Module B (Year 12)

“[quickly]. He mustn’t get the letter. Tear it up. I will find some means of getting money.”

Stage directions, sentence structure, high modality tone
Faster pace symbolises Nora’s urgency and fear of Krogstad’s threats, to highlight the power money provides Krogstad over Nora; additionally high modality portrays influence of money on Nora, forcing her to believe a path exists to satisfy Krogstad.

“Now you have destroyed all my happiness.” “I have forgiven you everything. I know that what you did, you did out of love for me."

Contrast, hyperbole

Contrasts heavily with attitude after reading the letter, displaying the control money has over Torvald, where his financial and social status dictates his opinion on Nora’s actions, to convey how money can eliminate personal agency.

“But our home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been your doll-wife, just as at home I was papa’s doll-child”

Symbolism, repetition, metaphor

Extended symbolism of dolls works with house being seen as a playroom portraying Nora’s internal conflict regarding her as a soulless doll instead of a person, to reveal the dehumanised conditions for women during Ibsen’s context.

“You mean if my little terrier got her way? I’d be a laughing stock.”

Metaphor, rhetorical question

Highlights how Torvald sees Nora closer to a pet than a person, rhetorical question conveying to audiences the ramifications to Torvald caused by female empowerment, revealing societal stigmas regarding men and their wives.

“[The sound of a door shutting is heard from below.]”

Stage directions, metaphor, symbolism

Echoing sound metaphorically reflects Nora’s last acts of defiance and presence, working with the symbolism of the doors to convey how she has chosen to leave the controlling force of her marriage.

“[Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.]”

Symbolism, foreshadowing

Macaroons work as a symbol of Nora’s defiance against Torvald’s control, despite her being disallowed sweets she fights this rule, foreshadowing Nora’s later decisions to prioritise her own agency over Torvald’s demands.