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.
ClassicNote on A Doll's House
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