DH3.Questions+31-34

31. What does Nora mean when she says she lost her love for her husband “when the wonderful thing did not happen”?

32. What would Nora require before she would return to her husband?

The reason Nora left was because she came to the realization that with her husband, she would always be oppressed, treated like a doll, and would have no opportunity to express her individualism. So if Torvald would want Nora to return to his household, he would need to learn to treat Nora with respect, and allow her to do things according to her own interests. That way she can find out who she really is while being with Torvald.

33. Why does Nora change her clothes before leaving? The changing of her clothes signifies her reach for independence. By taking off her usual clothes, she disposes of her role of a mother and wife of the Helmer family. With her new clothes, she has a new identity, her own, and leaves the Helmer household.

34. Why is this play more effective because it is set at the New Year than it would be if it were set at Valentine’s Day or some other holiday? The reason this play is more effective due to the fact that it is set during New Years time is because New years is a symbol for change and a new beginning. In this play, Nora undergoes a change in her life that concludes a completely new beginning to her own life as a more individual person.