A Doll's House Act 2 Study Questions

What is Nora paranoid about in the beginning of Act II?

She is paranoid about Krogstad possibly telling Torvald about her illegal bank loan and her father's forged signature

Why does Nora ask the Nurse, Anne, if her children would forget her if she "went away"?

She asks the nurse because she is thinking about running away or possibly getting in trouble for her forgery

As Mrs. Linde fixes Nora's dress for the masquerade ball, what does she learn about Dr. Rank's health?

She learns that Dr. Rank has consumption of the spine because his father slept around. He was born with this condition.

What is Mrs. Linde's advice to Nora about Dr. Rank?

She tells Nora that she should stop talking to Dr. Rank because Nora tells Rank more of her secrets than her husband and Dr. Rank is wealthy and single.

What happens when Nora tries to sweet-talk Torvald into giving Krogstad back his job?

Torvald becomes angry at Nora's insistence and says that he will not "unfire" Krogstad because he doesn't want people at the bank to think his decisions can be swayed by his wife. Also Torvald states that he is offended by Krogstad's overly friendly manner with him, especially when he calls Torvald "Helmer", not Mr. Helmer.

What does Torvald do with the letter he has written to Krogstad explaining the Krogstad is fired ?

Torvald gives the maid the letter to send to Krogstad in spite of Nora. Nora begs Torvald to call the maid back, but he refuses. T

What does Nora learn about Dr. Rank's health?

She learns that Dr. Rank thinks in less than a month he'll be dead. He doesn't want Torvald to see him in such a weak state because of Torvald's "refined nature." Rank also tells Nora that he would give up his life for her and that he's in love with her

What does Dr. Rank reveal about his feelings for Nora in this act? How does Nora respond to this information?

Rank reveals that he has always cared deeply (and romantically for Nora and would do anything for her. Nora wishes that he would not have shared that information with her but later in the act states that she loves Torvald but she would almost rather be with Dr. Rank because she enjoys his company.

Why does Nora show Dr. Rank her stockings?

They symbolize Nora's state of awareness-in this instance, she has become aware of Dr. Rank's affection how she could manipulate him if needed.

Why does Krogstad come to the house?

Krogstad received the notice that he would be fired; does not believe that Nora tried to get his job back for him. He has come to increase the pressure on her to do something.

With what does Krogstad threaten Nora? What does he do as he leaves her house?

He threatens her by saying that he could tell an outsider about her crimes but he will keep the situation between himself, Nora, and Torvald if he gets his job at the bank back. Krogstad also says that he controls her final reputation. As he leaves, he leaves a note in the mailbox that would explain the whole situation to Torvald if he reads it.

What does Mrs. Linde say when Nora tells her about Krogstad's note in the mailbox?

She thinks it is better if Torvald know the secret-this could foreshadow Torvald finding out.

What is Mrs. Linde's plan to fix Nora's situation with Krogstad?

First, she tells Nora that Krogstad used to be willing to do anything for her. Mrs. Linde has Nora delay Torvald while she goes to Krogstad to ask him to make up an excuse to ask for his letter back from Torvald's locked mailbox.

How does Nora distract Torvald from opening the mailbox?

Nora dances the tarantella violently and she pretends she is afraid of messing up at the ball. She tells Torvald that he needs to coach her.Her poor dancing could also show that her stress about her loan and issues with Krogstad could be too much for her. Because of her violent dancing, Torvald believes Nora has forgotten everything he taught her about the dance and also thinks that Nora is having "childish anxiety"

What does Mrs. Linde say about Krogstad after she returns from trying to find him?

Krogstad has left town and he will be back tomorrow evening. Since he was gone, she wrote him a note.

Why did Nora not want Mrs. Linde to write Krogstad a note?

Nora does not want Mrs. Linde to stop anything because it is a wonderful joy to wait for the "miracle" that Nora is hoping will occur.

What is the "miracle" that Nora is waiting for after Mrs. Linde leaves her note to Krogstad?

The miracle is her hope that Torvald will be understanding and not condemn her for her crime. Instead, she hopes that Torvald will take the blame. Nora's hope is based on her belief that Torvald is very devoted to her and loves her.

How does Dr. Rank feel about Mrs. Linde's re-appearance in Nora's life?

Rank is jealous of Mrs. Linde because he believes that he will be easily forgotten and after his death Mrs. Linde will replace him as the family's closest friend.

Why is Nora counting down the hours until the end of her tarantella routine at the ball?

She is counting down the hours because it is when Krogstad returns to town, which she feels will ruin her life (she says "31 hours to live")