AnswersLanguage Arts 2A - Mr. CrissingerRecognizing Rhetorical Techniques in a Speech

A Doll's House, Part 2: Suspense and Irony Answers

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What dramatic irony occurs in this passage? Select two options.

A
Helmer thinks that Nora's worry about him is related to his reputation and is a sign of her love for him, while the audience knows that it is the risk she took to get a loan that shows her love.
B
Nora thinks that Helmer will be furious with her for taking out a loan to help him, but the audience knows that Helmer loves Nora enough to forgive her for committing a crime to save him.
C
Nora thinks that Krogstad has written in the letter that she is having an affair, and is afraid that Helmer will find out, while the audience knows that Krogstad has written about the loan.
D
Helmer thinks that Krogstad is angry at Nora, and he wants to protect his wife, while the audience knows that it is Nora who is angry at Krogstad and has inside information about his lies.
E
Helmer thinks that Krogstad's vengeance will be against him, but the audience knows that Krogstad will take vengeance against Nora and her reputation as an honest woman.
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Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Mrs. Linde: Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in many things, and I am older than you in many ways and have a little more experience. Let me tell you this—you ought to make an end of it with Doctor Rank.Nora: What ought I to make an end of?Mrs. Linde: Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense about a rich admirer who was to leave you money—Nora: An admirer who doesn't exist, unfortunately! But what then?Mrs. Linde: Is Doctor Rank a man of means?Nora: Yes, he is.Mrs. Linde: And has no one to provide for?Nora: No, no one; but—Mrs. Linde: And comes here everyday?Nora: Yes, I told you so.Mrs. Linde: But how can this well-bred man be so tactless?Nora: I don't understand you at all.Mrs. Linde: Don't prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don't guess who lent you the two hundred and fifty pounds?

A
The audience knows that Nora and Doctor Rank are having an affair, but Nora denies it.
B
The audience knows that Mrs. Linde is jealous of Nora, but Nora does not know this.
C
The audience knows that Krogstad loaned Nora money, but Mrs. Linde does not know this.
D
The audience knows that Doctor Rank loaned Nora money, but Nora denies this.
3

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Nora: You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no cares—you and I and the children, Torvald! That is why I beg you so earnestly—Helmer: And it is just by interceding for him that you make it impossible for me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank that I mean to dismiss Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the new manager has changed his mind at his wife's bidding—Nora: And what if it did?Helmer: Of course!—if only this obstinate little person can get her way! Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of outside influence? I should very soon feel the consequences of it, I can tell you! And besides, there is one thing that makes it quite impossible for me to have Krogstad in the Bank as long as I am manager.Nora: Whatever is that?Helmer: His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if necessary—Nora: Yes, you could—couldn't you?Helmer: And I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when we were boys. It was one of those rash friendships that so often prove an incubus in afterlife. I may as well tell you plainly, we were once on very intimate terms with one another. But this tactless fellow lays no restraint on himself when other people are present. On the contrary, he thinks it gives him the right to adopt a familiar tone with me, and every minute it is "I say, Helmer, old fellow!" and that sort of thing. I assure you it is extremely painful for me. He would make my position in the Bank intolerable.

A
Helmer is going to give Krogstad a job where the two men will not have interactions.
B
Helmer's self-esteem is dependent on people believing that he is not influenced by his wife.
C
Helmer actually likes Krogstad as a friend but does not want to work with him.
D
Helmer does not want his wife to know that he used to be friends with Krogstad.
4

What evidence from the text supports the prediction that Helmer will learn the contents of the letter? Select three options.

A
Helmer knows that there is a piece of mail from Krogstad in the box.
B
Nora looks at her watch and tells herself she has 31 hours to live.
C
Helmer thinks that Nora is nervous and dismisses her pleas about the mail.
D
Mrs. Linde fails to find Krogstad so he can take back the piece of mail.
E
Nora expresses her intention of having a champagne banquet.
5

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Helmer: Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation.Rank: [in the doorway] I understood so, but evidently I was mistaken.Nora: Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress until tomorrow.Helmer: But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been practising too much?Nora: No, I have not practised at all.Helmer: But you will need to—Nora: Yes, indeed I shall, Torvald. But I can't get on a bit without you to help me; I have absolutely forgotten the whole thing.Helmer: Oh, we will soon work it up again.Nora: Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise that you will! I am so nervous about it—all the people—. You must give yourself up to me entirely this evening. Not the tiniest bit of business—you mustn't even take a pen in your hand. Will you promise, Torvald dear?Helmer: I promise. This evening I will be wholly and absolutely at your service, you helpless little mortal. Ah, by the way, first of all I will just— [Goes towards the hall door.]Nora: What are you going to do there?Helmer: Only see if any letters have come.Nora: No, no! don't do that, Torvald!Helmer: Why not?Nora: Torvald, please don't. There is nothing there.

A
Rank says that he thought Nora would be dressed up, while Helmer says that he did not expect her to be.
B
Nora tells Helmer that there are no letters in the box, while the audience knows that there is a letter from Krogstad.
C
Nora says that no one can see her in her costume until the party, where she will dance the tarantella.
D
Helmer and Rank promise to help Nora practice dancing, because she has not been practicing all day.
6

Which statements best describe the conflict? Select two options.

A
Helmer is controlling and does not want to be seen as one who lets his wife sway or control him.
B
Krogstad controls Helmer, and he does not want people to know about his past with Helmer.
C
Helmer does not like the way Krogstad tries to be his equal, and he wants to fire him from the bank.
D
Nora controls Helmer, and thinks that Krogstad is not as bad as Helmer believes he is.
E
Krogstad controls Nora, thinks that Nora is irresponsible, and wants to hide his past with Helmer.
7

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Krogstad: I shall only preserve it—keep it in my possession. No one who is not concerned in the matter shall have the slightest hint of it. So that if the thought of it has driven you to any desperate resolution.Nora: It has.Krogstad: If you had it in your mind to run away from your home.Nora: I had.Krogstad: Or even something worse—Nora: How could you know that?Krogstad: Give up the idea.Nora: How did you know I had thought of that?Krogstad: Most of us think of that at first. I did, too—but I hadn't the courage.Nora: [faintly] No more had I.Krogstad: [in a tone of relief]. No, that's it, isn't it—you hadn't the courage either?Nora: No, I haven't—I haven't.Krogstad: Besides, it would have been a great piece of folly. Once the first storm at home is over—. I have a letter for your husband in my pocket.Nora: Telling him everything?Krogstad: In as lenient a manner as I possibly could.

A
Krogstad has written a deceptive letter.
B
Nora will follow Krogstad’s advice.
C
Krogstad thinks that Nora is foolish.
D
Nora is considering killing herself.
8

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Nora: [putting her arms round her neck] Dear old Anne, you were a good mother to me when I was little.Nurse: Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me.Nora: And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would—What nonsense I am talking! [Opens the box.] Go in to them. Now I must—. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look.Nurse: I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as you, ma'am. [Goes into the room on the left.]Nora: [begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from her]. If only I dared go out. If only no one would come. If only I could be sure nothing would happen here in the meantime. Stuff and nonsense! No one will come. Only I mustn't think about it. I will brush my muff. What lovely, lovely gloves! Out of my thoughts, out of my thoughts! One, two, three, four, five, six— [Screams.] Ah! there is someone coming—. [Makes a movement towards the door, but stands irresolute.]

A
Nora will look beautiful at the ball.
B
Nora will decide to leave her family.
C
Nora will not leave her children.
D
Nora will stay home from the ball.
9

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Nora: [quickly] He mustn't get the letter. Tear it up. I will find some means of getting money.Krogstad: Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer, but I think I told you just now—Nora: I am not speaking of what I owe you. Tell me what sum you are asking my husband for, and I will get the money.Krogstad: I am not asking your husband for a penny.Nora: What do you want, then?Krogstad: I will tell you. I want to rehabilitate myself, Mrs. Helmer; I want to get on; and in that your husband must help me. For the last year and a half I have not had a hand in anything dishonourable, amid all that time I have been struggling in most restricted circumstances. I was content to work my way up step by step. Now I am turned out, and I am not going to be satisfied with merely being taken into favour again. I want to get on, I tell you. I want to get into the Bank again, in a higher position. Your husband must make a place for me—Nora: That he will never do!Krogstad: He will; I know him; he dare not protest. And as soon as I am in there again with him, then you will see! Within a year I shall be the manager's right hand. It will be Nils Krogstad and not Torvald Helmer who manages the Bank.Nora: That's a thing you will never see!Krogstad: Do you mean that you will—?Nora: I have courage enough for it now.Krogstad: Oh, you can't frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you—Nora: You will see, you will see.Krogstad: Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, coal-black water? And then, in the spring, to float up to the surface, all horrible and unrecognisable, with your hair fallen out—Nora: You can't frighten me.Krogstad: Nor you me. People don't do such things, Mrs. Helmer. Besides, what use would it be? I should have him completely in my power all the same.Nora: Afterwards? When I am no longer—Krogstad: Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of your reputation? [NORA stands speechlessly looking at him.] Well, now, I have warned you. Do not do anything foolish. When Helmer has had my letter, I shall expect a message from him. And be sure you remember that it is your husband himself who has forced me into such ways as this again. I will never forgive him for that. Goodbye, Mrs. Helmer. [Exit through the hall.]

A
Krogstad tells Nora that he has written a letter telling Helmer about her affair with the doctor.
B
Krogstad refuses to forgive Helmer unless Nora finds a way to come up with more money.
C
Krogstad tries to blackmail Nora into getting Helmer to keep him at the bank by exposing her forgery.
D
Krogstad plans to take Helmer’s job managing the bank and ruin Nora’s reputation while doing so.
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Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Helmer: [putting his papers together] Now then, little Miss Obstinate.Nora: [breathlessly]. Torvald—what was that letter?Helmer: Krogstad's dismissal.Nora: Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald, call her back! Do it for my sake—for your own sake—for the children's sake! Do you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You don't know what that letter can bring upon us.Helmer: It's too late.Nora: Yes, it's too late.Helmer: My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although really it is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn't it an insult to think that I should be afraid of a starving quill-driver's vengeance? But I forgive you nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for me. [Takes her in his arms.] And that is as it should be, my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall have both courage and strength if they be needed. You will see I am man enough to take everything upon myself.Nora: [in a horror-stricken voice]. What do you mean by that?Helmer: Everything, I say—Nora: [recovering herself] You will never have to do that.Helmer: That's right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man and wife should. That is how it shall be. [Caressing her.] Are you content now? There! There! Not these frightened dove's eyes! The whole thing is only the wildest fancy! Now, you must go and play through the Tarantella and practise with your tambourine. I shall go into the inner office and shut the door, and I shall hear nothing; you can make as much noise as you please. [Turns back at the door.] And when Rank comes, tell him where he will find me. [Nods to her, takes his papers and goes into his room, and shuts the door after him.]Nora: [bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, and whispers] He was capable of doing it. He will do it. He will do it in spite of everything. No, not that! Never, never! Anything rather than that! Oh, for some help, some way out of it! [The door-bell rings.] Doctor Rank! Anything rather than that—anything, whatever it is! [She puts her hands over her face, pulls herself together, goes to the door and opens it. RANK is standing without, hanging up his coat. During the following dialogue it begins to grow dark.]

A
Nora realizes that Helmer's actions are intended to preserve his masculinity, not their marriage.
B
Nora realizes that, no matter what the letter says, Helmer will still love her as much as he does now.
C
Nora comes to understand that Doctor Rank is more important to Helmer than she is.
D
Nora comes to understand that Helmer wants to share more responsibilities in the marriage now.
11

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Mrs. Linde: [goes on sewing. A short silence] Does Doctor Rank come here everyday?Nora: Everyday regularly. He is Torvald's most intimate friend, and a great friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family.Mrs. Linde: But tell me this—is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn't he the kind of man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable?Nora: Not in the least. What makes you think that?Mrs. Linde: When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he had often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I noticed that your husband hadn't the slightest idea who I was. So how could Doctor Rank—?Nora: That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of me that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first he used to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk at home, so naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about such things with Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them.Mrs. Linde: Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in many things, and I am older than you in many ways and have a little more experience. Let me tell you this—you ought to make an end of it with Doctor Rank.

A
It has no impact, because Doctor Rank is a minor character in the plot and is not involved with Nora.
B
It has little impact, because Nora and Doctor Rank only interact with each other in one scene.
C
It has an important impact, because Nora decides that she should leave Helmer for the doctor.
D
It has a major impact, because it hints at the doctor's feelings for Nora and her attempt at manipulation.
12

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Nurse: What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch cold, ma'am, and make yourself ill.Nora: Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children?Nurse: The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, but—Nora: Do they ask much for me?Nurse: You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them.Nora: Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now as I was before.Nurse: Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything.Nora: Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if she went away altogether?Nurse: Good heavens!—went away altogether?

A
It reveals that the nurse would make a better mother than Nora.
B
It conveys that Nora does not trust what the nurse says.
C
It demonstrates that Nora is considering leaving her children.
D
It shows that Nora’s children would be OK without her.
13

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Nora: [going up to HELMER] I have wanted you so much, Torvald dear.Helmer: Was that the dressmaker?Nora: No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in order. You will see I shall look quite smart.Helmer: Wasn't that a happy thought of mine, now?Nora: Splendid! But don't you think it is nice of me, too, to do as you wish?Helmer: Nice?—because you do as your husband wishes? Well, well, you little rogue, I am sure you did not mean it in that way. But I am not going to disturb you; you will want to be trying on your dress, I expect.Nora: I suppose you are going to work.Helmer: Yes. [Shows her a bundle of papers.] Look at that. I have just been into the bank. [Turns to go into his room.]Nora: Torvald.Helmer: Yes.Nora: If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, very prettily—?Helmer: What then?Nora: Would you do it?Helmer: I should like to hear what it is, first.Nora: Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you would be nice, and do what she wants.Helmer: Speak plainly.Nora: Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song rising and falling—Helmer: Well, my skylark does that anyhow.Nora: I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, Torvald.

A
Nora is going to ask Helmer to pay off the debt.
B
Nora is going to tell Helmer that she borrowed money.
C
Nora is going to beg Helmer to let Krogstad keep his job.
D
Nora is going to ask Helmer to replace the dress.
14

Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.Nora: [putting her arms round her neck] Dear old Anne, you were a good mother to me when I was little.Nurse: Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me.Nora: And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would—What nonsense I am talking! [Opens the box.] Go in to them. Now I must—. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look.

A
Nora does not know that the nurse was her only mother, but the audience does.
B
Nora does not know if she will leave her children, but the audience knows that she will.
C
The nurse does not understand how important she is to Nora, but Nora does.
D
The nurse does not know that Nora will leave her children, but the audience does.

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