Week 7: Discussion Question #1 for Ibsen's A Doll's House (Act 3, pp. 567-to the end)

Please provide your in-depth interpretation and analysis on the questions (at least 100 words per Discussion question #1, #2, and #3). 

Discussion Question #1 for Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (1879, Act 3, pp. 567-581)

 How would you compare Torvald's communication with Nora to Mrs. Linden's communication with Krogstad? After reading the first letter from Krogstad, Torvald tells Nora, "You have destroyed my whole happiness. You have ruined my future" (Act 3.575). What do you make of this? Did Nora destroy Torvald's happiness? Does Torvald problematize the fact that Nora illegally forged her father's signature and borrowed the money, or does he make a big deal that she borrowed the money from Krogstad? Then, Torvald explodes and tells Nora: "As for you and me, we must make no outward change in our way of life. . . . But the children cannot be left in your care. I dare not trust them to you" (Act 3. 576). What do you make of Torvald's suggestion here? What does he really care about? (Please click Discussions to see questions #2 and 3)

Discussion Question #2 for Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (1879, Act 3, pp. 567-581)

After reading the second letter from Krogstad, Torvald becomes relieved and tells Nora: "I am saved! . . . I have forgiven you" (Act 3. 576). What is Torvald saved from? (and by whom?) What do you make of Torvald's changed attitude towards Nora? Does Torvald's view of Nora as a liar and a criminal change after reading the second letter? When Nora decides to leave Torvald, he blames her for "forsaking her holiest duties" as a wife and mother. Nora responds: "That I no longer believe" (Act 3, 579). Why? Does she no longer believe the socially prescribed gender roles? What does she realize about her role in marriage and women's duties?

Discussion Question #3 for Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (1879, Act 3, pp. 567-581)

After watching Torvald's reactions to the letters, Nora tells him: "I have had great injustice done [to] me, Torvald; first by father and then by you" (Act 3, 578). What and why does she feel unjust about her life and marriage? Why haven't they talked about any serious issues as a husband and wife for the past eight years? Torvald says, "But no man sacrifices his honour, even for one he loves" (3. 580). What do you make of this? Did Nora sacrifice her honor for the one she loves? What is the "miracle" she has been waiting for? If the miracle had happened, would Nora have stayed in her marriage? Why does she think she is "no use" to her children (Act 3, 581)? What do you think Ibsen is trying to convey through Nora's leaving her husband?