DH3.Questions+16-20

16. What is Nora’s emotional state while Helmer is reading the letter?

17. What is Helmer’s attitude toward Nora upon reading Krogstad’s letter?

He was extremely infuriated at what Nora had done, and for the first time in the play shouted at her. He felt that he was betrayed by Nora, as he always was out working hard for his family while she stayed at home, and yet there she was doing something that would ruin his hard work. He was more concerned about the future of his reputation and his standings in society rather than what Nora was feeling or what she had to say for herself.

18. What is the significance of Helmer’s dismissal of Nora’s statement, “When I am out of the way, you will be free”? Helmer suggests that even if Nora leaves her now, she has already ruined his reputation too much by doing what she did. Nora states that as she leaves, she is also doing a favor for Helmer, but Helmer claims that what has already happened to his reputation cannot be undone.

19. What is Helmer’s plan for the future? Torvald intends to keep it a secret, he does not want others to know of this incidence as it may affect his reputation in the future. He loses a certain amount of trust and distance to Nora because of this.

20. What is Helmer’s reaction when a letter is hand-delivered? How does the audience know what is enclosed in the letter?

Helmer’s reaction is anxiety and foreboding mixed with his anger as he says “I hardly dare..But I’ve got to know” (107). The audience is aware of the contents as Mrs. Linde previously discussed the situation with Krogstad, and Krogstad decides to fix the problem if not by asking for the letter back, then to do “one thing [he] could do” (97) -- send another letter. In addition, Helmer reads out a summary of the letter, responding with joy, saying that he and Nora are saved.

DH3.Questions 21-25