A Doll’s House, Part 1: Dramatic Elements and Characterization
Question 3 • WCA - English 2A
Read the passage from A Doll’s House.Helmer: That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there need be any struggle.Nora: [moving towards the stove]. As you please, Torvald.Helmer: [following her]. Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? [Taking out his purse.] Nora, what do you think I have got here?Nora: [turning around quickly]. Money!Helmer: There you are. [Gives her some money.] Do you think I don't know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time?Nora: [counting]. Ten shillings—a pound—two pounds! Thank you, thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time.Helmer: Indeed it must.
Answer
A
by revealing the changes that can happen to a person who has gotten wealthy quickly
B
by revealing attitudes related to spending and saving that many men held during the Victorian era
C
by revealing the bad financial advice that was given to many people in the Victorian era
D
by revealing the hardships that fell on many people who lived during the Victorian era
Explanation
Helmer insists that a respectable home should avoid borrowing and debt, expressing a strong preference for saving and financial independence. Yet he controls the household money and hands Nora a small allowance, treating her spending as something he manages. This contrast reflects Victorian-era attitudes about men’s authority over family finances and women’s limited financial independence, so the best choice is “by revealing attitudes related to spending and saving that many men held during the Victorian era.”
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