A Doll’s House

Act II Discussion Questions

1. When Nora sees the box of masquerade clothes, she wants to “rip them in a million
pieces!” What does Ibsen symbolize with this characterization?
This shows that Nora is beginning to unravel in her confidence in her actions. Previously, she
had boasted her accomplishment, now she is full of doubt and it shows in her behavior as her
character develops.

2. Discuss the foreshadowing in Nora’s conversation with Anne-Marie.

Nora asks the nurse if her kids would be okay without Nora around, if she just happened to
disappear. She rambles that young kids would probably just forget their mother anyway, as she
assumes the nurse’s daughter did since she had to give her away. However, the daughter writes
the nurse, and Nora continues on. This foreshadows that Nora will not always be around, and
she is confirming that the Nurse will look after the family.

3. Why does Torvald make such a decisive show of mailing the letter firing Krogstad against
Nora’s pleas?
Nora’s disobedience is frustrating to Torvald, as he naturally assumes the position of the most
powerful in the house. When Nora tries to embarrass him like that, and tries to uphold
promises with deceitful people, Torvald rashly sends the letter off to establish his dominance.

4. After Dr. Rank professes his love, Nora demands the lamp be brought in. Why? Is this light
real or artificial? What might Ibsen be suggesting about truth and light in the Helmer’s
household?
The light is artificial. This suggests that the household holds itself to be reputable and honest,
with everything the way Torvald likes it. However, little glimpses like this reveal that the
honesty this family is built upon is unsteady, and happiness comes from lies. However, they
aren’t purposely like this, as Nora refuses to hang out with her kids because she doesn’t want
them to turn into criminals.

5. Some histories of the tarantella dance explain that it is used to fight off the venomous
effects of a spider bite. Other interpretations suggest it represents a woman’s frustration in
oppression. Which of these explanations best fits Nora’s violent practice at the end of Act II?
Might both apply? Explain.
Nora’s dancing fits both descriptions because she is actually oppressed in her own household,
but has been taught to adore the oppression. In society, this oppression was almost a trophy
that women should strive for. Nonetheless, Nora is having a battle within her own mind over her
personal growth and the health of her family. Her perfect life is cracking and she is doing her
best to uphold it, explaining the venomous effects of a spider bite dance, as she’s fighting to
live. The dancing is overall to distract Torvald from wanting to attend to business matters that
Nora made him promise to leave for the next day.