A Doll’s House

Henrik Ibsen

Study Questions: Answer 16 of the following questions thoroughly in complete sentences.

1. Analyze the setting as Act II opens. How does it reflect internal conflict Nora is experiencing? Be
specific.

2. How does Nora’s attitude toward the fancy-dress ball mirror her attitude toward marriage? (This
is not the same answer as #1).

3. Analyze the relationship between Nora and her nurse, Anne-Marie.

4. Dr. Rank suffers from “spinal tuberculosis.” This is an infectious disease, probably syphilis,
passed on by his degenerate father. How does this information relate to themes that have
already been established in the play?

5. Look back over Nora’s conversations with her nurse and with Mrs. Linde. Isben uses the dash
frequently during these conversations. What does the dash suggest about Nora’s state- of
-mind?

6. Helmer comes on stage just as Nora is about to tell Mrs. Linde the truth about forging her
father’s signature. What effect would Helmer’s entrance at this point have on an audience?
Explain your answer.
7. After Nora tries and fails to get Helmer to give into her by promising to do “pretty tricks, “what
tactic does she use? In addition, as a 21 st century audience, how does it make you feel to hear
Nora refer to herself as “squirrel,” “skylark,” “little fairy”?

8. With the words, “It’s so petty,” what does Nora do for the first time? What is Helmer’s
reaction? How does this further complicate the plot?

9. “These last few days I’ve been going through the books of this body of mine, and I find I am
bankrupt.” What literary device is used in this statement by Dr. Rank? What does he mean
figuratively and literally?

10. Describe the lighting as the scene with Dr. Rank opens and when the maid brings in a lamp. How
is the lighting symbolic of what is going on in this scene?

11. Why does Nora decide not to ask Dr. Rank for the money to pay off Krogstad?

12. What does Krogstad tell Nora he wants more than the money she owes him? What does this
fact reveal about his character?

13. What effect do you think Isben intended by emphasizing the sound of the letter dropping into
the box and the footsteps fading away?
14. What is the “miracle” Nora is expecting to happen?

15. Explain why Mrs. Linde thinks that Krogstad would do anything for her.

16. Describe the Tarnatella. (You may need to go online). Discuss how this dance is a symbol for
Nora’s state-of-mind. Use an embedded quote to support your answer.

17. What do the “macaroons” symbolize? Explain your answer.

18. Isben utilizes many instances of foreshadowing in At II. Find one and explain how it creates
tension for the audience.