A Doll's House Study Guide

Glossary of Terms

dissolution

coming apart, as a person does during an illness

extravagant

luxurious; in excess of what is really necessary (especially in terms of cost or glamor).

feminism

the idea or ideal of gender equity in society, with a focus on issues pertaining to women.

flat

an apartment.

indiscreet

not discreet; not keeping a sensitive or delicate matter private.

IOU

a written document acknowledging a debt (as "I owe you...").

lament

to feel or express sorrow about a bad choice or bad circumstance.

lark

a songbird.

macaroon

a chewy, sweet cookie made with sugar and egg whites.

patronizing

condescending; expressing the idea that someone is lower than oneself.

spinal consumption

a disease something like tuberculosis, colloquially thought to be a consequence of the diminishment of semen. Nora says that Dr. Rank has the disease as a consequence of his father's misdeeds.

tarantella

a fast, whirling southern Italian dance, usually performed by a single couple, once supposed to be a remedy for a tarantula bite. This is the dance which Nora dances for Helmer at the party.

tuberculosis

a contagious wasting disease which causes chest pain and coughing up of blood. Untreated, it eventually is fatal.