The Secret & The Debt
To save Torvald’s life, Nora secretly borrowed money to fund a trip to this country.
What is Italy
"No man would sacrifice his honor for the one he loves."
Who is Torvald
These sweet treats represent Nora’s small acts of rebellion and Torvald’s control over her.
What are Macaroons
This old friend of Nora’s arrives in town looking for work and a sense of purpose.
Who is Mrs. Linde
The play’s ending was considered so scandalous in 1879 because it challenged this sacred social institution.
What is Marriage
This is the specific crime Nora committed when she signed her father’s name on the bond.
What is Forgery
"I have been your doll-wife, just as at home I was papa's doll-child."
Who is Nora
Nora dances this frantic Italian folk dance to distract Torvald from the mailbox.
What is Tarantella
This character is the Helmers’ family doctor and is secretly in love with Nora.
Who is Dr. Rank
This is the "wonderful thing" (or "miracle") Nora expected Torvald to do when the secret came out.
What is Taking the blame (The Miracle)
This character is the one who lent Nora the money and later uses the bond to blackmail her.
Who is Krogstad
"I have been performing a check-up on my internal economy. Bankrupt!"
Who is Dr. Rank
This object, which Nora leaves behind at the end of the play, symbolizes the finality of her departure.
What is Wedding Ring
Mrs. Linde and Krogstad were once in a relationship; she broke it off because he lacked this.
What is Money/Financial Security
Henrik Ibsen is often called the "Father" of this literary movement, which portrays life as it truly is.
What is Realism
Nora originally tells Torvald the money for the trip came from this person.
Who is Her Father
"A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with—no false notes!"
Who is Torvald
Dr. Rank uses this "calling card" (marked with a black cross) to announce his impending death.
What is Black Cross/Business Card
This woman gave up her own child to work as Nora’s (and later Nora’s children’s) nurse.
Who is Anne-Marie
Dr. Rank believes his illness is a result of his father’s "excesses," illustrating this theme of inherited sin.
What is Heredity (or Naturalism)
Nora has been "saving" money to pay back the debt by doing this activity late at night in her room.
What is Copying/Scribe work
"I’ve learned to look at things practically. Life and hard, bitter necessity have taught me that."
Who is Kristine Linde
This festive object, which is stripped of its ornaments and looks "tattered" by Act 2, mirrors Nora’s psychological state.
What is Christmas Tree
Krogstad’s job at the bank is being given to this person, which triggers his desperation.
Who is Mrs. Linde
In her final confrontation, Nora says her first and most sacred duty is not to her husband or children, but to this.
Who is Herself