DH3.Questions+21-25

21. What would the audience expect at this point if // A Doll’s House // followed the strict guidelines of the well-made play?

22. What is the importance of Nora’s question about whether she, too, is saved?

Torvald first states that he is saved after the second letter from Krogstad arrives declaring that he will stop blackmailing them, this shows that he has only been thinking about himself. Nora’s question questions what Torvald has just stated, portraying that he did not think of her and only really cared about his own benefit, and how Nora is just an afterthought.

23. What caused Krogstad to return the bond?

Krogstad is overjoyed at the fact that Kristine is willing to be with him once again and thus decided to stop blackmailing Nora. However, when he offered to retrieve the letter he sent out earlier, Kristine stops him as she believes that the "dreadful secret has to be aired; those two have to come to a full understanding; all these lies and evasions can't go on. " (pg 97)

24. What kind of figurative language does Helmer use in describing Nora’s place in their home after the threat of exposure is over and the bond is burned?

Helmer uses numerous metaphors to describe Nora’s place in their home. He continually exclaims that Nora is a “little, bewildered, helpless thing” (p108) He calls her a “frightened little songbird” (p107), which is an animal motif that has showed up throughout the play to convey the role Nora plays in the house. Torvald continually exclaims that he has forgiven Nora, and uses these metaphors to express his own thoughts of Nora as being helpless and dependent on him.

25. What is Helmer’s reaction when Nora initiates a “serious conversation” ? Helmer had a very shocking and surprised reaction when Nora initiates the "serious conversation". Initially he remains to have a very condescending view towards her, believing that it can't be a serious issue. Once he found out the truth, he is appalled for the crimes his wife has committed. There is a drastic character change in his behavior as he is no longer in a calm, jocular mood, but rather changes to be panicked and afraid. He reveals his true nature of only concerning how the crime can affect his reputation.

DH3.Questions 26-30