“My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although really is it an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn’t it an insult to think that I should be afraid of a starving quill-driver’s vengeance? But I forgive you nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for me. And that is as it should be, my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall have both courage and strength if they be needed. You will see I am man enough to take everything upon myself” (46).
Helmer is speaking to Nora in this passage. Nora asked Helmer to send back the maid who he has just sent with the letter of dismissal to Krogstad. Helmer says that she should not be anxious about Krogstad’s dismissal, and that he really should not forgive her, but he says he will because it shows him how much Nora really loves him. He says that is the way that it should be. Helmer also explains why it is an insult for her to think he should be afraid of “a quill-driver’s vengeance”, mostly because he is over higher rank than Krogstad, in the bank, at home, socially, and economically, or money-wise. Helmer tells Nora that she really shouldn’t worry, because he has both “strength and courage if they be needed”, which I guess means that he will only be those things is something happens, for example, if Krogstad tries to get his revenge on Nora and Helmer for firing him from his position as a book-keeper at the bank. Helmer says he is manly enough that he will take everything into his own hands, without any help from anyone. Some of the themes in this passage were revenge, fear, love, and masculinity. Krogstad might want to get revenge by telling everyone that Nora borrowed money from him. Nora is afraid of many things; she is afraid of losing the life she has, losing her kids, and losing her position of power (to some degree) over her husband, among other things. She loves her children and husband enough to warn Helmer of Krogstad, and she is worried what with happen to them. Helmer is being incautious, trying to be the male head of the family, saying he’s got it all under control, when really, even though he doesn’t realize it, he’s being stupid, because whoever you think you’re dealing with, isn’t always the person you’re dealing with.
“With death stalking beside me? - To have to pay this penalty for another man’s sin? Is there any justice in that? And every single family, in one way or another, some such inexorable retribution is being exacted-” “Rubbish, do talk of something cheerful.”
This passage is spoken by doctor Rank about himself dying, but although he doesn’t realize he is also explaining the same situation Nora is in due to her impending loss of status because of her debt to Krogstad. This passage also has a convergence of themes including death and repaying debts. The theme of death in the book is often talked about as not true death, but as a loss of status which to them is just as bad. The theme of repaying debts comes up a lot because Nora is always in debt to Krogstad, and all that she has done in her life so far has been revolving around repaying him. I think that Nora is thinking exactly what Dr. Rank is thinking because to her Krogstad and his letter are her death and they are constantly looming around her. I also think that she believes that there is no justice in what Krogstad is doing to her because she did it out of love of her father only wanting to protect him. Nora’s line at the end also shows another theme of denial. This theme is shown by Nora throughout the book, and she knows that Dr. Rank is correct about everyone having something taken from them. She often denies anything bad ever coming of her problem with Krogstad even though she knows that she must eventually have to pay for what she did. I think that it is interesting that the author would add the line about all families paying debts when at the beginning of the book Torvald had said that no family can have a good life if they have any debt. This show that he wanted to make it seem like Torvalds initial idea of fulfillment was impossible for a family to achieve and the debt didn’t have to be money.
"You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no cares- you and I and the children, Torvald! This is why I beg you so earnestly-"
Nora has borrowed money from Krogstad, a man who works at the bank with her husband, in order to pay for the medical expenses of her husband’s illnesses. Nora doesn’t tell Helmer that she has borrowed money, but instead says that her father lent them the money. This passage is from when Krogstad is threatening to tell Helmer about Nora borrowing money and forging a signature in order to save his position at the bank. Krogstad is being fired because he too forged a signature and kept it a secret. In Helmer’s eyes this is a terrible crime. Krogstad puts a letter explaining all that Nora has done in Helmer’s box. This passage shows Helmer’s reasoning for Nora’s fear, and Nora’s actual panic. Nora tries to get Krogstad his job back to save herself. She pleads to Helmer trying to scare him of the power of the men at the bank. A common theme throughout this story is Helmer’s power over his fate and over Nora. This passage shows that if Helmer decides to agree with Nora, then their family and happiness will stay together. But, if Helmer stands his word, then he will face problems with his kids not having a mother and the comfort a wife will be gone. Nora keeps many secrets from her husband such as eating sweets and other small things, but this secret is so big that it shows Nora to be unfaithful to Helmer. Nora is worried that her children will not have a mother growing up just as she didn’t have a mother growing up. Nora brings up death as a common theme. It is not specified weather the death will be physical or just mental and social. This passage is important because it explains all the aspects of her life that revolve around being with her husband, and how she must beg for him to take her advice into consideration since most men treated their wives as children.
Helmer: “My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it.” Nora: “So it does.” In this passage the image of Nora’s dancing is brought to our attention, a subliminal image which has been important throughout the book. All her life Nora has been “dancing” for people. When she was young and took the role of a daughter, she danced for her father, and she grew up to become a faithful wife, still dancing, but now for her husband. Nora has not spent her life dancing in the literal sense of the word, although she is in this passage; her kind of dancing is about doing what will please her superior while looking like a pretty, little child. This has been her role her entire life. She has never played an important role in anything she’s done, and she simply lives an innocent life under a man’s control, her entire life focused around entertaining him. At last Nora has lost some of this blissful innocence as she has run into the first real difficulty in her life, a secret debt she was never able to pay off. As the consequences begin to hit her, she begins to hesitate and mix up the steps of her life’s dance, which she does literally in this passage. For the first time in her life she has disappointed her husband and messed up the dance. Although in this dance in the play Nora is using her bad dancing as a mere distraction so that she can save herself some time before, as she says, her life will come to end, she truly has been dancing badly in the sense of her strive to please her husband that is represented by the idea of dancing. Nora does not mean her life is literally coming to an end; however, what she means is that her status at the moment, that of an innocent little wife, will soon be coming to an end. The Tarantella will be her final dance before her crime would be found out and she will lose her innocence, her status, and the respect of her husband. As Torvald says, she is literally “dancing as if her life depended on it.”
Page 45 “Nora: You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no cares- you and I and the children, Torvald! That is why I beg you so earnestly-”
This passage embodies multiple themes and shows the emotions and thoughts of Nora the speaker through an emotional quote. One of the major themes in this quote is Nora’s dream of a better middle class lifestyle with financial stability. When Nora borrowed the money from Krogstad she was only trying to help the family, and she did, but it has brought up a very grave problem. Nora has an ideal life that she wants to obtain, but the route she had to take has left her with more problems than she could have imagined.
The other major theme in this quote is Nora’s fear. This quote also shows Nora’s deep predicament because she knows she cannot tell Helmer that she actually borrowed money fraudulently and that Krogstad is blackmailing her, but if she doesn’t she thinks her life will basically be over. Nora will lose he role as Helmer’s innocent childish wife that he adores if she tells Helmer about what she did. Nora tries to warn Helmer about what Krogstad could do without directly implying she knows, saying “You never can tell”. Helmer must suspect something strange about how she is speaking so sinisterly. This passage shows that Helmer thinks down upon Nora, and cannot let himself listen to her just on her word. Helmer thinks that Krogstad has just taken advantage of what he sees to be an immature adult for Krogstad’s benefit, and there is nothing deeper. Nora has become helpless in this situation. Nora tries to convey how deeply she feels about Krogstad by saying that their children will have a messed up parental situation if Helmer fires him. Nora begs Helmer, but she cannot say why, and her efforts will be for a lost cause.
in response to Sam: I do agree with all of the themes that you are discussing. But she didn't forge her father's signiture because she loved him, she forged it because her father had died and she needed the money to buy their trip to Italy to save Helmer's life. And yes, the irony of the ending and beginning quotes about families paying debts and "should-not-be-needing-to-borrow-ing" (cant think of a word for it) is odd. Over all, i completely agree with your anaylsis.
In response to Liz: I see what your saying with all of the begging and fear, etc. I agree with you. But we do know in some way, Nora is afraid to lose the little power she had, whether it be to do what she wants, or to control a little bit of Helmer. We don't know if she will die physically, but just from what we have read she does worry about what will happen to her life, so naturally I would think that she would include she social standing in that catagory.
The third to last line of Act Two is a very important line in the play. In this line Nora says, “Thirty one hours to live.” This means a lot. This is the time she has until she thinks that Helmer is going to open the letter box and find the letter from Krogstad. This letter is now consuming Nora’s life. She is so paranoid about everything now, and she has good reason. When Helmer reads the letter, he will find out about how Nora forged her father’s signature to get a bond to pay for her and Helmer’s trip to Italy. The letter also says how Krogstad is going to show the world this, and Nora’s life is going to go down the drain. Her social status, all of her friends, and the trust of her husband is going to be gone. This is ironic because the same sort of thing happened to Krogstad. Krogstad lost everything also. He lost all respect and has been trying to build up his status ever since. In this line Nora also says, “Then the Tarantella will be over.” This kind of represents Nora’s whole life. She has been performing for people her whole life. She has been dancing for Helmer and the world for years now. She lives as the innocent, beautiful girl who could do nothing wrong. The way that Nora says live in this quote is weird. This theme has been coming up a lot in the play. Death and suicide has been a big part of every character in this play. Krogstad and Nora both think of suicide. Helmer also has to be thought about in this line. What will happen to him is a mystery. You have to kind of think that he will stick with Nora, even after he finds out about how much Nora has been lying and hiding from her.
"I have been taking stock of my internal economy. Bankrupt… The thing itself is cursedly ugly, and worst of it is that I shall have to face so much more that is ugly before that… I shall know pretty certainly when it will be that the horrors of dissolution will begin… Helmer's refined nature gives him an unconquerable disgust at everything that is ugly; I won't have him in my sick room… I bar my door to him." (48)
Dr. Rank is speaking to Nora within this passage. Dr. Rank has just stopped by to see Helmer, yet ends up educing himself in a more serious and personal conversation. Dr. Rank is telling Nora about his fears, and what terrible things are soon to come in his life. The major themes among this passage are bankruptcy (internally), fear, death, and even Helmer’s power. Dr. Rank first talks about his “internal economy,” meaning his body’s health. Dr. Rank is unfortunately saying he is “bankrupt” which symbolizes Dr. Rank expecting his body to become too weak and die, or to be spent, like a bankruptcy. This is supports the theme of death. Dr. Rank then tells Nora that he will have to face so much more pain and suffering before his time is up. This represents and supports the theme of fear because Dr. Rank is afraid of the pain and suffering he is going to experience very soon in his life. Dr. Rank also mentions to Nora that he does not want Helmer to be in his death room when the time comes. Dr. Rank does not want Helmer there during this time because Helmer doesn’t approve of anything that isn’t perfect or is ugly. Helmer’s power becomes a theme in this case because Helmer personality could possibly change the fate of Dr. Rank by somehow could cause Dr. Rank life to end even sooner. This theme also is a reason for why Nora always has to be perfect and must never do anything wrong. Unfortunately Dr. Rank has to protect himself from Helmer and make sure that Helmer never finds out about Dr. Ranks situation. This whole passage is important because it describes Dr. Rank’s unfortunate situation, and it allows the reader to understand a little more about Helmer and Dr. Ranks relationship. This passage also allows us to understand how close Dr. Rank and Nora are because of the fact the Dr. Rank can trust Nora with something big like this.
Nora: It is only something – it is my new dress – Rank: What? Your dress is lying there. Nora: Oh yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn’t know about it – Rank: Oho! Then that was the great secret. Nora: Of course…
One of the main images throughout the playwright, A Doll’s House, is Nora’s secrecy. She is either always keeping secrets from others, or telling them to keep secrets for her. Earlier in the play, in the first act, Helmer says that a guilty man has to “lie and play the hypocrite with every one… he has to wear a mask in the presence of those near and dear to him.” Also, he explains that “an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home;” this describes Nora and what her actions have caused almost exactly. In this passage, Nora is not only lying to Doctor Rank, her husband’s most confided in friend, but also asking him to keep something from Helmer. Her very first lie, the act of her signing under her father’s name after he had passed away, has now spread into a web of multiple dishonesties. From ordering her children to not tell Helmer about Krogstad’s visit, to making up an excuse of what she had done last Christmas season, to convincing her husband how much coaching she needs for the Tarantella the following evening, Nora has been forced to construct an illusion of lies to protect herself from the possibility of everything becoming unraveled. Her secrecy is the representation of her shield of armor, or, how Helmer might put it, a mask. Without this safe haven to cower behind, her life of order and directness would become jumbled. Without order and directness, Nora would not be able to hold her status. So far, Helmer pictures his wife as a nearly perfect woman; if he were to find out what all she has done, she would not be viewed so highly in his eyes. The secrets Nora keeps enable her to hold her small position of power.
Sofia - I think you picked out all of the right themes for that passage, along with all the right details to support your theme. Overall, you chose a great passage to analyze.
Mckain - You made a really good point when you were focusing on Nora's life; and you are right, she has played an innocent child under a man's control for all her life. I too believe this is truly the first difficulty she has ever faced.
Andrew- Everything you said made a lot of sense, and I especially liked where you thought about Helmer and what would happen to him. One thing I would add is it may more than just ironic that Krogstad has similar problems, maybe he is trying to get some sort of revenge.
Lilia- What you wrote was new to me in this book,and it really accurately shows how Nora has expanded her lying. There is one little thing I see differently, I don't think Helmer thinks Nora is a perfect woman, but maybe some other word could describe his feelings about her
Mckain- I agree with the majority of what you say, because she really has been dancing through life, however I dont know if she just means her life is ending metaphorically, I think she could mean it either way at this point in the book, since she was honestly considering it when Krogstad mentioned the idea. On the whole though, I agree.
Andrew- I disagree that that suicide is such a big themes in this play. These has only been mentioned by 2 characters, and one was just trying to prompt fear in Nora. Nora is the only one seriously comtemplating suicide, and we are not even sure if she means it literally, however the rest of your analysis I completely agree with
Helmer: My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it.
Nora: So it does.– A Doll’s House, Act II, pg. 59
This passage deals heavily with Nora’s (metaphoric) dance through life. Nora is trying tirelessly to distract Helmer from collecting the mail, which contains a letter from Krogstad. Helmer had taught her a dance, called the Tarantella, which he expects her to perform at a party the following night. Nora feigns that she has forgotten everything Helmer had taught her causing him to have to help her practice. This dancing could represents Nora’s life, seeing as she has had to put on an act throughout her entire life, trying to conform to the periods ideals of a perfect daughter, wife, mother, and woman in general. However the threat Krogstad poses, could cause the abrupt end of Nora’s show, broadcasting the imperfect, deceitful reality to her loved ones and possibly the rest of society. Nora however seems determined that this will not happen. “My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it.” “So it does.” What Nora is saying that her life depends upon the act she puts on, because her life is determined by her reputation, and a deterioration of her reputation would result in a less fulfilling lifestyle. We however do not know, if she speaks of life literally or metaphorically, because she makes copious references to death. When Helmer deduces that she is trying to conceal a letter from him, she pleads for him not to read it until the next night after she has completed her dance. “Nothing horrid must come between us till this is all over.” She seems to want to keep her reputation and specifically her relationship with Helmer intact until that point in time. Her relationship to Helmer seems to be one that’s more of a mentor or a father rather than that of a husband. When talking to Dr. Rank previously in the book, after his confession of love for her, she mentions “surely you can understand that being with Torvald is a little like being with papa—“ An odd statement though it may be, it compares Helmer to her father , making him a teacher so to speak. “I could never have believed it. You have forgotten everything I have taught you.” ...
...Helmer’s declaration may describe something more than the dance at hand. This may be talking about Nora’s deceptiveness as well as the forgery he does not yet know she committed, which goes against Helmer’s strict coherence to rules and high moral standing, things he has tried to impart in child-like Nora. He does however believe in forgiveness, which he mentioned previously in the book, if the forgiveness is attained honorably, by accepting the consequences and admitting the mistake. “Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment.” Helmer also says in response to the dance Nora has forgotten “You will want a lot of coaching,” which might signal that if she does come out with this secret honorably and take responsibility for her actions, she will have to work hard to regain the respect of her peers. This however, is the exact opposite of her intentions, she seems consumed with the need to remain on the pedestal on which Helmer has put her on until the very last second possible. “Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to the last minute. Promise me that, Torvald!” However, one cannot be sure whether it is really Helmer’s opinion she is worried about, or the idea that the curtains will close on her so-called “dance,” and she will be exposed for what she is to everyone. “ You must not think of anything but me, either to-day or to-morrow; you mustn’t open a single letter- not even open the letter-box—“ She seems consumed with the fear of anyone, even just Helmer, finding out her secret. This, as well as the abundant references to death, makes one wonder if the fear or shame will drive her to commit suicide. “The child shall have her way. But to-morrow night, after you have danced” “Then you will be free. “ This drives one to believe she means that he will literally be free of her, as does her sudden decision to allow herself to do previously forbidden things in front of Helmer, such as eating sweets. “Yes, a champagne banquet till the small hours. And a few macaroons, Helen –lots, just for once!” We cannot be sure if her merriment spans from her decision for death, her ideas that once her social status is gone she will no longer be able to enjoy herself, or maybe even delusional ideas unknown to us. Nora’s future is very unclear, and her state in this passage is completely relative to one’s own thoughts and opinions.
Hugh- I fully agree about the themes you picked that were associated with this passage.
Andrew- I don't think that suicide really is a big part of every character. It may be a bit for Nora and Krogstad but i feel that the suicide represents more of their status'
keil- Ours were similar since we used the same quote, but what you said about when she says after the dance Helmer "will be free" and the fact that she begins to do forbiden things such as eat macaroons, suggests that he will literally be free of her.
lilia- I liked the idea of Nora's secrecy being a mask she puts up in order to keep her power and status, and I agreed with everything you said.
A huge part of this play is lying and hypocrisy, and the status and power that it gets Nora. In the second act, Nora has to switch from role of the naïve little housewife, into the woman who is keeping blackmail and fraud from her husband in an instant. To do this, Nora has to lie a lot. Along with this lying she is forced to be a hypocrite. She tells her husband one thing, and the next minute she is doing the exact opposite of what her husband thinks she is doing. This is exemplified by the conversation between Mrs. Linde, Nora, and Helmer. “Nora: don’t go to him; he will do you some harm… Mrs. Linde: where does he live? Nora: how should I know? Yes, here is his card. But the letter, the letter! Helmer: Nora! Nora: Oh, what’s that? What do you want? Helmer: Don’t be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked the door are you trying on your dress? Nora: Yes, that’s it. I look so nice, Torvald.” This passage also shows that Nora works really hard to keep her status of innocent housewife, and this status also means that Nora has the power to manipulate Helmer into doing what she wants. This is shown by when Nora starts dancing crazily around the living room in order to keep Helmer away from the mailbox. Helmer just thinks that Nora doesn’t know what she is doing, but really Nora is doing whatever she can to keep Helmer from getting the mail that Krogstad has left for him. This status that Nora has is all important to her; if Helmer finds out about the fraud and the blackmail, Nora will lose her status. If she has lost her status, then Nora has lost everything. She is just trying to hang on to the status that she has left until the dance in thirty one hours. This dance is almost like her last stand in front of everyone while she still has her status. In the conversation between Nora and Krogstad, they talk about suicide. Krogstad says that he knows that Nora has considered it, because he did do. The reason that Nora considered it is because her role in life is to be the good little housewife. That is what she has to live for, and if her secret gets discovered and she loses her status, then she thinks that she doesn’t even have anything to live for.
“My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although really is it an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn’t it an insult to think that I should be afraid of a starving quill-driver’s vengeance? But I forgive you nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for me. And that is as it should be, my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall have both courage and strength if they be needed. You will see I am man enough to take everything upon myself” (46).
ReplyDeleteHelmer is speaking to Nora in this passage. Nora asked Helmer to send back the maid who he has just sent with the letter of dismissal to Krogstad. Helmer says that she should not be anxious about Krogstad’s dismissal, and that he really should not forgive her, but he says he will because it shows him how much Nora really loves him. He says that is the way that it should be. Helmer also explains why it is an insult for her to think he should be afraid of “a quill-driver’s vengeance”, mostly because he is over higher rank than Krogstad, in the bank, at home, socially, and economically, or money-wise. Helmer tells Nora that she really shouldn’t worry, because he has both “strength and courage if they be needed”, which I guess means that he will only be those things is something happens, for example, if Krogstad tries to get his revenge on Nora and Helmer for firing him from his position as a book-keeper at the bank. Helmer says he is manly enough that he will take everything into his own hands, without any help from anyone.
Some of the themes in this passage were revenge, fear, love, and masculinity. Krogstad might want to get revenge by telling everyone that Nora borrowed money from him. Nora is afraid of many things; she is afraid of losing the life she has, losing her kids, and losing her position of power (to some degree) over her husband, among other things. She loves her children and husband enough to warn Helmer of Krogstad, and she is worried what with happen to them. Helmer is being incautious, trying to be the male head of the family, saying he’s got it all under control, when really, even though he doesn’t realize it, he’s being stupid, because whoever you think you’re dealing with, isn’t always the person you’re dealing with.
“With death stalking beside me? - To have to pay this penalty for another man’s sin? Is there any justice in that? And every single family, in one way or another, some such inexorable retribution is being exacted-”
ReplyDelete“Rubbish, do talk of something cheerful.”
This passage is spoken by doctor Rank about himself dying, but although he doesn’t realize he is also explaining the same situation Nora is in due to her impending loss of status because of her debt to Krogstad. This passage also has a convergence of themes including death and repaying debts. The theme of death in the book is often talked about as not true death, but as a loss of status which to them is just as bad. The theme of repaying debts comes up a lot because Nora is always in debt to Krogstad, and all that she has done in her life so far has been revolving around repaying him. I think that Nora is thinking exactly what Dr. Rank is thinking because to her Krogstad and his letter are her death and they are constantly looming around her. I also think that she believes that there is no justice in what Krogstad is doing to her because she did it out of love of her father only wanting to protect him. Nora’s line at the end also shows another theme of denial. This theme is shown by Nora throughout the book, and she knows that Dr. Rank is correct about everyone having something taken from them. She often denies anything bad ever coming of her problem with Krogstad even though she knows that she must eventually have to pay for what she did. I think that it is interesting that the author would add the line about all families paying debts when at the beginning of the book Torvald had said that no family can have a good life if they have any debt. This show that he wanted to make it seem like Torvalds initial idea of fulfillment was impossible for a family to achieve and the debt didn’t have to be money.
"You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no cares- you and I and the children, Torvald! This is why I beg you so earnestly-"
ReplyDeleteNora has borrowed money from Krogstad, a man who works at the bank with her husband, in order to pay for the medical expenses of her husband’s illnesses. Nora doesn’t tell Helmer that she has borrowed money, but instead says that her father lent them the money. This passage is from when Krogstad is threatening to tell Helmer about Nora borrowing money and forging a signature in order to save his position at the bank. Krogstad is being fired because he too forged a signature and kept it a secret. In Helmer’s eyes this is a terrible crime. Krogstad puts a letter explaining all that Nora has done in Helmer’s box. This passage shows Helmer’s reasoning for Nora’s fear, and Nora’s actual panic. Nora tries to get Krogstad his job back to save herself. She pleads to Helmer trying to scare him of the power of the men at the bank. A common theme throughout this story is Helmer’s power over his fate and over Nora. This passage shows that if Helmer decides to agree with Nora, then their family and happiness will stay together. But, if Helmer stands his word, then he will face problems with his kids not having a mother and the comfort a wife will be gone. Nora keeps many secrets from her husband such as eating sweets and other small things, but this secret is so big that it shows Nora to be unfaithful to Helmer. Nora is worried that her children will not have a mother growing up just as she didn’t have a mother growing up. Nora brings up death as a common theme. It is not specified weather the death will be physical or just mental and social. This passage is important because it explains all the aspects of her life that revolve around being with her husband, and how she must beg for him to take her advice into consideration since most men treated their wives as children.
Helmer: “My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it.”
ReplyDeleteNora: “So it does.”
In this passage the image of Nora’s dancing is brought to our attention, a subliminal image which has been important throughout the book. All her life Nora has been “dancing” for people. When she was young and took the role of a daughter, she danced for her father, and she grew up to become a faithful wife, still dancing, but now for her husband. Nora has not spent her life dancing in the literal sense of the word, although she is in this passage; her kind of dancing is about doing what will please her superior while looking like a pretty, little child. This has been her role her entire life. She has never played an important role in anything she’s done, and she simply lives an innocent life under a man’s control, her entire life focused around entertaining him. At last Nora has lost some of this blissful innocence as she has run into the first real difficulty in her life, a secret debt she was never able to pay off. As the consequences begin to hit her, she begins to hesitate and mix up the steps of her life’s dance, which she does literally in this passage. For the first time in her life she has disappointed her husband and messed up the dance. Although in this dance in the play Nora is using her bad dancing as a mere distraction so that she can save herself some time before, as she says, her life will come to end, she truly has been dancing badly in the sense of her strive to please her husband that is represented by the idea of dancing. Nora does not mean her life is literally coming to an end; however, what she means is that her status at the moment, that of an innocent little wife, will soon be coming to an end. The Tarantella will be her final dance before her crime would be found out and she will lose her innocence, her status, and the respect of her husband. As Torvald says, she is literally “dancing as if her life depended on it.”
Page 45
ReplyDelete“Nora: You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no cares- you and I and the children, Torvald! That is why I beg you so earnestly-”
This passage embodies multiple themes and shows the emotions and thoughts of Nora the speaker through an emotional quote. One of the major themes in this quote is Nora’s dream of a better middle class lifestyle with financial stability. When Nora borrowed the money from Krogstad she was only trying to help the family, and she did, but it has brought up a very grave problem. Nora has an ideal life that she wants to obtain, but the route she had to take has left her with more problems than she could have imagined.
The other major theme in this quote is Nora’s fear. This quote also shows Nora’s deep predicament because she knows she cannot tell Helmer that she actually borrowed money fraudulently and that Krogstad is blackmailing her, but if she doesn’t she thinks her life will basically be over. Nora will lose he role as Helmer’s innocent childish wife that he adores if she tells Helmer about what she did. Nora tries to warn Helmer about what Krogstad could do without directly implying she knows, saying “You never can tell”. Helmer must suspect something strange about how she is speaking so sinisterly. This passage shows that Helmer thinks down upon Nora, and cannot let himself listen to her just on her word. Helmer thinks that Krogstad has just taken advantage of what he sees to be an immature adult for Krogstad’s benefit, and there is nothing deeper. Nora has become helpless in this situation. Nora tries to convey how deeply she feels about Krogstad by saying that their children will have a messed up parental situation if Helmer fires him. Nora begs Helmer, but she cannot say why, and her efforts will be for a lost cause.
in response to Sam:
ReplyDeleteI do agree with all of the themes that you are discussing. But she didn't forge her father's signiture because she loved him, she forged it because her father had died and she needed the money to buy their trip to Italy to save Helmer's life. And yes, the irony of the ending and beginning quotes about families paying debts and "should-not-be-needing-to-borrow-ing" (cant think of a word for it) is odd. Over all, i completely agree with your anaylsis.
In response to Liz:
I see what your saying with all of the begging and fear, etc. I agree with you. But we do know in some way, Nora is afraid to lose the little power she had, whether it be to do what she wants, or to control a little bit of Helmer. We don't know if she will die physically, but just from what we have read she does worry about what will happen to her life, so naturally I would think that she would include she social standing in that catagory.
The third to last line of Act Two is a very important line in the play. In this line Nora says, “Thirty one hours to live.” This means a lot. This is the time she has until she thinks that Helmer is going to open the letter box and find the letter from Krogstad. This letter is now consuming Nora’s life. She is so paranoid about everything now, and she has good reason. When Helmer reads the letter, he will find out about how Nora forged her father’s signature to get a bond to pay for her and Helmer’s trip to Italy. The letter also says how Krogstad is going to show the world this, and Nora’s life is going to go down the drain. Her social status, all of her friends, and the trust of her husband is going to be gone. This is ironic because the same sort of thing happened to Krogstad. Krogstad lost everything also. He lost all respect and has been trying to build up his status ever since. In this line Nora also says, “Then the Tarantella will be over.” This kind of represents Nora’s whole life. She has been performing for people her whole life. She has been dancing for Helmer and the world for years now. She lives as the innocent, beautiful girl who could do nothing wrong. The way that Nora says live in this quote is weird. This theme has been coming up a lot in the play. Death and suicide has been a big part of every character in this play. Krogstad and Nora both think of suicide. Helmer also has to be thought about in this line. What will happen to him is a mystery. You have to kind of think that he will stick with Nora, even after he finds out about how much Nora has been lying and hiding from her.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth-I agree with everything you said. That analysis on the passage was great. I think you got most of the aspects.
ReplyDeleteHugh-Way to think about the quote out of the box. I can see you put a lot of effort into your analysis.
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ReplyDelete"I have been taking stock of my internal economy. Bankrupt… The thing itself is cursedly ugly, and worst of it is that I shall have to face so much more that is ugly before that… I shall know pretty certainly when it will be that the horrors of dissolution will begin… Helmer's refined nature gives him an unconquerable disgust at everything that is ugly; I won't have him in my sick room… I bar my door to him." (48)
ReplyDeleteDr. Rank is speaking to Nora within this passage. Dr. Rank has just stopped by to see Helmer, yet ends up educing himself in a more serious and personal conversation. Dr. Rank is telling Nora about his fears, and what terrible things are soon to come in his life. The major themes among this passage are bankruptcy (internally), fear, death, and even Helmer’s power. Dr. Rank first talks about his “internal economy,” meaning his body’s health. Dr. Rank is unfortunately saying he is “bankrupt” which symbolizes Dr. Rank expecting his body to become too weak and die, or to be spent, like a bankruptcy. This is supports the theme of death. Dr. Rank then tells Nora that he will have to face so much more pain and suffering before his time is up. This represents and supports the theme of fear because Dr. Rank is afraid of the pain and suffering he is going to experience very soon in his life. Dr. Rank also mentions to Nora that he does not want Helmer to be in his death room when the time comes. Dr. Rank does not want Helmer there during this time because Helmer doesn’t approve of anything that isn’t perfect or is ugly. Helmer’s power becomes a theme in this case because Helmer personality could possibly change the fate of Dr. Rank by somehow could cause Dr. Rank life to end even sooner. This theme also is a reason for why Nora always has to be perfect and must never do anything wrong. Unfortunately Dr. Rank has to protect himself from Helmer and make sure that Helmer never finds out about Dr. Ranks situation. This whole passage is important because it describes Dr. Rank’s unfortunate situation, and it allows the reader to understand a little more about Helmer and Dr. Ranks relationship. This passage also allows us to understand how close Dr. Rank and Nora are because of the fact the Dr. Rank can trust Nora with something big like this.
Nora: It is only something – it is my new dress –
ReplyDeleteRank: What? Your dress is lying there.
Nora: Oh yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn’t know about it –
Rank: Oho! Then that was the great secret.
Nora: Of course…
One of the main images throughout the playwright, A Doll’s House, is Nora’s secrecy. She is either always keeping secrets from others, or telling them to keep secrets for her. Earlier in the play, in the first act, Helmer says that a guilty man has to “lie and play the hypocrite with every one… he has to wear a mask in the presence of those near and dear to him.” Also, he explains that “an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home;” this describes Nora and what her actions have caused almost exactly. In this passage, Nora is not only lying to Doctor Rank, her husband’s most confided in friend, but also asking him to keep something from Helmer. Her very first lie, the act of her signing under her father’s name after he had passed away, has now spread into a web of multiple dishonesties. From ordering her children to not tell Helmer about Krogstad’s visit, to making up an excuse of what she had done last Christmas season, to convincing her husband how much coaching she needs for the Tarantella the following evening, Nora has been forced to construct an illusion of lies to protect herself from the possibility of everything becoming unraveled. Her secrecy is the representation of her shield of armor, or, how Helmer might put it, a mask. Without this safe haven to cower behind, her life of order and directness would become jumbled. Without order and directness, Nora would not be able to hold her status. So far, Helmer pictures his wife as a nearly perfect woman; if he were to find out what all she has done, she would not be viewed so highly in his eyes. The secrets Nora keeps enable her to hold her small position of power.
Sofia - I think you picked out all of the right themes for that passage, along with all the right details to support your theme. Overall, you chose a great passage to analyze.
ReplyDeleteMckain - You made a really good point when you were focusing on Nora's life; and you are right, she has played an innocent child under a man's control for all her life. I too believe this is truly the first difficulty she has ever faced.
Andrew- Everything you said made a lot of sense, and I especially liked where you thought about Helmer and what would happen to him. One thing I would add is it may more than just ironic that Krogstad has similar problems, maybe he is trying to get some sort of revenge.
ReplyDeleteLilia- What you wrote was new to me in this book,and it really accurately shows how Nora has expanded her lying. There is one little thing I see differently, I don't think Helmer thinks Nora is a perfect woman, but maybe some other word could describe his feelings about her
Mckain- I agree with the majority of what you say, because she really has been dancing through life, however I dont know if she just means her life is ending metaphorically, I think she could mean it either way at this point in the book, since she was honestly considering it when Krogstad mentioned the idea. On the whole though, I agree.
ReplyDeleteAndrew- I disagree that that suicide is such a big themes in this play. These has only been mentioned by 2 characters, and one was just trying to prompt fear in Nora. Nora is the only one seriously comtemplating suicide, and we are not even sure if she means it literally, however the rest of your analysis I completely agree with
andrew- I agree with what you said about the letter from Krogstad being Nora's life or death.
ReplyDeletehugh- I agree with your views about Nora's reasoning for borrowing the money and how Helmer looks down on Nora.
Helmer: My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it.
ReplyDeleteNora: So it does.– A Doll’s House, Act II, pg. 59
This passage deals heavily with Nora’s (metaphoric) dance through life. Nora is trying tirelessly to distract Helmer from collecting the mail, which contains a letter from Krogstad. Helmer had taught her a dance, called the Tarantella, which he expects her to perform at a party the following night. Nora feigns that she has forgotten everything Helmer had taught her causing him to have to help her practice. This dancing could represents Nora’s life, seeing as she has had to put on an act throughout her entire life, trying to conform to the periods ideals of a perfect daughter, wife, mother, and woman in general. However the threat Krogstad poses, could cause the abrupt end of Nora’s show, broadcasting the imperfect, deceitful reality to her loved ones and possibly the rest of society. Nora however seems determined that this will not happen. “My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it.” “So it does.” What Nora is saying that her life depends upon the act she puts on, because her life is determined by her reputation, and a deterioration of her reputation would result in a less fulfilling lifestyle. We however do not know, if she speaks of life literally or metaphorically, because she makes copious references to death. When Helmer deduces that she is trying to conceal a letter from him, she pleads for him not to read it until the next night after she has completed her dance. “Nothing horrid must come between us till this is all over.” She seems to want to keep her reputation and specifically her relationship with Helmer intact until that point in time. Her relationship to Helmer seems to be one that’s more of a mentor or a father rather than that of a husband. When talking to Dr. Rank previously in the book, after his confession of love for her, she mentions “surely you can understand that being with Torvald is a little like being with papa—“ An odd statement though it may be, it compares Helmer to her father , making him a teacher so to speak. “I could never have believed it. You have forgotten everything I have taught you.” ...
...Helmer’s declaration may describe something more than the dance at hand. This may be talking about Nora’s deceptiveness as well as the forgery he does not yet know she committed, which goes against Helmer’s strict coherence to rules and high moral standing, things he has tried to impart in child-like Nora. He does however believe in forgiveness, which he mentioned previously in the book, if the forgiveness is attained honorably, by accepting the consequences and admitting the mistake. “Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment.” Helmer also says in response to the dance Nora has forgotten “You will want a lot of coaching,” which might signal that if she does come out with this secret honorably and take responsibility for her actions, she will have to work hard to regain the respect of her peers. This however, is the exact opposite of her intentions, she seems consumed with the need to remain on the pedestal on which Helmer has put her on until the very last second possible. “Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to the last minute. Promise me that, Torvald!” However, one cannot be sure whether it is really Helmer’s opinion she is worried about, or the idea that the curtains will close on her so-called “dance,” and she will be exposed for what she is to everyone. “ You must not think of anything but me, either to-day or to-morrow; you mustn’t open a single letter- not even open the letter-box—“ She seems consumed with the fear of anyone, even just Helmer, finding out her secret. This, as well as the abundant references to death, makes one wonder if the fear or shame will drive her to commit suicide. “The child shall have her way. But to-morrow night, after you have danced” “Then you will be free. “ This drives one to believe she means that he will literally be free of her, as does her sudden decision to allow herself to do previously forbidden things in front of Helmer, such as eating sweets. “Yes, a champagne banquet till the small hours. And a few macaroons, Helen –lots, just for once!” We cannot be sure if her merriment spans from her decision for death, her ideas that once her social status is gone she will no longer be able to enjoy herself, or maybe even delusional ideas unknown to us. Nora’s future is very unclear, and her state in this passage is completely relative to one’s own thoughts and opinions.
ReplyDeleteKeil- i completely agree with everything that you said and i think that you convayed your point well.
ReplyDeleteHugh- i agree with andrew that you were very creative when thinking of how to analyze your passage.
Hugh- I fully agree about the themes you picked that were associated with this passage.
ReplyDeleteAndrew- I don't think that suicide really is a big part of every character. It may be a bit for Nora and Krogstad but i feel that the suicide represents more of their status'
keil- Ours were similar since we used the same quote, but what you said about when she says after the dance Helmer "will be free" and the fact that she begins to do forbiden things such as eat macaroons, suggests that he will literally be free of her.
ReplyDeletelilia- I liked the idea of Nora's secrecy being a mask she puts up in order to keep her power and status, and I agreed with everything you said.
A huge part of this play is lying and hypocrisy, and the status and power that it gets Nora. In the second act, Nora has to switch from role of the naïve little housewife, into the woman who is keeping blackmail and fraud from her husband in an instant. To do this, Nora has to lie a lot. Along with this lying she is forced to be a hypocrite. She tells her husband one thing, and the next minute she is doing the exact opposite of what her husband thinks she is doing. This is exemplified by the conversation between Mrs. Linde, Nora, and Helmer. “Nora: don’t go to him; he will do you some harm… Mrs. Linde: where does he live? Nora: how should I know? Yes, here is his card. But the letter, the letter! Helmer: Nora! Nora: Oh, what’s that? What do you want? Helmer: Don’t be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked the door are you trying on your dress? Nora: Yes, that’s it. I look so nice, Torvald.” This passage also shows that Nora works really hard to keep her status of innocent housewife, and this status also means that Nora has the power to manipulate Helmer into doing what she wants. This is shown by when Nora starts dancing crazily around the living room in order to keep Helmer away from the mailbox. Helmer just thinks that Nora doesn’t know what she is doing, but really Nora is doing whatever she can to keep Helmer from getting the mail that Krogstad has left for him. This status that Nora has is all important to her; if Helmer finds out about the fraud and the blackmail, Nora will lose her status. If she has lost her status, then Nora has lost everything. She is just trying to hang on to the status that she has left until the dance in thirty one hours. This dance is almost like her last stand in front of everyone while she still has her status. In the conversation between Nora and Krogstad, they talk about suicide. Krogstad says that he knows that Nora has considered it, because he did do. The reason that Nora considered it is because her role in life is to be the good little housewife. That is what she has to live for, and if her secret gets discovered and she loses her status, then she thinks that she doesn’t even have anything to live for.
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