DH1.Questions+6-10

Helmer states that Nora is “very like [her] father”. Helmer describes Nora as always “wheedling money out of [him]” and “melting [money] in [her] hands”. He also states that he “never know[s] where it [the money] has gone”. Since Nora is like her father, the descriptions of Nora must also act as descriptions for her father.
 * 6. What literary element is used when Helmer refers to Nora's father, and what does Helmer say about the father?**

The audience learns about the gender inequality in the play. When Torvald questions her about the subject of sweets, it is suggested that the males are in charge of setting the rules of the house including food intake. Torvald and Nora’s relationship is revealed as somewhat of a father-daughter relationship where the parent restricts the daughter’s diet.
 * 7. What does the audience learn when Helmer raises the subject of sweets saying, "Hasn't Miss Sweet-Tooth been breaking the rules in town to-day"?**

Nora shut herself in her room three weeks in advance in order to hand-make flowers and other decorations for a Christmas tree so that despite their lack of money, her family can still be surprised and have a happy Christmas. Such an action suggests she is a very caring mother as well as a loving wife to her family, and would happily sacrifice a large portion of her own time for the happiness of her close ones. It also suggests that she is not one concerned with money; though she enjoys her new life with her husband’s larger salary, she enjoyed the times of their financial struggles just as much.
 * 8. When the family was short of money, what did Nora do so they could all celebrate Christmas? What does this symbolize, and what does it suggest about her character?**

I interpret this in more than one way. One is that their definition of "tight economic circumstance" might be a bit loose compared to the standard. Nora and her family might only think so because they can not revel themselves in luxury. Another possibility is that the servant is almost a necessity for them, instead of not absolutely needing them as we do now with ayis. It may be that Nora is no good with household chores or just simply cannot do them, hence they need the servant.
 * 9. What does the audience infer about the Helmer family's choice to have servants even when they are in tight economic circumstances?**

Helmer replies that "If a caller, remember that I am not at home" because he appreciates his time, and does not wish to be disturbed by unexpected and unwanted visitors.
 * 10. When the doorbell rings, why does Helmer say, "If a caller, remember that I am not at home"?**


 * DH1.Questions 11-15**