what literary tool to diminish Nora’s status to a pet?
Metaphor
What Dance does Nora perform that symbolizes the chaos in Nora’s life?
The Tarantella
Why did Nora refuse to let Dr. Rank pay off her debt when he offered?
Nora refused his money because after he confessed his love, their friendship changed. To Nora, taking the money would feel like she’s giving herself up, and would display an obligation to another man.
"I have been your doll-wife, just as at home I was papa's doll-child…that is what are marriage has been, Torvald.”
Gender roles/ lack of autonomy
While Ms.Linde is hardened and practical, Nora is childish and naive. Ms. Linde serves as?
Foil Character
What is the very last sound in the play, and what does it symbolize?
The door slam when Nora leaves. Finality of her departure and entering the real world.
How does the dance serve as a symbol for Nora’s internal state of mind?
The dance serves as a delay tactic to help Nora escape her reality that she is living in. It symbolizes the internal chaos in her mind.
Which theme does Torvald portray throughout the story?
Social reputation and patriarchal authority
The Christmas tree and macaroons represent what literary term of Nora’s internal conflict and small acts of rebellion?
Symbolism
What is the significance and the complicating factor of the end of the story for Nora?
She leaves, asserting her newfound independence, but she leaves her children and is still naive about the world.
How did Nora justify the forgery, and was the justification true, or did she have ulterior motives?
Nora justified it by saying she was “saving” Torvald, and she wanted to be the hero. She had ulterior motives.
What theme does Nora embody at the end of the play?
Liberation, rejection of her role as a “doll”, and finding independence
This term describes the moment Nora realizes Torvald is not the “miracle” she expected, leading her to leave.
Anagnorisis (dramatic, pivotal moment in a story when a character moves from ignorance to knowledge, realizing the true nature of their situation or identity)