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Summary and Analysis of Act II
The second Act begins where the first left off--Nora still pacing the living room uneasily, worried that Krogstad will expose her. Still denying the possibility of negative repercussions, Nora is interrupted by the Nurse who brings in Nora's ball dress. Nora asks if her children have been asking for her. The Nurse confirms that they have and Nora, continuing to hint at negative events yet to come, tells the Nurse that Nora will not be able to be with her children as much as before. When the Nurse comments that the children will be able to cope with such a loss, Nora wonders aloud if they would forget her altogether if she were to go away. The Nurse is shocked. Nora then asks her a question she claims to have had for a long time: how the Nurse could have felt comfortable leaving her own children among strangers while she came to work as Nora's nurse when Nora was little. The Nurse tells her that she was grateful for such a good position and, given her financially unstable situation (and her dislike of her husband), something she could not pass up. Nora further probes if the Nurse's daughter, as a result of her absence, had forgotten the Nurse. Nurse says no. Nora throws her arms around the Nurse, telling the Nurse what a wonderful mother she had been for her. Nora also begins to say that she is sure that the Nurse would also be a wonderful mother to Nora's children if they were suddenly without a mother but dismisses her thought as silly and sends the Nurse back to the children, turning the conversation to the ball. While alone, Nora unsuccessfully tries to concentrate on the ball and forget the problem of the possibility of Krogstad revealing her secret. She is interrupted by Mrs. Linde's arrival. Happy to see her, Nora asks Mrs. Linde to help her repair her dress for the ball the next evening. While sewing, Mrs. Linde thanks Nora for her hospitality and begins to ask about Dr. Rank and whether he is usually as depressing as he had been the day before. Nora reports that, as Mrs. Linde expected, he had been particularly bad and explains to her friend that Dr. Rank suffers from a very dangerous consumption of the spine that he has had from childhood; Nora hints that Dr. Rank's problem is the result of his father's sexual indiscretions (though it is unclear as to whether Nora is really hinting and aware of the fact that they were sexual in nature). Shocked by Nora's understanding of the matter, Mrs. Linde drops her sewing and asks Nora how it is that she knows of such things. Nora dismisses Mrs. Linde's inquiry by telling her that the married women friends that occasionally stop by have a good knowledge of medical problems. Resuming her sewing, Mrs. Linde quietly continues her probe of Nora's relationship with Dr. Rank, asking Nora if he is often at the house. Nora replies that Dr. Rank is a good friend of both her and Torvald and stops by the house daily. Curious about Dr. Rank's motives as well as his familiarity with Mrs. Linde's name (and Torvald's lack of familiarity), Mrs. Linde asks Nora to describe her relationship with the Doctor. Nora confesses that, because of Torvald's own tastes, she does often tell Dr. Rank things that she does not share with Torvald. Suspicious of Dr. Rank, Mrs. Linde, citing her superior experience and knowledge of the world, counsels Nora to end her relationship with Dr. Rank. Puzzled, Nora asks Mrs. Linde exactly what it is that she should be ending. Mrs. Linde explains that she is afraid that Dr. Rank is the rich admirer who Nora described the day before as a potential source of money. Interrupting her, Nora clarifies that such a man does not exist. Still pursuing her line of thought, Mrs. Linde calls Dr. Rank tactless and tells Nora that it is obvious that he is the man from whom Nora has borrowed money. Nora denies this, but muses on the potential help that a man could bring to rectifying the situation. Sensing a change in Nora's disposition, Mrs. Linde asks Nora what has happened in the last day. Hearing Torvald approaching, Nora does not answer and asks Mrs. Linde to retire to another room with her sewing, explaining that Torvald dislikes seeing dressmaking. Mrs. Linde obliges Nora but warns her that she will not leave the house until Nora explains what has happened. Torvald enters and asks if it was the dressmaker who had just left. Nora tells him that it was Mrs. Linde and replies that he must be very pleased that she had taken his advice to ask Mrs. Linde for help. Scoffing at the idea that he should be pleased that his wife had done his bidding, he excuses himself, saying that she will probably want to be trying on her dress. Nora remarks that she expects that he will retire to the study with his work. As he leaves, Nora stops him, asking him repeatedly if he would do something for his "little squirrel" or "skylark" if she were to act very "prettily", dancing and singing for him. Torvald answers that, despite these promises, he would still like to hear what the deed would be before he agrees. While Nora continues to promise that she will act like a fairy and dance for him in the moonlight, he abruptly asks her if she is making her request from earlierthe appeal to not fire Krogstad. When Nora confirms that she is, begging him to reconsider, Torvald grows angry, observing that it is Krogstad's post that he has promised Mrs. Linde; Torvald implies that he is annoyed that Nora seems to think that he would change his mind simply because of Nora's promise to Krogstad. Nora interrupts him, telling him that it is not just her promise that makes the matter so urgent-- she is concerned that Krogstad will besmirch their name in the newspapers. Torvald, thinking that Nora is afraid of libel because of past experiences with her father's name being trashed in the newspapers after his death, reassures Nora that, unlike her father, he is beyond reproach. Nora again pleads, warning that men like Krogstad are certainly capable of contriving things to bring harm to their happy, snug home. Torvald finally replies that Nora's pleas make it all the more impossible for him to change his mind; what would happen to his reputation if word got out that he had reversed his decision simply because of his wife's entreaties? Moreover, Torvald argues that Krogstad is not only morally corrupt, but he also takes advantage of their early childhood friendship to speak to him in what Torvald believes to be an inappropriately familiar manner. Torvald believes that this would make his position as manager intolerable. Incredulous, Nora tells Torvald that he surely must not be so narrow-minded. Angry at being called narrow-minded (which Nora tries to qualify), Torvald orders the maid to send Krogstad his dismissal which Torvald has already composed. Horrified, Nora begs him to call the letter back, warning Torvald that he must do it for the sake of the marriage and family. Torvald says it is too late and Nora agrees. Torvald then launches into a speech on how insulting he finds Nora's alarm but concludes by telling her that he forgives her because her worries are surely only an expression of her great love for him. He assures her that, come what may, he will have the courage to take upon him anything and everything that happens. Nora is particularly intrigued and horrified by this statement and asks Torvald to clarify. He simply repeats that he will take upon everything that comes their way. Nora states that that will never happen. Torvald interprets her statement as a desire to share the burdens as husband and wife and assures her that this is what he has in mind as well. He then dismisses the whole topic, asking her if she feels better and telling her to go back to practicing her dancing for the next night's ball in the tone of a father figure. He also instructs her to direct Dr. Rank to his study, leaving her for work. Alone, Nora is bewildered with anxiety, whispering the cryptic statement: "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 doorbell interrupts her monologue. Pulling herself together, she welcomes Dr. Rank with whom she converses while it falls dark. Nora detains him from Torvald for a while, telling him that, unlike the busy Torvald, she always has time for him. Dr. Rank replies that he will make as much use of her time as possible. Confused by his statement, Nora asks him to clarify his meaning, asking him if there is anything likely to happen between them. Dr. Rank enigmatically answers that nothing will happen for which he has not long been prepared, though he had not expected anything to happen so soon. Nora, alarmed, grips her friend by the arm, demanding him to tell her what he has found out. Sitting down, Dr. Rank reveals that he expects that he will be dead within a month. Nora is relieved that Dr. Rank has actually been talking about himself and not her own situation and comments on the ugliness of the matter. Dr. Rank agrees and asks Nora to prevent Torvald from entering Rank's sickroom once Rank knows that he is about to enter the final stages of death because Rank does not want Torvald to witness the ugliness of the disease since he knows that Torvald's refined nature gives Torvald an unconquerable disgust of everything ugly. Nora, upset by his pessimistic and ugly tone, comments that she had hoped that he would be in good spirits today. Rank scoffs at the idea of being in good humor (pun probably not intended) when he knows that he is dying for the sins of his father. Besides, he says, such revenge for indiscretion is being exacted in every household. Unclear as to what Rank is talking about, Nora comments that Rank's father must have eaten a lot of unhealthy foods and alcohol when he was younger. The conversation (it is unclear as to whether the two have really understood each other throughout the exchange) peters out with Nora commenting that the biggest tragedy has been that Dr. Rank has not been able to enjoy these pleasures himself. Dr. Rank is intrigued by this nebulous statement and makes a small exclamation. The conversation becomes confused and degenerates into a comment on the silly moods that two are in. Nora, rising and placing her hands on Dr. Rank's shoulders, comments that she and Torvald would hate to lose Dr. Rank to death. Dr. Rank replies that those who are gone are easily forgotten, piquing Nora's interest. Dr. Rank, explaining the matter, observes that Mrs. Linde has already begun to replace him. Nora tells him to be quiet and promises that, if he is nice, she will dance the next day and he will be able to imagine that it is all for him (and, as a quick qualifier, Torvald as well). Nora, continuing (consciously or unconsciously) to flirt with the Doctor, pulls out a pair of silk stockings to show him. They banter a bit about how much leg Nora will have to show him for him to form an opinion of the stockings. Dr. Rank comments on the great deal of intimacy and comfort he has enjoyed with the Helmers and how he would like to leave some token of appreciation for their generosity before he passes away. Nora, interested, begins to ask him about doing her a big favor when Dr. Rank reveals that he is in love with her and would give his life for her, saddening Nora and deterring her from pursuing the favor. Nora, chastising Dr. Rank for making such a comment, leaves the room to bring in a lamp. Steering the conversation back to safer territory, Nora explains why she loves Torvald but seems to enjoy her time with Dr. Rank more. While she is observing how similar her relationship with Torvald is with that of her deceased father, the maid enters with the news that Krogstad is in the house and refuses to leave until he sees Nora. Dr. Rank, unaware of the circumstances, retires to Torvald's study, buying Nora's explanation that she has just received a new dress about which she would prefer Torvald not know. Temporarily alone while the maid fetches Krogstad, Nora comments to herself that "this dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of me! No, no, no it can't happenit shan't happen!" When Krogstad enters, Nora tells him to speak low, warning him that Torvald is home. Krogstad, unperturbed, asks her for an explanation of his dismissal. Nora replies that she did her best pleading his case, but could not sway her husband. Krogstad, assuming that Nora told him everything, comments that Torvald must love her very little to have made such a decision. Nora informs him that Torvald does not know anything about the matter, inspiring Krogstad to make a few derogatory remarks about Nora's husband. Settling down a bit, Krogstad asks Nora if she now has a clearer idea of what she has done than the day before. Nora replies that she does indeed. In fact, she says that she understands more than Krogstad could ever teach her and asks him what he wants of her. Krogstad replies that, despite the words exchanged in their last meeting, he has in fact been concerned about her and wants to know how she is doing. He informs her that he will not make the matter public, but will keep it between he, Nora, and Torvald. Nora protests that Torvald must not know but Krogstad replies that, even if she did have the money to pay the outstanding balance on the loan, he would still need to engage her husband. He also tells her that he will still not part with the bond and counsels her not to think of running away or committing suicide (to which Nora admits considering) because she will not be publicly exposed. To Nora's continued protests, Krogstad explains that he must involve Torvald because his intent is to ask Torvald not for money but for help in rehabilitating himself. Krogstad predicts that, with Torvald's help, he will soon replace Torvald as the manager of the bank. Nora, horrified, threatens him not to do any such thing. Brushing off her threats, he leaves her with the reminder that he holds her reputation in his power and the observation that it is Torvald's actions that have forced Krogstad to act this way again. He then exits and drops his letter to Torvald into the locked letter box for which only Torvald has a key. Mrs. Linde enters with the dress as Nora watches Krogstad put the letter in the box. Nora seizes Mrs. Linde and reveals her problem, asking her friend to be her witness in case anything should befall Nora. She insists that Mrs. Linde tell everyone that Nora was not insane and, more importantly, was completely responsible for everything. Mrs. Linde, confused, tells Nora that she does not understand what Nora is talking about, prompting Nora to observe that "How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is about to happen," leaving Mrs. Linde even more confused. Nora elaborates, explaining that this wonderful thing is also terrible and "musn't happen for all the world". Mrs. Linde offers to go to Krogstad and convince him to ask for the letter back using her old amorous connection with him as a method of persuasion. Nora says that it is hopeless. However, while Torvald begins knocking on the door, asking to enter, Mrs. Linde resolves to go to Krogstad and exits quickly. As she leaves, Nora unlocks the door for Torvald and Dr. Rank. The two men are surprised because they expected Nora to be trying on her dress. Torvald observes that Nora looks worn out and asks her if she has been practicing too much. Nora replies that she has not been practicing at all and, in fact, she is incapable of practicing without Torvald because she cannot seem to remember anything without him. Hoping to distract him long enough to solve the letter problem, she asks him to help her all day and night until the ball. Torvald agrees. However, before they begin to practice, he begins to go out to the letterbox to check for mail. Nora, afraid, stops him by playing the first bars of the Tarantella she is going to dance; she lures him to play for her and correct her while she dances (Dr. Rank, until now an observer, eventually takes over at the piano so Torvald can stand and correct Nora better). Her dancing is wild, growing more so as it continues until her hair has come all undone. While Nora is still dancing, Mrs. Linde returns and observes to Nora that she is dancing like her life depended on it, to which Nora agrees. Torvald eventually calls everything to a halt, chastising Nora for having forgotten everything he has taught her. Nora replies that she has indeed forgotten everything and needs his help to relearn the dance. She tells him that he must not think of anything else, especially not any letters. Torvald, catching on a bit, remarks that he can tell from her behavior that there is a letter from Krogstad waiting for him. Nora responds that she does not know, but that there might be; she implores him not to let anything horrible come between them until "this is all over". Dr. Rank whispers to Torvald that Torvald must not contradict her and Torvald takes her into his arms, calling her a child that must have her way. He promises to work with her until after the ball but says that, after that, he will be free (the words of Nora). They then all retire to dinner, Nora calling for lots of macaroons. As they leave, Torvald and Dr. Rank exchange a few words on Nora's state of mind, making it clear that they have discussed it before. Dr. Rank, concerned, asks if Nora is expecting something, but Torvald dismisses the concerns as evidence of childish nervousness. They exit. Alone, Mrs. Linde tells Nora that Krogstad has gone out of town. Nora seems unconcerned, telling Mrs. Linde that she should not have bothered because nothing should impede the "wonderful" thing that Nora claims will soon happen. Mrs. Linde presses Nora to explain this wonderful thing, but Nora dismisses her questions, telling her she would not understand and sends Mrs. Linde into the dining room. Nora alone, composes herself, and checks the time. She observes that she has thirty-one hours to live (until after the tarantella). Torvald's voice is then heard asking for his "little skylark" and the Act ends with Nora going to him with outstretched arms. AnalysisWhereas Act I set up the initial invasion of reality into Nora's world and the rattling of the basic underpinnings of the falseness of Nora's life (i.e., marriage and motherhood), Act II eventually sees her set up a test that will determine whether or not her world is false. In other words, she is confronted with the fact that Torvald will find out about her lie but believes that, if he is the man she thinks he is, his discovery will only strengthen their marriage. Her reaction to Krogstad finally dropping his letter in the letter box is the climax of the play. In the traditional well made play, this would be followed by a unraveling and moral resolution of the dilemma set up in the first act and brought to head in the second. However, Ibsen deviates from this mold, turning the third act into a discussion. At the beginning of the second Act, before the climax, Nora is still trying to confront the fact that her world can be touched and shattered. Though she is shaken, she still believes that her family and her material comforts will protect her. However, she is worried enough about the matter that she has already begun to consider the idea of both running away and committing suicide (though she admits that she does not have the courage for this last part). Luckily, the ball temporarily distracts her. This ball is extremely important for Nora because, through the costumes and dance, she is able to embrace the basic elements of the basis of her relationship with Torvald that she is still trying to preserve; she can sing and dance for him as a lovely creature. Mrs. Linde refers to Nora's dress as her "fine feathers" reinforcing the general perception of Nora as a non-human entity, a creature free of cares. In fact, the dress itself serves as a potent symbol of Nora's "character". Like Nora, it is torn and in need of repair. However, as in real life, Nora feels she is incapable of fixing the problem herself, giving the dress to Mrs. Linde to mend. The idea of the dress serving as a symbol for Nora's everyday mask is reinforced when Nora reports that Torvald dislikes seeing dressmaking in action. In other words, Torvald enjoys the character that Nora adopts but has no desire to see its origins, the real Nora. Indeed, Nora tries to maintain her relationship with Torvald, unsuccessfully attempting to manipulate him on behalf of Krogstad through playing the part of his innocent and darling creature. One of the key turning points of the play comes when Torvald tells her that, come what may, he will take everything upon himself. Whereas before, Nora merely sought to find some way to avoid this disaster, now the idea that this episode may prove the strength of her marriage has been planted in her head. An important quotation to look at is Nora's remarks after she is left alone that "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!" One way to read this is as a comment on Krogstad's actionsthat he will reveal her after all. Another way to read this statement is as a commentary on Torvald's decision to fire Krogstad and the problems it will cause. Still another way to read this is as concern that Torvald will take responsibility for her actions as he promised. After this realization, Nora begins to act a bit more daring than before, using her awareness of the possibility of Dr. Rank's affection to manipulate him. When things go too far for her, however, and he admits that he is in love with her, she can not continue, her manipulation ruined by the blatant statement of reality. After all, Dr. Ranks' revelation that he, like Torvald, would give his life to save Nora's ruins her belief that Torvald's position is somehow unique. Nora's hopes of averting disaster are dashed when she sees Krogstad drop the letter into Torvald's box. Perhaps already aware of the inherent problems of the relationship, she exclaims that all is lost for her and Torvald as Krogstad deposits the letter. Nora's fear, now that she knows that there is no turning back, is that the "wonderful thing" will happen: that Torvald will try to take this all upon himself and that, by knowing what she has done for him, they will become equal partners in the marriage. Nora both fears this and wishes for it. But, Nora is not ready to face this just yet. She wants to act out her last chance to be a creature for Torvald, dancing the tarantella. It is only after this dancing that she consents to letting him free. Interestingly, her last statement that she only has thirty-one hours to live can be read two different ways. On the one hand, it can be interpreted as saying that she plans on committing suicide in order to free Torvald from having to take the responsibility on himself; she would die knowing that she had once again saved his life. On the other hand, it may be a comment only that her life as she knows it will be over and that, in thirty-one hours, she will have to embark upon a new, radically different life because her relationship with Torvald will be over.
ClassicNote on A Doll's House
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