Act 3
1. Why does the act open with Mrs. Linde’s character?
2. How does Ibsen establish continuity between Act 2
and Act 3?
3. What is revealed here about Mrs. Linde’s and
Krogstad’s characters? Refer to specific elements of
characterization.
4. Discuss how the following motifs are developed:
equality, necessity, forgiveness.
5. Make links to the larger context while looking ath the
gender roles in this scene.
6. Discuss Krogstad’s character development.
7. Other
1. Discuss how tension is created here. Pay closer
attention to the character’s language & stage directions.
2. Discuss Nora’s state of mind and how that is conveyed
through specific stylistic features.
3. What is significant about Torvald’s account of the ball?
What does this reveal about his character?
4. Comment on Torvald’s juxtaposition of knitting vs.
embroidering? What larger comment is he making here?
5. How is plot furthered here? Refer to specific plot
elements.
6. Other
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How is tension built in this scene? Refer to
specific stylistic devices.
Comment on Nora’s language and character
development.
Discuss the use of dramatic irony.
Discuss the themes of fantasy vs. reality and
sexuality & desire.
Identify important quotes and address
significance.
Other
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Why does Dr. Rank appear on stage at this
point in the play?
How is Torvald contrasted to Dr. Rank in this
scene?
Discuss Torvald and Dr. Rank’s relationship
here.
Identify important quotes and address
significance.
Other
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How is tension built here? Refer to specific
stylistic devices.
Discuss the symbolism of the black cross on
Dr. Rank’s cards.
Discuss Helmer’s comments on learning about
Dr. Rank’s condition.
Address the disconnect between Nora and
Torvald.
Identify important quotes and address
significance.
Other
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Comment on Nora’s state of mind at the start of
this scene.
Discuss Torvald’s initial reaction to the letter
and how Nora tries to justify herself. What is
the larger significance here?
Analyze Torvald’s language.
Comment on the larger Victorian norms
translated into this section of the play.
Other
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Address the elements of reversal in this scene.
Discuss Torvald’s reaction to Krogstad’s second
letter and what this reveals about his character.
Discuss the references to time.
Address the motif of forgiveness.
Comments on gender roles.
Other
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Discuss Nora’s transformation and Torvald’s
reaction to it.
How is tension built in this scene? Refer to
specific stylistic devices.
Comment on the theme of marriage as a
partnership of equals.
Comment on the link that Torvald makes
between Nora and her father.
Discuss the doll as a motif.
Other.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Comment on he motif of motherhood.
Comment on Nora’s individualistic motivation and how
that links to Ibsen’s message.
Discuss Torvald’s reaction to Nora’s decision to leave.
What does this reveal about his character?
Comment on: familial obligations vs individual
obligations, religion vs reason, morality vs law.
Significant quotes?
Other
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Comment on the following motifs: masculinity,
femininity, honor, and sacrifice.
Comment on the “abyss” metaphor (Helmer: an
abyss has opened between us)
Discuss Torvald’s transformation to a pleading
man and the reversal of power.
Comment on the end of the act/play.
Significant quotes?
Other?