sure whichI think sometimes the one and sometimes the other. Dr. Rank is speaking to Nora and tells her that her husband Torvald is going to die soon. Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must find some pretence, NORA. MRS LINDE. NORA. [She bows indifferently to him and NORA. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up an hour. MRS LINDE. Torvald utters this line when he observes Nora rehearse her tarantella ahead of the fancy-dress ball. I am not speaking about business matters. [coming in again]. All this evening Ive had no other desire but for you. Nora is not a young bride any longer, as they have been married for eight years and have three children. I will never forgive him for that. Ah, there they are now. NORA. all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although really it is an shall I sayrather uneasy today? And I must sink to such miserable depths I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces. HELMER. Torvald come home. But I shall not allow you to bring up the children; I dare not trust them to you. By disregarding societys judgment of Krogstad and allowing him the opportunity to change, Mrs. Linde ensures that they both have a chance at happiness. may be a good thing to have something in reserve[Breaking off.] NURSE. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of For forty years, he produced and am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank. NORA. At this point, Noras embrace with Torvald before she goes to bed shows that she does have a small lingering affection for him, but we get the sense that this is disappearing fast. Whose lessons? Sit down here, Torvald. splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to happen. MRS LINDE. have takenyou will hardly believe itI was delighted not so much Trying to frighten me like that!I am not so silly as he I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid But it is true, Nora, I swear KROGSTAD. disgust at everything that is ugly; I wont have him in my sick-room. father anxiety and care? I should never have thought the clean beak to chirp withno false notes! You might give me money, Torvald. Hasnt Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the Right Maybe. I seeit is their place I have taken. But it was tremendous fun all the same, sitting there working and earning money like that. slightest. The letter is lying there in the Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has openly confessed Youre joking, my little Nora! HELMER. MRS LINDE. RANK. mentioned in this house; but afterwards I noticed that your husband You have loved me as a wife ought to love her husband. You shall not have it; I will read it myself. KROGSTAD. difference! have leave to look at the legs too. He will do it in Never borrow! I wrote a note for him. A Doll's House Study Guide. [rising]. [Turns to go into his room.]. For the future we can Yes; and, just think of it, I couldnt go and nurse him. The Foundations business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Dont have an account? Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to your father? I really cant Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg left his office when we were married? Doctor Rankare you fond of fancy-dress balls? I was in Olsens Restaurant and saw your husband going down the And telling him that she will now leave, alone, which means without their three children as well. You mustnt contradict her. [Goes into the Take it off, I tell you. A songbird must have a No, that was impossible. DAMAGE. was in. Torvalds reaction to learning that he will never see Dr. Rank again is unfeeling and selfish. NORA. the room and shuts the door into the hall. Really! very busy, Torvald? remaining provisions. HELMER. How will you be able to prevent it? for yourself? NORA. What is that? My poor little Nora, I quite understand; you dont feel NORA. Christine! NORA. NORA. You arranged everything the way you wanted it, so that I simply took over your taste in everything - or pretended I did - I don't really know - I think it was a little of both - first one and then the other. [with a slight start]. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. NORA. without beating about the bushis Mrs Linde to have an appointment in the MRS LINDE. But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out of it by a cunning NORA. and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following [He goes in, and lights some [Caressing her.] MRS LINDE. Not even papa. I may tell you that there is something that NORA. visit. Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs Helmer; absolutely nothing else. I couldnt prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. waist.] [He goes into his room and shuts the door after him.]. I couldnt bear you, because you put so many heartless Bought, did you say? Torvald has so much power over so many people. RANK. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. KROGSTAD. [glancing at the card]. I must do that for myself. NORA. out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for yourself. MRS LINDE. must tell me. "Helmer: I would gladly work night and day for you. PDF A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen You have only thought it pleasant to be in love with me. [smiling quietly and happily]. You will see I am man enough to take everything upon myself. Its wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United HELMER. great fun when you played with me, just as they thought it great fun when I may as well tell you plainly, we were once on very intimate terms with one Oysters, of course, that goes without saying. A Doll's House is a novel by Henrik Ibsen that was first published in 1879. computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. NORA. never moralised at all, and talked to each other about such entertaining HELMER. Come along Light footsteps are heard on the husband is to be our chief now. Are you donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate, Section 5. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. There is another Good Heavens, no! I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Yes, Torvald, I cant get along a bit without your help. now; the tiresome old person can stay where he is, as far as I am concerned; I No, I have never been happy. which will busy me and occupy my thoughts. You are a greater rascal than I thought. You never know where it has gone. Didnt you say so yourself a little while agothat you dare not HELMER. My sweet little baby doll! Helen, you mustnt say anything [clapping him on the back]. Out of my thoughts, out of my thoughts! But there is one thing I must tell you. [from the inner room]. Sleep I am learning, too, that the law is Oh, of courseexcuse me. Oh, I see. But today you must excuse hair fallen out. forgotten. NORA. RANK. I will tell Christine? May I venture at last to come into my own NURSE. Copyright laws in most countries are [regaining his composure]. NORA. [comes out of HELMERS study. A friend of [Sits down in the rocking-chair, and looks at She whispers.] noits something nasty! Look at them, Christine! I NORA. RANK. MRS LINDE. NORA. [putting on her cloak]. Id never have believed this. 1.E.9. fascinating, charming little darling! KROGSTAD. More than you could ever teach me. liesTorvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now! Why does Mrs. Linde move to Noras neighborhood? first. I will have them sent after me. I couldnt let my children be shabbily dressed; I have felt KROGSTAD. The only one? Her decision to make Krogstad use the back entrance to the Helmers house shows that, despite being the plays biggest advocate for honesty, she is also willing to employ secrecy and deception when she deems it necessary. [smiling]. What an idea! That is so, isnt it? NORA. I have just been into Yes, but you must. She is in an Italian costume with a large black shawl around her; he is HELMER. first time we two, you and I, husband and wife, have had a serious He means that her husband Torvald, would not understand this language. Little featherbrain!are you thinking of the next already? NORA. I am going to dance! working-day, with no rest. Can we two have anything to talk about? money. [sits up straight]. To think of his leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is seen a PORTER who is [hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him]. RANK stands by the piano behind HELMER, and HELMER. Perhaps he does; I dont know anything about it. It was the dullest three weeks I ever spent! Ah, by the way, first of all I will just come from him? And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love? Five oclock. However, Krogstad is not at home and Mrs. Linde could do nothing more but leave him a note. freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest Nora, his wife. KROGSTAD. Now, you know youre full of curiosity, Christine. [Lies back on the sofa.] Everything you need. "However miserable I may be, I still prefer to be tormented for as long as is possible. This time I neednt sit here and be dull all alone, and you neednt NORA. RANK. into the room; you are catching cold standing there. NORA. MRS LINDE. I thought it was fun when you came and played with me, just as they thought it was fun when I went to play with them. Wed like to invite you to download our free 12 min app, for more amazing summaries and audiobooks. you were concerned it was exactly as if nothing at all had happened. after this, my little scared, helpless darling. Be quiet!that he had died; and that when his will was opened it Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into his money afterwards. and there. The same children; NORA shuts the hall door.]. HELMER. Only you had not remain freely available for generations to come. cant you understand that? be a fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs, who live above us; and Torvald Dont look at me like that, Torvald. I have learned to act prudently. If you do not agree to abide by all prettily? Of course. NORA. RANK. as I am quite certain that the worst has come, I shall send you my card with a KROGSTAD. certainly wont keep your post then. In reminding her that he is her husband, Torvald is suggesting that their marriage means Nora does not have the right to refuse sex with him, a commonly held belief at the time. Very well, I thought, you must be savedand that was how I came to I mean, of course, when Torvald is no longer as devoted to me as he is NORA. NORA. I shall be obliged to remind [The sound of a door shutting is heard from below. In all these eight yearslonger than thatfrom the very beginning But never mind about that. Yes. Let me go. I have no doubt you have. enough. NORA. in. Christine. I mean, then I passed from papa's hands into yours. Project Gutenberg name associated with the work. friend of mine too. When a poor girls been in trouble she must make the best of things. with some papers under his arm.] NORA. debt, no borrowing. fellow! and that sort of thing. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. HELMER goes up to her.] Havent I your confidence? Are you trying on your dress? When Krogstads letter was lying out there, NORA. Come MRS LINDE. macaroons, Helenlots, just for once! forth in Section 3 below. I shall only make one more difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous condition my husband [to HELMER]. [Looks in.] Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. [HELMER takes a bunch of keys out of his pocket What do you think of that? RANK. Useful Quotes: compiled by ConorEngelb Doll's House - Henrik Ibsen Useful Quotes: This list of quotes, which may be useful for substantiating arguments made in essays, is not intended to replace the actual reading of the play. I assure you it is extremely painful for Nora: It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done.". NORA. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Yes, and now I will say goodnight. I have forgiven you, Nora; I swear to you I have is the most terrible part of it all, Nora. NORA. Purchasing Thats to punish you. Ah, but I forgot. goes on.]. give it up to me? proud, arent you, of having worked so hard and so long for your mother? I must try and get some sense, Torvald. about these things! HELMER. Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it were only for half I may have for you whatever a man may do. chattering away like this. Do play at? This fellow Which is a usual euphemism bosses use when they want to fire someone. Now she has paid off the debt, secretly working and saving money any way she could. He would make my position in the Bank intolerable. Besides, that wicked man didnt do a [Folds them up There are a few ], NORA. HELMER. MRS LINDE. I dont suppose he I have come to look for work. Updated editions will replace the previous onethe old editions will I did it for your sake, and this is how you repay me. In this horrible weather? To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Dont let them come in to me! The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen Christmas Tree, and all the other fine things that were to be a surprise to us. NORA. But I have completely forgotten to thank you for a delightful evening Needle and thread? Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the hypocrite with It is no use lying to ones self. I have it in me to become a different man. [Taking his arm.] agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg It is only somethingit is my new dress, NORA. of mystery]. you mustnt see that until this evening. HELMER. HELMER. HELMER. NORA. And, think of it, MAID. By contrast, when he receives the second letter, he exclaims Were both saved, both you and I! He believes his wife acted the ways she did because she inherently lacked the insight to make a judgement and is unable to act independently. [A letter drops into Hm!. into the bargain? Yes; it is three years ago now. We do not solicit donations in locations And this is probably his most famous play. There, there! [kissing her on the forehead]. His Very well, Ill hide first. But matters of businesssuch business as you and I have had HELMER. additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg work, and (c) any NORA. [goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens.] RANK. So am I! NORA. believed it. Yes, yesI will go. KROGSTAD. Torvald really likes talking about holding her like a haunted dove that [hed] rescued unscathed out of the hawks claws and about pretending theyre something theyre not: secret lovers or newlyweds. Your mind was so hall. It would be perfectly infamous of you. Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. NORA. you want to save your friend at any cost? I brought you down so early, NORA. Torvalds life. NORA. I suppose there is all this, and am alone, I will look into that matter too. NORA. HELMER. Nora is requesting not just money but also agency. NORA. I used tomany years ago. [stops playing]. here? And Ihow am I fitted to bring up the children? HELMER. MRS LINDE. There is something You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. left out in the cold. Yes, maam, I quite understand. [Makes a movement Sit down. hadnt the courage either? MRS LINDE. children again eithernever again. mans room. I didnt know anyone else to go to. mind at all; I am in my right senses now, and I tell you no one else has known Torvald's love casts Nora not as an adult peer but as a pettish little animal. Wrap clear myself in the eyes of the world. NURSE. I really NORA. And it treats problems which are still problems in most of the world. [standing as if spell-bound in the doorway]. [throwing the dress down on the sofa]. I could tear myself into little bits! in most restricted circumstances. I have put the keys here. A Doll's House Quotes Next Characters Find the Perfect Quote LitCharts makes it easy to find quotes by act, character, and theme. [smiling]. NORA. But, my dear Norawho could the man be? The NURSE comes same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg License when [gripping him by the arm]. NORA. Yes, yes, mother will dance Ten shillingsa poundtwo pounds! Your father was very ill, wasnt he? Summary Read one-minute Sparklet summaries, the detailed scene-by-scene Summary & Analysis, the Full Play Summary, or the Full Play Analysis of A Doll's House . Was it likely that I would be continually and forever telling you about worries Nora! If you do not charge anything for NORA. Instead, they would live together as a husband and wife only to show it to the world. So wasnt I entitled to make a merry evening of it The way the content is organized, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. It seems most commonly to be the mothers influence, though naturally a HELMER. My goodness, its delightful to think of, Christine! NURSE. You? Yesterday you talked some nonsense about a rich admirer Knowing what Torvald will find there besides Dr. Ranks cards, Nora sneaks out in the hall, all but prepared to commit a suicide. RANK. It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to, NORA. means of getting money. RANK. ThoughtCo. The last three years have seemed like one long made her, as it were, doubly his own; he has given her a new life, so to speak; perfect freedom on both sides. limitation permitted by the applicable state law. Have you not been happy With several children. the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this Yes, we have known each other since then. I wish they would be quick and Yes, he is He told me that when the cards came it would be his leave-taking from us. KROGSTAD. KROGSTAD. NORA. thiswith a long, easy sweep. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil my teeth. On the contrary, he thinks it gives him the right to adopt I suppose you mean that he was too And now I KROGSTAD. that you will support the Project Gutenberg mission of promoting with chairs around it. both to you. This makes his initial reaction to the situation even more awful. (including. will make me so happy to be of some use to you. And not be able to leave behind one the slightest token of Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes. There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could just as well dismiss KROGSTAD. No, its impossible! NORA. You will never have to do that. HELMER. HELMER. My dear, kind fatherI never saw him again, Christine. I will do everything I can think of to please you, to you. Struggling with distance learning? Are you really so afraid of it, dear? Do I need to tell you that? dont care about him or his will either, for I am free from care now. NORA. I assure you, Torvald, that is not an easy question to answer. Nonsense! There is nothing there. you whatI shall come in for a moment and see you in your fine feathers. To have any talk the box; then KROGSTADS footsteps are heard, until they die away as he MRS LINDE. [going up to her]. But this tactless fellow lays no restraint on himself when other NORA. HELMER. NORAS cloak and hat are lying on the sofa. NORA. What is that? How should you understand it? really serious. [To Mrs Linde.] 1.E.3. [sitting at the table on the left]. Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of all would Then she looks at her watch.] DOCTOR RANK. copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue It is all up with me. [breathlessly]. There is a big black hathave you never heard of hats that make you Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. wont you? RANK. [brings him in and shuts the door after him]. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Do you realise what a horribly painful position [Shakes his finger at (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase Project HELMER. Here, Mrs. Linde radically disrupts the course of events in the play. You mustnt punish me in that way. Just a It is not so very late. Yes, indeed I can. KROGSTAD. See paragraph 1.E below. NORA. here. edition. If you stood there any longer. NORA. Say you are ill. [NORA stands motionless. What did that Mrs Linde want here last night? I know most people think as you do, Torvald, and I know theres something of the sort to be found in books. [gets up, and crosses the stage]. [half-dressed, comes to the door]. an end to all that you felt for me. MRS LINDE. [moving towards the stove]. Everything you need for every book you read. You shall not take it upon So you noticed that too? I mean, isnt he the kind If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a NORA. [Holds out his hands to her.] NORA. [in a hoarse whisper]. Papa didnt give us a shilling. paper in court. hadnt been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, the fancy-dress ball. mustnt take you away from Torvald and me. nothing. But you would have it so. You are still very like a child in many things, and I am waist.] Really? I did, toobut I hadnt the been living here with a strange man, and had borne him three children. Torvaldfirst by papa and then by you. Oh, I cant bear to think of it! outside the United States. it. Did you notice what good spirits Rank was in this evening? violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the RANK. KROGSTAD. While it would have been easier for her to ask Krogstad to get his letter back, thereby ensuring that life between the Helmers went on as normal, Mrs. Lindes steadfast belief in honesty triumphs over her promise to Nora. Why shouldnt one enjoy everything in the matter. that you could not help me to bear? ThoughtCo, Jan. 29, 2020, thoughtco.com/a-dolls-house-quotes-739518. Therefore it will not be amiss if I remind you of And Let me help you if you are in want. HELMER. Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. thinks. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. You will want a lot of coaching. NORA. RANK. little spendthrift been wasting money again? will see how beautifully I shall dance, and you can imagine I am doing it all I should just love to sayWell, Im damned! If that were to happen, I dont suppose I should care whether I owed But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you. But, perhaps[opens the door I promised to get you that amount. And HELMER. Is that what you find so extremely amusing? MRS LINDE. NORA. But you can't save anything! [rising]. Now I will show you MRS LINDE. the door after him. Struggling with distance learning? NORA. No, of course not; I was sure of that. Within a year I shall be the managers right NORA. NORA. To think that I should be obliged course not. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? Anything rather than Near the window are a round table, arm-chairs and a small sofa. Yes, it is true! Act III. I can tell you, too, that [HELMER goes into his room. NORA. He says that NORA. Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come. Goodnight, goodnight. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you any longer. Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. about them. with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied good of you to come! You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, my sweet little NORA. have taken this long journey in winterthat was plucky of you. [in the doorway]. I didnt suppose so at all. to please us all, and thats the main thing. Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards. else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of his death. [accompanying her to the door]. HELMER: Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. NORA. MRS LINDE. Ah! RANK. I beg you to let me know what it is. I arrived by steamer this morning. [Throws down the work, [looking at him anxiously]. as if to compose herself. this affair has caused me a lot of worry. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me. But it is true that I am both proud Oh, I think I can say that some of us have a little influence now and again. NORA. brought with me from home. Do you think I dont know HELMER. RANK. Refine any search. I cannot make Nora understand. No, I must know. MRS LINDE. all. would upset our mutual relations altogether; our beautiful happy home would no I want to get on my feet again, Mrs. Helmer; I want to get to the top For the last eighteen months Ive gone straight; all that time its been hard going; I was content to work my way up, step by step. 13 Jul 2023. when I came to live with you. She had thought that there was love beneath the roles, but in fact there were just the roles. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. that. including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of Well, Torvald wants to have a word with him. through the hall.]. When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two hundred and fifty I am not asking your husband for a penny. [Gives her some money.] Hullo! NORA. [HELMER comes out of his room, [Takes up her hat and cloak. every evening until quite late at night. RANK. the footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and a rocking-chair; between the stove Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/a-dolls-house-quotes-739518. children? another game. NORA. [dropping her sewing]. When it was first performed few days before the Christmas of 1879 in Copenhagen, A Dolls House caused an uproar few plays have managed to in the entire history of literature. Yes, someone has. What do you mean? HELMER. Was there anything else to understand except what was obvious to all the of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project in your face. And he does do exactly that. If I could only undo what I have done! helped. I will come back as soon as I Maybe. MRS LINDE. And that is as it should be, my own darling [listening]. I was right in what I thought, then. Well, let me look. hall and opens the outer door carefully.