DH3.Questions+26-30

26. What is Nora saying when she introduces the image of herself as a doll? She is trying to communicate to Helmer that she feels like his plaything - one of his possessions. She feels that he doesn't respect her as a person, but rather regards her as an attachment or an accessory to himself, something to draw attention and admiration from peers.

27. What is Helmer’s reaction to Nora’s statement that he treats her as a doll? He neither denies nor accepts her statements and seems shock at first. However, he then says that there was nothing wrong in the way he treated Nora, and the way he talks to Nora show that he still treats Nora like a doll even after Nora has showed her dissatisfaction towards his behavior (Helmer: “You talk like a child.” p. 111). But near the end of the act, when Nora physically prepares herself to leave the house, then he finally realizes the seriousness of the situation and sincerely asks her to stay with him, promising that he will treat her properly as a wife (Helmer: “But you’re my wife, you are and you always will be.” P.113)

28. What does this show about Helmer’s understanding of Nora?

29. What is Helmer’s reaction to Nora’s decision to leave him?. Helmer is completely shocked and taken unprepared by her decision. He can only think of what will happen to the children but is unable to fully comprehend her wife's desire to be an independent person. His shock is further emphasized by his silence as the door slams.

30. What is the significance of the following speech by Nora?

“I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are—or at all events, that I must try and become one. I know quite well, Torvald, that most people would think you right, and that views of that kind are to be found in books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or with what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get to understand them”.

This speech is significant because for the first time, Nora speaks her true feelings to Torvald's face. Nora informs Torvald that she does not agree with his opinions regarding gender and social expectations; in fact, she openly states that she does not agree with the public's view on gender and social expectations. This speech marks the official beginning of Nora's mini-revolution towards the independence she desired for so long.

DH3.Questions 31-34