A DOLLS HOUSE Act 3 Scene 1 51

A DOLL’S HOUSE Act 3

Scene 1 (51 – 55 “a key is turned and Helmer brings Nora”) 1. Why does the act open with Mrs. Linde’s character? 2. How does Ibsen establish continuity between Act 2 and Act 3? 3. What is revealed here about Mrs. Linde’s and Krogstad’s characters? Refer to specific elements of characterization. 4. Discuss how the following motifs are developed: equality, necessity, forgiveness. 5. Make links to the larger context while looking ath the gender roles in this scene. 6. Discuss Krogstad’s character development. 7. Other

Scene 2 ( 55 “a key is turned and Helmer brings Nora” – 57 Linde “Good night, Mr. Helmer” ) 1. Discuss how tension is created here. Pay closer attention to the character’s language & stage directions. 2. Discuss Nora’s state of mind and how that is conveyed through specific stylistic features. 3. What is significant about Torvald’s account of the ball? What does this reveal about his character? 4. Comment on Torvald’s juxtaposition of knitting vs. embroidering? What larger comment is he making here? 5. How is plot furthered here? Refer to specific plot elements. 6. Other

Scene 3(57 Helmer accompanies Mrs. Linde to the door – 58 Helmer: Who is it? ) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. How is tension built in this scene? Refer to specific stylistic devices. Comment on Nora’s language and character development. Discuss the use of dramatic irony. Discuss themes of fantasy vs. reality and sexuality & desire. Identify important quotes and address significance. Other

Scene 4: (58 Rank: It is I – 60 Rank nods to them both and goes out) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Why does Dr. Rank appear on stage at this point in the play? How is Torvald contrasted to Dr. Rank in this scene? Discuss Torvald and Dr. Rank’s relationship here. Identify important quotes and address significance. Other

Scene 5 (60 Helmer: In a subdued voice – 61 Helmer: shutting the door after him) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. How is tension built here? Refer to specific stylistic devices. Discuss the symbolism of the black cross on Dr. Rank’s cards. Discuss Helmer’s comments on learning about Dr. Rank’s condition. Address the disconnect between Nora and Torvald. Identify important quotes and address significance. Other

Scene 6 ( 61 Nora: gropes distractedly about – 63 Helmer: …the remains, the fragments, the appearance) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Comment on Nora’s state of mind at the start of this scene. Discuss Torvald’s initial reaction to the letter and how Nora tries to justify herself. What is the larger significance here? Analyze Torvald’s language. Comment on the larger Victorian norms translated into this section of the play. Other

Scene 7 ( 63: A ring is heard at the front door bell – 65 Helmer: …not gone to bed? …) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Address the elements of reversal in this scene. Discuss Torvald’s reaction to Krogstad’s second letter and what this reveals about his character. Discuss the references to time. Address the motif of forgiveness. Comments on gender roles. Other

Scene 8 ( 65: Nora in everyday dress – 67 Nora: That is what our marriage has been) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Discuss Nora’s transformation and Torvald’s reaction to it. How is tension built in this scene? Refer to specific stylistic devices. Comment on theme of marriage as a partnership of equals. Comment on the link that Torvald makes between Nora and her father. Discuss the doll as a motif. Other.

Scene 9 ( 67: Helmer: There is some truth in what you say – 69 Nora: I have never felt my mid so clear) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Comment on he motif of motherhood. Comment on Nora’s individualistic motivation and how that links to Ibsen’s message. Discuss Torvald’s reaction to Nora’s decision to leave. What does this reveal about his character? Comment on: familial obligations vs individual obligations, religion vs reason, morality vs law. Significant quotes? Other

Scene 10 (69 Helmer: And is it with a clear and certain mind… - end) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Comment on the following motifs: masculinity, femininity, honor, and sacrifice. Comment on the “abyss” metaphor (Helmer: an abyss has opened between us) Discuss Torvald’s transformation to a pleading man and the reversal of power. Comment on the end of the act/play. Significant quotes? Other?