Excerpts and Answers from Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House
1.Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
Nora: No; yesterday it was very noticeable. I must tell you that he suffers from a very dangerous Disease.He has consumption of the spine, poor creature. His father was a horrible man who committed all Sorts of excesses; and that is why his son was sickly from childhood, do you understand?
Mrs. Linde: (dropping her sewing) But, my dearest Nora, how do you know anything about such things?
Nora: (walking about) Pooh! When you have three children, you get visits now and then from - from married women, who know something of medical matters, and they talk about One thing and another.
Mrs. Linde: (goes on sewing a short silence) Does Doctor Rank come here every day?
Nora: Everyday regularly. He is Torvalds’s most intimate friend, and a great friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family.
Mrs. Linde: But tell me this – is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn’t he the kind of man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable?
Nora: Not in the least. What makes you think that?
Mrs. Linde: When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he had often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I noticed that your husband hadn’t the slightest idea who I was. So how could Doctor Rank -?
Nora: That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of me that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first he used to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk at home; so naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about such things with Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them.
Mrs. Linde: Listen to me, Nora. You are still like a child in many ways and have a little more experience. Let me tell you this – you ought to make an end of it with Doctor Rank.
Nora: What ought I to make an end of?
Mrs. Linde: Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense about a rich admirer who was to leave you money -
Nora: An admirer who doesn’t exist, unfortunately!But what then?
Mrs. Linde: Is Doctor Rank a man of means
Nora: Yes, he is.
Mrs. Linde: And has no one to provide for?
Nora: No, no one; but -
Mrs. Linde: And comes here every day?
Nora: Yes, I told you so.
Mrs. Linde: And comes here every day?
Nora: Yes, I told you so.
Mrs. Linde: But how can this well-bred man be so tactless?
Nora: I don’t understand you at all.
Mrs. Linde: Don’t prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don’t guess who lent you the two hundred and
fifty pounds?
Questions
Explain briefly what happens immediately before this excerpt. (3mks)
Identify the humour in Nora’s answer on how she came to know “anything about such things.” (2mks)
Why does Mrs. Linde ask so many questions about Dr. Rank’s character?(2mks)
Identify and explain dramatic irony in this excerpt. (3mks)
What does this passage reveal about the character of Dr. Rank? (4mks)
‘I don’t understand you all.’ (Rewrite in reported speech) (1mk)
Identify and illustrate two theme two themes evident in this excerpt. (4mks)
Explain briefly what happens after this extract. (3mk)
Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in this excerpt. (3mks)
Excesses
Make an end of it
A man of means
Excerpts Answers
a) i) Nora is alone in the room and she is uneasy/she begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes. It away from
herself. ✔1
ii) Mrs. Linde, calls in and Nora is relieved that it is her and not anyone else (Krogstad) ✔1
iii) Mrs. Linde helps Nora to mend the dress that she is going to wear at the ball (at the Stenborg’s) ✔1
iv) Mrs. Linde enquires about Dr. Rank. ✔1 (Any 3 =3mks)
b) i) The fact her knowledge of medical matters is based on gossip from married women and not a reliable source
such as medical doctor. ✔1
ii) The fact that she says, without any proof to back her claim, that Doctor Ranks illness was caused by his
father’s ‘excesses’ (unethical ways) when he was young. ✔1 (Any one illustration = 2mks)
c) i) She is concerned that Doctor Rank’s frequent visits may lead to a love affair between him and Nora, thereby
threatening Nora’s marriage. ✔1
ii) She may be jealous of the attention that doctor Rank is Lavishing on Nora, it her expense. ✔1
(either, award 1mk )
d) Mrs. Linde thinks that it is Dr. Rank who led Nora money but we know it is Krogstad. ✔1
e) i) He is hypocritical/insincere – He says he heard Mrs. Linde’s name mentioned yet Torvald had never heard
of her✔1
ii) He is untrustworthy – Mrs. Linde casts doubt about him “is he perfectly sincere?” ✔1
He is immoral – Mrs. Linde describes him as tactless in the way he approaches the relationship between him
and Nora. ✔1 (2 traits – identification - 1mk
illustration - 1mk
f) Nora (She) said that she did not (didn’t) Understand her at all. ✔1
g) Love - ✔1The love between Nora and her husband, between Nora and Dr. Rank, Doctor Rank and Torvald. Nora says that Doctor “… is Torvald’s most intimate friend, and a great friend of mine.” ✔1
Suffering – ✔1 Dr. Rank is said to suffer from consumption of the spine and has been sickly since childhood. ✔1 (Any two = 1mk) identification 1mk illustration)
h) i) Nora tells Mrs. Linde it was Dr. Rank who lent her money since he had no money to lend then. ✔1
ii) Nora promises to make end of it with Krogstad behind Helmer’s back. ✔1
iii) Mrs. Linde asks Nora what she is concealing from her. ✔1
Helmer comes in and Nora requests him to keep his post in the bank. ✔1 (Any 3 points = 3mks)
i) i) Harmful/ unacceptable/immoral actions✔1
ii) Stop the developing love relationship✔1
2. Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow
Helmer: You blind, foolish woman!
Nora:I must try and get some sense, Torvald.
Helmer: To desert your home, your husband and your children! And you don’t consider what people will say!
Nora:I cannot consider that at all. I only know that it is necessary for me.
Helmer: It’s shocking. This is how you would neglect your most sacred duties.
Nora:What do you consider my most sacred duties.
Helmer: Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your husband and your children?
Nora:I have other duties just as sacred.
Helmer: That you have not. What duties could that be?
Nora:Duties to myself.
Helmer: Before all else, you are a wife and a mother.
Nora:I don’t believe that any longer. I believe that before all else I am reasonable human being, just as you are – or, at all events, that I must try and become one. I know quite well, Torvald, that most people would think you right, and that views of that kind are to be found in books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or with what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get to understand them.
Helmer: Can you not understand your place in your own home? Have you not a reliable guide in such matters as that? – have you no religion?
Nora:I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is.
Helmer: What are you saying?
Nora:I know nothing but what the clergyman said, when I went to be confirmed. He told us that religion was this, and that, and the other. When I am away from all this, and am alone, I will look into that matter too. I will see if what the clergyman said is true, or at all events if it is true from me.
Helmer: This is unheard of in a girl of your age! But if religion cannot lead you aright, let me try and awaken your conscience. I suppose you have some moral sense? Or – answer me – am I to think you have none?
Nora:I assure you, Torvald, that is not an easy question to answer. I really don’t know. The things perplexes me altogether. I only know that you and I look at it in quite a different light. I am learning, too, that the law is quite another thing from what I supposed; but I find it impossible to convince myself that the law is right. According to it a woman has no right to spare her old dying father, or to save her husband’s life. I can’t believe that.
Helmer: You talk like a child.
Questions
Place the excerpt in its immediate context (4 mks)
Contrast the character traits of Nora and Helmer in this excerpt (4 mks)
Discuss two themes evident in this excerpt. (4 mks)
Identify and illustrate one style used in this excerpt. (2 mks)
From elsewhere in this play, mention how Nora spares her old dying father and saves her husband’s life. (4 mks)
Identify Nora’s tone in this extract. (2 mks)
“You talk like a child.” Which other two characters treat Nora as a child? (2 mks)
Give the meaning of the following words as used in this excerpt. (3 mks)
Perplexes –
Content-
Conscience-
Excerpts Answers
Before
Nora agrees with Helmer that she is not fit to bring up their children and that she must undertake the task of educating herself. ✔ she informs Helmer of her plans to leave the following day ✔
After
Nora tells Helmer that she was going to see if she could make out who was right between the world and herself ✔ Helmer accuses Nora of being ill, delirious and out of her mind✔
Nora is non-conformist as she questions the society and religion while Helmer is a conformist who abides and does not question religion and society norms.
Place of women✔ “…….. are they not your duties to your husband and children?” ✔
Feminism/Female empowerment✔ “…… I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being just as you are …”✔
Irony – Helmer thinks that Nora doesn’t understand her role in her own home yet she does.
Torvald’s life was in danger ✔as he was ill and to save him, the doctors said that the only way was for him to live in the south. Nora therefore forged her father’s signature ✔ as he was gravely ill then and she did not want✔ to trouble him as a guarantee to enable her obtain ✔two hundred and fifty pounds from Krogstad to take her husband to the South thus saving his life.
Nora is skeptical/ doubtful.
She questions everything that Helmer tells her as she tries to convince her not to leave. She questions her place as a woman, religion and even the law.
Mrs Linde – Thinks Nora doesn’t know much about the world i.e. its trouble and burdens of life.
Nora’s father – Nora tells us that her father called her his doll’s child and played with her.
Did not allow her to put across her opinion.
Perplexes – confuses
Content – satisfy
Conscience – moral sense/ value.
Krogstad: Are you sure of that?
Mrs. Linde: Quite sure, but -
Krogstad: (with a searching look at her) Is that what it all means? - that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. Is that it?
Mrs. Linde: Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another’s sake doesn’t do it a second time.
Krogstad: I will ask for my letter back.
Mrs. Linde: No, no.
Krogstad: Yes, of course I will. I will wait here until Helmer comes; I will tell him he must give me my letter back-that it only concerns my dismissal-that he is not to read it -
Mrs. Linde: No Nils, you must not recall your letter.
Krogstad: But, tell me wasn’t it for that very purpose that you asked me to meet you here?
Mrs. Linde: In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four hours have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on.
Krogstad: Very well, if you take the responsibility. But there is one thing I can do in any case and I shall do it at once.
Mrs. Linde: (listening) You must be quick and go! The dance is over; we are not safe a moment longer.
Krogstad: I will wait for you below.
Mrs. Linde: Yes, do. You must see me back to my door -
Krogstad: I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life!
Questions.
a) Explain what happens immediately before this extract. (2 marks)
b)Why does Krogstad say he would ask for his letter back? (3 marks)
c)“Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another’s sake doesn’t do it a second time,” Briefly explain what makes Mrs. Linde say this. (3 marks)
d) Identify one character trait of Mrs. Linde in this excerpt. (2 marks)
e) What is so surprising in this excerpt? Explain. (2 marks)
f) “But there is one thing I can do in any case and I shall do it at once.” What is it that Krogstad does and how does it affect the rest of the play? (4 marks)
g)“I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life!” Rewrite beginning Never . . . (1 mark)
h) What makes Krogstad say that he has never had such good fortune in his life? (2 marks)
i)Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in the excerpt. (4 marks)
At any cost
Recall
Elapsed
Incredible things
j) Explain what happens immediately after his excerpt. (2 marks)
Excerpt Answers
a)Krogstad asks Christine if she still has the courage to have him back after what he has done. Christine tells him that she understands that. He regrets that he cannot undo what he had done. Mrs. Linde tells him that the letter is still in letter box. (2 marks)
b)He had re-united with Christine and is very happy. He does not want to ruin the Helmer’s marriage who are friends to Christine by revealing to Nora’s husband the forgery secret. (3 mark)
c)She once sacrificed her love for the sake of her bed-ridden mother and two young brothers. By saying that, it means that she cannot be doing it the second time for another person because that experience was enough. (3 marks)
d)Selfless - sacrificed for another person, has mother and brothers. She says ‘A woman who has once sold herself for another’s sake doesn't do it a second time.
Any one well illustrated - 2 marks e.g. opportunistic, traitorous, scheming.
e)It is surprising that Krogstad can change his mind about revenging against Helmet. He was much determined to have his own way with them and his change and readiness to withdraw the letter catches the reader by surprise. (2 marks)
f)Krogstad writes Nora a letter that sets free Nora and her husband. He also returns the bond that had all the evidence of forgery. Mr. Helmer is very happy now that he is saved and tells Nora that he has forgiven her. However this comes when it is too late for he had already condemned her for her action. Nora decides to leave him and the children. (4 marks)
g) Never have I had such an amazing piece of fortune in my life! (1 mark)
h) Christine had left him for a richer man who would help her support her sick mother and her two young brother. She had given him another chance for she want to have somebody to live and work for. (2 marks)
i) i) At any cost - No matter what or despite the danger involved.
ii) Recall - ask for or call back retrieve.
iv) Incredible things - unbelievable things. (4 marks)
j)Krogstad goes out through the other door and leaves Mrs. Linda tiding up the room. Mrs. Linde is excited that she has someone to work for and live for and live for a home to bring comfort into (2 marks)
4. Read the following extract and then answer the questions that follow. (25 mks)
Nora:I didn’t find it dull
Helmer: (smiling) But there was precious little result, Nora.
Nora:Oh, you shouldn’t tease me about that again. How could I help the cat’s going in and tearing everything to pieces?
Helmer: Of course you couldn’t, poor girl. You had the best of intentions to please us all, and your pretty little hands-
Nora:(clapping her hands) No, Torvald, I needn’t any longer, need I? It’s wonderfully lovely to hear hear you say so! (taking his arm) Now I will tell you how I have been we ought to arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over- (A bell rings in the hall) There’s the bell. ( She tidies the room a little.) There’s someone at the door. What a nuisance!
Helmer: If it is a caller, remember am not at home.
Maid:(in the doorway) A lady to see you ma’ma- a stranger.
Nora:Ask her to come in.
Maid:(to Helmer) The doctor came at the same time, Sir?
Helmer: Did he go straight into my room?
Maid:Yes, sir.
Questions
What does Nora refer to in her opening words in this extract? (2mks)
What has happened that has made the couple happy? (2mks)
Discuss two themes evident in this extract. (4mks)
“There’s someone at the door.” Add a question tag. (1mk)
A lady has come to see Nora as reported by the maid. Who is this lady and how does her coming affect the Helmers from the rest of the play? Write you answer in note form. (4mks)
Discuss one aspect of style in this extract. (2mks)
Briefly explain what happens after this extract. (4mks)
Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the excerpt. (4mks)
Tease
Dull
Nuisance
caller
Excerpt Answers
to the previous Christmas when she spent every evening for three full weeks making ornaments for the Christmas tree. Her husband says it was the dullest three weeks he had spent.
The couple is happy that Mr. Helmer has been promoted to the level of a bank manager. They are happy that the position will ease their financial burden and they will have a lot of money to spend.
Parental responsibility/the role of women in the society. Nora is committed to please her family. Krogstad says, “You had the best of intentions to please us all.”
Falsehood: Mr. Helmer tells Nora to say he is not at home if it is a visitor.There is someone at the door, isn’t there?
The lady is Mrs. Linde.
She is Nora’s school days times’ friend.
She asks Nora to talk to her husband to give her a job because of his title.
She gets the job which is to make Krogstad lose his job.
Krogstad writes a letter exposing Nora’s forgery to prevent Helmer from sacking him.
Mrs. Linde speaks to Krogstad on Nora’s behalf and Krogstad withdraws his revenge plans.
The Helmer's reputation is protected although their marriage finally breaks.
Flashback: “How could I help the cat’s going in and tearing everything to pieces?” This refers to the previous Christmas.
Helmer goes to his room while the maid ushers in Mrs. Linde. Mrs. Linde greets Nora in a dejected voice but Nora does not seem to recognize her. Later, she remembers her as Christine and observes that Christine has changed greatly. She agrees she has changed because they last met nine or ten years back.
Meanings
Tease- provoke
Dull- boring/ uninteresting
Nuisance- bother/ an inconvenience
Caller- visitor
Nora: What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad? – You, one of my husband’s subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleased her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that.
Krogstad: I was right in what I thought then.
Nora: (walking up and down the stage) Sometimes one has a tiny little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not necessarily follow that-. When anyone is in a subordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone who-who-
Krogstad: Who has influence?
Nora: Exactly
Krogstad: (changing his tone) Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as to use your influence on my behalf.
Nora: What? What do you mean?
Krogstad :(You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep by subordinate position in the bank.
Nora: What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you?
Krogstad: Oh there is no necessity to keep up the pretense of ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off.
Nora: But I assure you-
Krogstad: Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that.
Nora: But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence.
Krogstad: Haven’t you? I thought you said yourself just now-
Nora: Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I! What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my husband?
Krogstad: Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don’t suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands.
Nora: If you speak slightly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house.
Krogstad: You are bold, Mrs. Helmer
Nora: I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New year comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing.
Krogstad: (Controlling himself) Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the bank as if I were fighting for my life.
Nora: So it seems.
Krogstad: It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason - well, I may as well tell you. My position is this, I daresay you know, like everyone else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of indiscretion.
Nora: I think I have heard something of the kind.
Krogstad: The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I had to do something; and, honestly, I don’t think I’ve been one of the worst. But now I must cut myself free from all that. My sons are growing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in the town. This post in the bank was like the first step up for me – and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud.
Nora: But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.
Krogstad: Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel you.
Questions:
a) Krogstad asks four questions just before this excerpt. List them. (4mks)
b) For what reason has Krogstad visited Nora? Refer to what happens in the excerpt and in the rest of the play. (3mks)
c) Identify and illustrate one stylistic device employed in this excerpt.(2mks)
d) Describe two character traits of Nora as portrayed in this excerpt.(4mks)
e) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each.
i) If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house.
I shall turn out of the house (Rewrite using unless) (1mk)
ii) So it seems. (supply a question tag) (1mk)
f) Highlight two themes evident in this excerpt. (4mks)
g) “Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel you”
i) How does Krogstad plan to force Nora to talk to her husband. (3mks)
h) Write a word with the same meaning as each of the following words as sued in the excerpt. (3 mks)
i) Necessity –
ii) Pleaded –
iii) Influence –
Excerpt Answers
If it is Mrs. Linde he has seen with Helmer
If Mrs. Linde has just arrived in town.
That Mrs. Linde and Nora have been friends.
If Mrs. Linde is to have an appointment in the bank.(Expect all 4 points – 1 mk each)
b)
To plead with Nora to influence her husband to help him keep his job at the bank.
To remind Nora of her fraud.
To blackmail Nora.
(Expect all 3 points – 1 mk each)
i) sarcasm- Krogstad sarcastically says to Nora, “You will be so kind to see to it that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position in the bank.
ii) Irony - Nora keeps threatening Krogstad, when it should be the other way round since Krogstad has incriminating information against Nora.
Any 1 – 2mks
Identification – 1mk
Illustration – 1mk
d) i) Protective – she cannot afford to have Krogstad speak to her husband.
ii) Bold – she tells Krogstad she is not afraid of him.
iii) Optimistic – she hopes to be free of the whole thing. (debt)
Identification 1mk
Illustration – 1mk
Any 2 mks = 4mks
e) i) I shall keep/entertain you in my house unless you speak slightingly of my husband.
ii) So it seems, doesn’t it? Wrong punctuation – deny a mark
f) i) Role of women- Krogstad believes Nora can influence her husband to help him (Krogstad) to keep his job.
ii) Courage/boldness – Nora courageously cautions Krogstad against speaking ill of her husband,which would resort to her kicking him of their house.
Expect 2 themes
Identification – 1mk
Illustration – 1mk = 4mks
Reveal about the loan she took from him.
He reminds Nora of the details of their (illegal) business
Tells Nora that if he goes down, Nora too will go down.
Expect the 3 points – 1mk each.
i) Need (1mk)
ii) Begged (1mk)
iii) Power (1mk)
6.Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.
Krogstad: Are you sure of that
Mrs. Linde: Quite sure, but-
Krogstad: (with a searching look at her) is that what it all means? -That you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. Is that it?
Mrs. Linde: Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another’s sake doesn’t do it a second time.
Krogstad: I will ask for my letter back.
Mrs. Linde: no, no
Krogstad: yes, of course I will. I will wait here until Helmer comes; I will tell him he must give me my letter back-that it only concerns my dismissal-that he is not to read it
Mrs. Linde: No Nils, you must not recall your letter.
Krogstad: but, tell me wasn’t it for that very purpose that you asked me to meet you here?
Mrs. Linde: in my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty four hours have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on.
Krogstad: very well, if you take the responsibility. But there is one thing I can do in any case and I shall do it at once.
Mrs. Linde: (listening) you must be quick and go! The dance is over; we are not safe a moment longer.
Krogstad: I will wait for you below.
Mrs. Linde: yes, do. You must see me back to my door-
Krogstad: I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life!
Questions
Explain what has happened before this excerpt. (4mks)
Why does Krogstad say he would ask for his letter back? Explain which letter he is referring to. (4mks)
“Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another’s sake doesn’t do it a second time.” Briefly explain what makes Mrs. Linde say this. (2mks
Identify one character trait of Mrs. Linde in this extract (2mks)
What is so surprising in this extract? Explain. (2mks)
“But there is one thing I can do in any case and I shall do it at once.” What is it that Krogstad does and how does it affect the rest of the play? (4mks)
“ I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life!” rewrite beginning Never(1mk)
What makes Krogstad say that he has never had such good fortune in his life? (2mks)
Identify and illustrate one dominating thematic concern evident in the excerpt. (2mks)
Identify and illustrate one dominating literary technique in the excerpt. (2mks)
Excerpts Answers
Before the extract, Krogstad asks Christine if she still have the courage to have him back after what he has done.Christine tells him she understand that it was despair that made him do that. He regrets that he cannot undo what he has done.Mrs. Linde tells him that the letter is still in the letter box. 4mks
He does not want Nora’s husband to know the secret of forgery that she has kept from him for many years. He has reunited with Christine and it’s very happy. He does not want to ruin the Nora’s’ marriage who is a friend to Christine. He is referring to the letter he had written to Helmer disclosing Nora’s secrets about the debts and forgery as a way of blackmailing her. 4mks
She once sacrificed her love for the sake of her bedridden mother and two young brothers.By saying that, it means she cannot be doing it the second time for another person because that experience was enough. 3mks
Selfless:she sacrificed for another person, her mother and brothers. She says “a woman who has once sold herself for another’s sake doesn’t do it a second time. 2mks (any other relevant trait)
It is surprising that Krogstad can change his mind about revenging against the Helmers. He was much determined to have his own way with them and his change and readiness to withdraw the letter catches the readers by surprise 2mks
Krogstad writes Nora another letter that sets free Nora and her husband. He also returns the bond had all the evidence of forgery. Mr. Helmer is very happy now that he is saved and tells Nora he has forgiven her. However, this comes when it is too late for he had already condemned her for her actions. Nora decides leave him and the children. 4mks
Never had I such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life! 1mk
He has got back together with Mrs. Linde after the separation which he feels it has come at the right time.Since Christine had left him for a richer man who would help her support her sick mother and two young brothers. 2mks
Change.
Mrs. Linde has changed her mind concerning assisting Nora to get the letter from the letter box.
Krogstad has changed his mind about blackmailing Nora and he’s ready to withdraw the blackmailing letter. 2mks (must be two illustrations)
Irony.
It is ironical that Mrs. Linde who was supposed to convince Krogstad to withdraw the blackmailing letter is the one who is telling Krogstad to let Helmer read the letter.
It is ironical that Krogstad who had sworn to destroy Nora is the same who’s saying will ask for his letter back.
(2 mks – must be two illustrations to score full marks)
7. Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow
Mrs. Linde: Yes, that was what I was thinking of.
Nora:He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject very cleverly- I will think of something that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to you.
Mrs. Linde: How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is doubly kind of you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles of life.
Nora:I -? I know so little of them?
Mrs. Linde: (Smiling) My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!- You are a child, Nora.
Nora: (tosses her head and crosses the stage) You ought not to be so superior,
Mrs. Linde: No?
Nora: You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable of anything really serious-
Mrs. Linde: Come, come –
Nora:-that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares.
Mrs. Linde: But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles.
Nora: Pooh! – those were trifles. (Lowering her voice) I have not told you the important thing.
Mrs. Linde: The important thing? What do you mean?
Nora: You look down upon me altogether, Christine – but you ought not to. You are proud, aren’t you, of having worked so hard and so long for your mother?
Mrs. Linde: Indeed, I don’t look down on anyone. But it is true that I am both proud and glad to think that I was privileged to make the end of my mother’s life almost free from care.
Nora: And you are proud to think of what you have done for your brothers?
Mrs. Linde: I think I have the right to be.
Nora: I think so, too. But now, listen to this: I too have something to be proud and glad of.
Mrs. Linde: I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to?
Nora: Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn’t on any account – no one in the world must know, Christine, except you.
Mrs. Linde: But what is it?
Nora: Come here. (Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.)Now I will show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of.
Questions
What does Mrs. Linde refer to when she says “that was what I was thinking of”? (2mks)
How do you compare Mrs. Linde’s reference to Nora as a child and Torvald Helmer’s of her from the text? (2mks)
Describe characters of: (4mks)
Mrs. Linde :
Nora :
What is Mrs. Linde’s attitude towards Nora? (2mks)
From your knowledge of the text, why does Nora refuse to tell her secret to herhusband? (3mks)
Rewrite the following in reported speech (2mks)
Nora: You look down upon me altogether, Christine – but you ought not to .
What is ironical about Nora’s assertion that ‘no one in the world must know, Christine, except you.’ And what does this reveal about Nora’s character? (3mks)
Explain any aspect of style inherent in the above excerpt. (2mks)
Identify and illustrate any theme evident in this excerpt (2mks)
Change the sentence below into a interrogative one. (1mk)
I think I have the right to be.
K. Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the passage. (2mks)
Broach –
Look down on –
Excerpt Answers
She refers to what Nora had said earlier that perhaps Torvald could get her something to do. (2mks)
As Mrs. Linde call her a child, Mr. Helmer refer to her with pet names such as little Nora, little spendthrift, little sky lark, little feather head and my little squirrel. (2mks)
Mrs. Linde – proud – Nora says ‘you are proud and she agrees with it ‘I am both proud and...
Honest/candid – She tells Nora ‘you are a child and, admits that she is proud. She speaks her mind.
Contemptuous – She tells Nora that she knows so little of the burdens and troubles of life and her reference to Nora as ‘You are a child’.
Nora – Secretive – she says that she has something which her husband must not hear. And that no one else in the world must know except Christine.
Helpful/kind – Mrs. Linde says ‘How kind you are, to be so anxious to help me.
Calculating/clever/intelligent – She tells Mrs. Linde ‘I will breach the subject very cleverly – I will think of something that will please him very much. (4mks)
Contemptuous – You are a child, you know so little of the burdens and troubles of life. She feels what she has done for her mother and brothers cannot be compared with that of Nora. (2mks)
It would humiliate her husband due to his manly independence to know that his wife owed him anything✔
She wants to protect her marriage – she does not want it to upset their mutual relations altogether and their beautiful happy home. (3mks)
Nora: You look down upon me altogether, Christine – but you ought not to do
Nora told Christine that she looked down upon her altogether✔but she✔ought not to. (2mks)
It this ironical because Krogstad knows it;✔so, saying no, one in the world must know is something we do not expect✔. This shows that Nora is naive✔. (3mks)
Flashback – Mrs. Linde’s assertion that she is privileged to make the end of her mother’s life almost care free and what she did for her brothers and what Nora claim to have something to be proud and glad of. (Any other appropriate) (2mks)
Hypocrisy – Nora is hiding a secret from her husband. ‘No one in the world must know…’
Friendship – Both women are close friends and share secrets. (2mks)
Do I think I have the right to be? (1mk)
i) Broach – discuss, initiate, talk over
ii) Look down on – Think that she is better than Nora (despise) (2mks)
8.
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