A Doll's House quotes

What nicknames does Torvold call Nora?

Squirrel, skylark, spendthrift, songbird, child.

What does Mrs Linde ask Nora?

Haven’t you grown up yet?

When will Nora tell Torvold the secret?

When I’m no longer pretty

What does Nora think of society?

It’s a bore

What reason Torvold give to Nora about why she can’t leave?

You are first and foremost a wife and a mother

What will Torvold not let Nora do?

Allow his wife to change his mind

What does Nora describe Torvold’s reason to not fire Krogstad as, which Torvold takes great offence to?

Petty

What does Torvold claim he is “man enough” to do?

I am man enough to bear the burden for both of us.

What is Torvold’s reaction to Krogstads second letter?

I am saved

What does Torvold describe Nora’s predominant room as?

[His] own drawing room.

How is Ms Linde described as looking due to having to work?

Paler, older, thinner.

Why is Ms Linde sad of not having a husband or family?

[She has] no one to live for anymore.

What sort of clothes does Ms Linde wear?

Outdoor clothes

What has educated Ms Line

I’ve learned […] life and poverty have taught me that.

Why does Ms Linde think her and Krogstad should get back together?

[They have] a better chance of survival together

What has Ms Linde learned from self-sacrifice?

A women who has sold herself for the sake of others doesn’t make the same mistake again

What does Dr Rank describe Krogstad as?

A moral cripple

What does Krogstad’s job mean to him?

This job at the bank was the first step back on the ladder.

What does Krogstad want to do for his sons?

For their sake, I must try to regain what respectability I can.

What does Krogstad accuse Nora and Torvold of trying to do?

Kick me off the ladder back into the dirt.

What does Krogstad threaten he’ll do to Nora if he gets fired?

I shall take you with me

What does Krogstad want?

I want to get to the top

What has Krogstad’s experience taught him?

Life has taught me to distrust.

What does Dr Rank accuse of Nora when she swears?

Are you mad?

What is bitter about Dr Rank’s condition?

All this to atone for someone else’s sin. / poor spine that never got any pleasure.

What is Dr Rank’s condition?

Spinal tuberculosis.

What foods'/pleasures did Dr Rank miss out on?

Truffles , oysters , fois gras

How does Dr Rank feel towards Nora?

Loved you as deeply as anyone else

What does Nora feel about the loan?

The secret that is my pride and joy.

What does Nora say will happen to Torvold once he’s read the letter (and she will have killed herself)?

You will be free

What is the resolution that Ms Linde thinks should be to Nora’s problem?

Helmer must know the truth.

How does Ms Linde describe Nora’s continuous lie?

Shiftings and evasions

What does Nora say as to why she took out the money once Torvold reads the letter?

I’ve loved you more than anything.

What does Torvold describe his coming into the know of what’s been happening/happened as?

Dreadful awakening

What does Torvold get Nora to dress up as?

A Neapolitan fisher girl

What dance does Nora perform?

Tarantella

What happens to Nora’s appearance when she practices her performance?

Hair works loose.

What does Nora say she did for Torvold when she becomes aware of her reality?

I performed tricks for you.

Why doesn’t Nora tell Torvold her secret?

It’d be so painful and humiliating for him to know that he owed anything to me.

What did Nora think of the copying work she did?

It was great fun […] it was almost like being a man

What reason does Torvold give for Ms Linde to leave on her first visit?

This is for mothers only

What metaphor does Torvold use to tell Nora to stay pure and honest?

A songbird must have a clean beak to sing with.

What does Torvold accuse Nora of when he learns what she’s done?

You’re just being hysterical

What insult does Torvold use on Nora when he learns the secret?

Wretched women

Why does Torvold say he has been “ruined”

Simply for the weakness of a woman.

What does Torvold then say makes Nora “doubly attractive” when he learns they are in the clear?

[her] feminine helplessness

What does Torvold claim Nora has become due to him forgiving her?

She has become his property. / She is not only his wife but also his child

What does Torvold call Nora’s position as mother and wife?

Sacred duties

What does Torvold say Nora has inherited from her father at the start and how?

[Spending money] , it’s in your blood

What is Nora worry she is going to do to her family?

Corrupt my little children

What does Torvold claim Nora has inherited from her father at the end?

No religion, no morals

What does Torvold claim Nora has done to him when he finds out her secret?

You have ruined my whole future

Who does Nora realise she has passed to and from?

I passed from papas hands to yours

What does Nora call Torvold’s self sacrifice?

Miracle

Why did Ms Linde not reject the proposal of the richer man?

Didn’t feel I could say no

What does Torvold claim he would do for Nora?

I could offer my life […] everything, for your sake.

What is Dr Ranks complaint on society?

Turning human society into a hospital

What is Krogstad argument against Nora’s argument that she committed fraud for love?

The law doesn’t concern itself with motives

What does Anne - Marie call her baby daddy?

Good-for-nothing

Why did Anne-Marie say she chose the job over her daughter?

A poor girl […] can’t afford to pick and choose.