Act II pp55-70 1. Look at the stage directions at the beginning of Act II.

. The fact that the Christmas tree is down clearly show that the festivities are over. However, what is the dramatic effect of the Christmas tree on stage? At the beginning of the first Act, we witness the Christmas tree being brought into the house and Nora taking responsibility for the decoration of it. What might the Christmas tree be a symbol of? How would you explain its condition at the beginning of the second act? 2. What is Noras mood at the beginning of this Act?

ANNE -MARIE 3. Explain Anne-Maries situation. How does her conversation with Nora allow the audience to feel sympathy with her? What does her past sacrifice show about societys expectations of women in the nineteenth century?

NORA AND TORVALD 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. What can we ascertain about the relationship between Nora and Torvald in his choice of role for her at the fancy-dress ball? Look at the conversation between Nora and Kristine, looking closely at the parts where Nora talks about the importance of a beautiful home to Helmer. Underline references and comment. Look at the way Nora refers to herself using Helmers nicknames on p60-61. Comment. Nora lies to Torvald again about the reasons she wants Torvald to dismiss Krogstad. Underline and annotate this in your texts. From the conversation on p60-64, how much influence would you say Nora has on Torvalds decisions? What is revealed on p61 about Noras father. How does this seem to reflect what Helmer said in Act One about the influence of a parents character on their children (see p53)? What is insinuated about Torvalds role in the clearing of Noras fathers name?
Discuss the methods Nora uses to get her husband to employ Krogstad. How do these contribute to the changing atmosphere in the play?

10.

11. 12. 13.

Ironically, Nora has been part of the reason why Krogstad has been dismissed from his job. Explain. Torald reveals the real reason for dismissing Krogstad from his job. What is it? Comment on how ethical his reasons are? p63. For those of you who know the whole play, where is the real irony in Torvalds words to Nora? Compare these words to Noras comment about Torvald on p36.

TARENTELLA 14.
Find out the origin of the dance Tarantella and make notes on how it becomes an important symbol in the development of the play.

The tarantella is a dance which is symbolic of a women responding to a spider bite and as a cure for a tarantulas bite. Wants her to perform in front of the c

DR RANK 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. His disease is linked with the immorality of a parent. How does Nora explain his illness? What are Mrs Lindes suspicions about the relationship between Nora and Dr Rank? What do Mrs Lindes observations suggest about Nora and how she deals with this relationship? Why does Nora lie to Dr. Rank about Helmer being busy? In what ways does Nora flirt openly with Dr. Rank in the scene with him? Why does she do this? What do Dr Ranks comments about Helmer on p65 confirm about Helmers attitude to unpleasantness? Explain Noras reaction to Dr Ranks confession.