a doll's house quotes- act 2

Anne-Marie

lack of choice; facing the consequences for having a child outside of marriage (socially unacceptable)

'A poor girl what's got into trouble can't afford to pick and choose'

Nora

idea of hereditary vice in Rank

'His father was a frightful creature that kept mistresses and so on. And as a result, Dr Rank has been sickly ever since he was a child'

Torvald

expectation that Nora should submit to him; incredulousness to suggest otherwise

'Nice- to give in to your husband?'

Nora

self-infantilization, playing into female stereotypes, manipulation through sex

"Squirrel would do lots of pretty tricks for you if you granted her wish"

Torvald

importance of reputation; hereditary vice

'Your father was not a man of unassailable reputation. But I am. And I hope to remain so all my life'

Torvald

gender roles; male authority vs female obedience, reputation

'If the rumour got about that the new vice-president had allowed his wife to persuade him to change his mind-'

Torvald

male 'provider' and protector role

'When the real crisis comes, you will not find me lacking in strength or courage. I am man enough to bear the burden for us both'

Torvald

relationship of marriage- supposedly equal

'We shall share it, Nora- as husband and wife'

Nora

keeping up appearances despite emotional distress

'she passes her hand across her face, composes herself'

Dr Rank

inevitability of death

'Something I've been expecting to happen for a long time'

Dr Rank

acceptance and outright honesty about his impending death

'it's no good lying to oneself'

Dr Rank

hereditary vice, unfairness

'And all this to atone for someone else's sin?'

Dr Rank

suggesting the Helmers will move on after his death

'Oh, you'll soon get over it. Once one is gone, one is soon forgotten'

Nora

nature of her and Rank's relationship, she finds pleasure in its secrecy

'tomorrow you'll see how beautifully I shall dance; and you must imagine I'm doing it just for you'

Nora

flirtatious, socially inappropriate- she enjoys the power she has over Rank

'flesh-colored', 'I suppose you can look a bit higher if you want to'

Nora

keeping her secrets to herself, she enjoys the power she holds over Rank

'I shan't show you anything else. You're being naughty'

Nora

enjoys the idea of having power over Rank, but is unable to accept that Rank's love for her is real

'How could you be so stupid, Dr Rank? Everything was so nice.'

Dr Rank

suggesting Nora led him on

'That was what misled me. You're a riddle to me, you know'

Dr Rank

devotion

'now you know that I am ready to serve you, body and soul

Krogstad

attempting to rejoin polite society & gain their acceptance

'I want to get on my feet again'

Krogstad

significance of reputation for Torvald

'He won't dare to risk a scandal'

Krogstad

reputation of Nora and Torvald

'Have you forgotten that then your reputation will be in my hands?'

Mrs Linde

suggesting communication in Nora and Torvald's marriage will ultimately be better

'it'll be best for you both'

Mrs Linde

past love and devotion

'Once upon a time he'd have done anything for my sake'

Torvald

infantilizing Nora

'my poor, helpless little darling'

Nora

Self-infantilization, appealing to Torvald's male protector role

'Correct me, lead me, the way you always do'

Torvald

attempt to restrain Nora's socially unacceptable display

'Not so violently, Nora'

Nora

expression of personal emotions that can't be done through speech

'dances more and more wildly', 'her hair works loose'

Torvald

infantilization

'My child shall have her way'