Group work on A Doll’s House
1. Examine the constructions of Nora’s identity: the descriptions
used by Nora as well as by other characters. Make up a list of
words and phrases used to describe Nora. Provide quoted
passages with act and page number in parentheses, and identify
which character is describing Nora.
What conclusions can you draw about these constructions of
Nora’s identity? What do they indicate about gender roles?
2. How do the roles that Nora and Helmer play (as wife and
husband) create problems?
3. Examine the three Acts (scenes) of the play (pages 885, 909,
927-28). What are the settings and how do they connect to what
is taking place with the characters and their relationships?
4. What does the play argue about:
Roles and stereotypes
Oppression
Relationships
Communication
Marriage
Come up with at least one thesis statement about what the play
argues.