A DOLL'S HOUSE
Week #6

Eyes, look your last!

William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet


  1. What is the significance of the fact that the play takes place at Christmas time?

  2. What is the significance of the fact that at the very opening of the play, Nora tells Helene to hide the Christmas tree, and then later has the tree thrown out?

  3. What is the significance of the setting? Discuss the significance of such details as:
    • a typical middle class drawing room
    • a small bookcase in fancy binding
    • the floor is carpeted, a fire burns in the stove

  4. A definite Ibsen technique is to create dialogue with multiple meanings; for example, what is the significance of this passage? (p. 565)

    KRISTINE: And your husband came back completely cured?
    NORA: Strong as an ox!
    KRISTINE: But--what about the doctor, then?
    NORA: How do you mean?
    KRISTINE: 

    		Didn't the maid say something about a doctor, just as I arrived?
    NORA:  

     

    		 Oh yes, Dr. Rank. He's our best friend--it's not a professional call; he stops in to see us every day. Nor Torvald hasn't had a moment's illness.

  5. Talking about Dr. Rank brings up the issue of heredity. Darwinian notions about heredity and environment were a vital part of late 19th and early 20th century thinking (1875-1915). Where do we see examples of this in the play?

  6. The play is pre-Freud, but Freudian thinking is inherent in the play. How so?

  7. Why does Ibsen choose to bring the children onstage?

  8. What is the significance of the macaroons?

  9. What is the significance of clothes in the play?

  10. What is the Tarentella symbolism?

  11. Part of the artistry of this play has to do with its very tight structure. This is shown in the many parallels among the characters. What are the parallels between:

    1. Torvald and Nora
    2. Kristine and Nora
    3. Krogstad and Nora
    4. Dr. Rank, Krogstad, Nora, and Torvald
    5. Nora and Dr. Rank
    6. Anne-Marie (the nursemaid) and Nora

  12. What are the major themes of the play?

  13. Why does Torvald call Nora his "squirrel" and "skylark?"

  14. What is the significance of the title?

  15. Will Nora return?

  16. What is the significance of the name "Nora?"

  17. Why does the following line conjur up an interesting parallel with 'Night Mother? (p. 593) "I've never felt so sane and sure in my life"

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