Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House. 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. What dramatic irony occurs in this passage? Choose two correct answers.
Answer
A
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.
B
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.
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
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.
E
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.
Explanation
Helmer assumes Krogstad’s vengeance would be directed at him, and he interprets Nora’s fear as loving concern for his safety. The audience knows the letter reveals Nora’s secret loan and forged signature, putting her reputation at risk; her panic comes from the danger to herself and the secret she took on to help Helmer. This makes B and E examples of dramatic irony.
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