--ADOLL'SHOUSE?玩偶之家? byHenrikIbsen挪威易卜生 DRAMATISPERSONAE人物表 TorvaldHelmer.托伐·海尔茂Nora,hiswife. 娜拉──他的妻DoctorRank.阮克医生Mrs.Linde.林丹太太NilsKrogstad.尼尔·柯洛克斯泰-.word.zl-
--Helmer'sthreeyoungchildren.海尔茂夫妇的三个孩子Anne,theirnurse.安娜──孩子们的保姆AHousemaid.爱伦──女佣人APorter.脚夫(TheactiontakesplaceinHelmer'shouse.)事情发生在克立斯替阿尼遏·海尔茂家里ACTI-.word.zl-
--(SCENE.--Aroomfurnishedfortablyandtastefully,butnotextravagantly.Attheback,adoortotherightleadstotheentrance-hall,anothertotheleftleadstoHelmer'sstudy.Betweenthedoorsstandsapiano.Inthemiddleoftheleft-handwallisadoor,andbeyonditawindow.Nearthewindowarearoundtable,arm-chairsandasmallsofa.Intheright-handwall,atthefartherend,anotherdoor;andonthesameside,nearerthefootlights,astove,twoeasychairsandarocking-chair;betweenthestoveandthedoor,asmalltable.Engravingsonthewalls;acabinetwithchinaandothersmallobjects;asmallbook-casewithwell-boundbooks.Thefloorsarecarpeted,andafireburnsinthestove.Itiswinter.Abellringsinthehall;shortlyafterwardsthedoorisheardtoopen.EnterNORA,hummingatuneandinhighspirits.Sheisinoutdoordressandcarriesanumberofparcels;theseshelaysonthetabletotheright.Sheleavestheouterdooropenafterher,andthroughitisseenaPORTERwhoiscarryingaChristmasTreeandabasket,whichhegivestotheMAIDwhohasopenedthedoor.)Nora.HidetheChristmasTreecarefully,Helen.Besurethechildrendonotseeituntilthisevening,whenitisdressed.(TothePORTER,takingoutherpurse.)Howmuch?Porter.Sixpence.-.word.zl-
--NoraThereisashilling.No,keepthechange.(ThePORTERthanksher,andgoesout.NORAshutsthedoor.Sheislaughingtoherself,asshetakesoffherhatandcoat.Shetakesapacketofmacaroonsfromherpocketandeatsoneortwo;thengoescautiouslytoherhusband'sdoorandlistens.)Yes,heisin.(Stillhumming,shegoestothetableontheright.)Helmer(callsoutfromhisroom).Isthatmylittlelarktwitteringoutthere?Nora(busyopeningsomeoftheparcels).Yes,itis!Helmer.Isitmylittlesquirrelbustlingabout?Nora.Yes!Helmer.Whendidmysquirrelehome?Nora.Justnow.(Putsthebagofmacaroonsintoherpocketandwipeshermouth.)einhere,Torvald,andseewhatIhavebought.Helmer.Don'tdisturbme.(Alittlelater,heopensthedoorandlooksintotheroom,peninhand.)Bought,didyousay?Allthesethings?Hasmylittlespendthrift-.word.zl-
--beenwastingmoneyagain?Nora.Yesbut,Torvald,thisyearwereallycanletourselvesgoalittle.ThisisthefirstChristmasthatwehavenotneededtoeconomise.Helmer.Still,youknow,wecan'tspendmoneyrecklessly.Nora.Yes,Torvald,wemaybeaweebitmorerecklessnow,mayn'twe?Justatinyweebit!Youaregoingtohaveabigsalaryandearnlotsandlotsofmoney.Helmer.Yes,aftertheNewYear;butthenitwillbeawholequarterbeforethesalaryisdue.Nora.Pooh!wecanborrowuntilthen.Helmer.Nora!(Goesuptoherandtakesherplayfullybytheear.)Thesamelittlefeatherhead!Suppose,now,thatIborrowedfiftypoundstoday,andyouspentitallintheChristmasweek,andthenonNewYear'sEveaslatefellonmyheadandkilledme,and--Nora(puttingherhandsoverhismouth).Oh!don'tsaysuchhorridthings.Helmer.Still,supposethathappened,--whatthen?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Ifthatweretohappen,Idon'tsupposeIshouldcarewhetherIowedmoneyornot.Helmer.Yes,butwhataboutthepeoplewhohadlentit?Nora.They?Whowouldbotheraboutthem?Ishouldnotknowwhotheywere.Helmer.Thatislikeawoman!Butseriously,Nora,youknowwhatIthinkaboutthat.Nodebt,noborrowing.Therecanbenofreedomorbeautyaboutahomelifethatdependsonborrowinganddebt.Wetwohavekeptbravelyonthestraightroadsofar,andwewillgoonthesamewayfortheshorttimelongerthatthereneedbeanystruggle.Nora(movingtowardsthestove).Asyouplease,Torvald.Helmer(followingher).e,e,mylittleskylarkmustnotdroopherwings.Whatisthis!Ismylittlesquirreloutoftemper?(Takingouthispurse.)Nora,whatdoyouthinkIhavegothere?Nora(turningroundquickly).Money!-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Thereyouare.(Giveshersomemoney.)DoyouthinkIdon'tknowwhatalotiswantedforhousekeepingatChristmas-time?Nora(counting).Tenshillings--apound--twopounds!Thankyou,thankyou,Torvald;thatwillkeepmegoingforalongtime.Helmer.Indeeditmust.Nora.Yes,yes,itwill.ButehereandletmeshowyouwhatIhavebought.Andallsocheap!Look,hereisanewsuitforIvar,andasword;andahorseandatrumpetforBob;andadollanddolly'sbedsteadforEmmy,--theyareveryplain,butanywayshewillsoonbreaktheminpieces.Andherearedress-lengthsandhandkerchiefsforthemaids;oldAnneoughtreallytohavesomethingbetter.Helmer.Andwhatisinthisparcel?Nora(cryingout).No,no!youmustn'tseethatuntilthisevening.Helmer.Verywell.Butnowtellme,youextravagantlittleperson,whatwouldyoulikeforyourself?Nora.Formyself?Oh,IamsureIdon'twantanything.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Yes,butyoumust.Tellmesomethingreasonablethatyouwouldparticularlyliketohave.Nora.No,Ireallycan'tthinkofanything--unless,Torvald--Helmer.Well?Nora(playingwithhiscoatbuttons,andwithoutraisinghereyestohis).Ifyoureallywanttogivemesomething,youmight--youmight--Helmer.Well,outwithit!Nora(speakingquickly).Youmightgivememoney,Torvald.Onlyjustasmuchasyoucanafford;andthenoneofthesedaysIwillbuysomethingwithit.Helmer.But,Nora--Nora.Oh,do!dearTorvald;please,pleasedo!ThenIwillwrapitupinbeautifulgiltpaperandhangitontheChristmasTree.Wouldn'tthatbefun?Helmer.Whatarelittlepeoplecalledthatarealwayswastingmoney?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Spendthrifts--Iknow.Letusdoasyousuggest,Torvald,andthenIshallhavetimetothinkwhatIammostinwantof.Thatisaverysensibleplan,isn'tit?Helmer(smiling).Indeeditis--thatistosay,ifyouwerereallytosaveoutofthemoneyIgiveyou,andthenreallybuysomethingforyourself.Butifyouspenditallonthehousekeepingandanynumberofunnecessarythings,thenImerelyhavetopayupagain.Nora.Ohbut,Torvald--Helmer.Youcan'tdenyit,mydearlittleNora.(Putshisarmroundherwaist.)It'sasweetlittlespendthrift,butsheusesupadealofmoney.Onewouldhardlybelievehowexpensivesuchlittlepersonsare!Nora.It'sashametosaythat.IdoreallysaveallIcan.Helmer(laughing).That'sverytrue,--allyoucan.Butyoucan'tsaveanything!Nora(smilingquietlyandhappily).Youhaven'tanyideahowmanyexpensesweskylarksandsquirrelshave,Torvald.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Youareanoddlittlesoul.Verylikeyourfather.Youalwaysfindsomenewwayofwheedlingmoneyoutofme,and,assoonasyouhavegotit,itseemstomeltinyourhands.Youneverknowwhereithasgone.Still,onemusttakeyouasyouare.Itisintheblood;forindeeditistruethatyoucaninheritthesethings,Nora.Nora.Ah,IwishIhadinheritedmanyofpapa'squalities.Helmer.AndIwouldnotwishyoutobeanythingbutjustwhatyouare,mysweetlittleskylark.But,doyouknow,itstrikesmethatyouarelookingrather--whatshallIsay--ratheruneasytoday?Nora.DoI?Helmer.Youdo,really.Lookstraightatme.Nora(looksathim).Well?Helmer(wagginghisfingerather).Hasn'tMissSweetToothbeenbreakingrulesintowntoday?Nora.No;whatmakesyouthinkthat?-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Hasn'tshepaidavisittotheconfectioner's?Nora.No,Iassureyou,Torvald--Helmer.Notbeennibblingsweets?Nora.No,certainlynot.Helmer.Noteventakenabiteatamacaroonortwo?Nora.No,Torvald,Iassureyoureally--Helmer.There,there,ofcourseIwasonlyjoking.Nora(goingtothetableontheright).Ishouldnotthinkofgoingagainstyourwishes.Helmer.No,Iamsureofthat;besides,yougavemeyourword--(Goinguptoher.)KeepyourlittleChristmassecretstoyourself,mydarling.TheywillallberevealedtonightwhentheChristmasTreeislit,nodoubt.-.word.zl-
--Nora.DidyouremembertoinviteDoctorRank?Helmer.No.Butthereisnoneed;asamatterofcoursehewilletodinnerwithus.However,Iwillaskhimwhenheesinthismorning.Ihaveorderedsomegoodwine.Nora,youcan'tthinkhowIamlookingforwardtothisevening.Nora.SoamI!Andhowthechildrenwillenjoythemselves,Torvald!Helmer.Itissplendidtofeelthatonehasaperfectlysafeappointment,andabigenoughine.It'sdelightfultothinkof,isn'tit?Nora.It'swonderful!Helmer.DoyourememberlastChristmas?Forafullthreeweeksbeforehandyoushutyourselfupeveryeveninguntillongaftermidnight,makingornamentsfortheChristmasTree,andalltheotherfinethingsthatweretobeasurprisetous.ItwasthedullestthreeweeksIeverspent!Nora.Ididn'tfinditdull.Helmer(smiling).Buttherewaspreciouslittleresult,Nora.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Oh,youshouldn'tteasemeaboutthatagain.HowcouldIhelpthecat'sgoinginandtearingeverythingtopieces?Helmer.Ofcourseyoucouldn't,poorlittlegirl.Youhadthebestofintentionstopleaseusall,andthat'sthemainthing.Butitisagoodthingthatourhardtimesareover.Nora.Yes,itisreallywonderful.Helmer.ThistimeIneedn'tsithereandbedullallalone,andyouneedn'truinyourdeareyesandyourprettylittlehands--Nora(clappingherhands).No,Torvald,Ineedn'tanylonger,needI!It'swonderfullylovelytohearyousayso!(Takinghisarm.)NowIwilltellyouhowIhavebeenthinkingweoughttoarrangethings,Torvald.AssoonasChristmasisover--(Abellringsinthehall.)There'sthebell.(Shetidiestheroomalittle.)There'ssomeoneatthedoor.Whatanuisance!Helmer.Ifitisacaller,rememberIamnotathome.Maid(inthedoorway).Aladytoseeyou,ma'am,--astranger.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Askhertoein.Maid(toHELMER).Thedoctorcameatthesametime,sir.Helmer.Didhegostraightintomyroom?Maid.Yes,sir.(HELMERgoesintohisroom.TheMAIDushersinMrs.LINDE,whoisintravellingdress,andshutsthedoor.)Mrs.Linde(inadejectedandtimidvoice).Howdoyoudo,Nora?Nora(doubtfully).Howdoyoudo--Mrs.Linde.Youdon'trecogniseme,Isuppose.Nora.No,Idon'tknow--yes,tobesure,Iseemto--(Suddenly.)Yes!Christine!Isitreallyyou?Mrs.Linde.Yes,itisI.Nora.Christine!Tothinkofmynotrecognisingyou!AndyethowcouldI--(Inagentlevoice.)Howyouhavealtered,Christine!-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Yes,Ihaveindeed.Innine,tenlongyears--Nora.Isitsolongsincewemet?Isupposeitis.Thelasteightyearshavebeenahappytimeforme,Icantellyou.Andsonowyouhaveeintothetown,andhavetakenthislongjourneyinwinter--thatwaspluckyofyou.Mrs.Linde.Iarrivedbysteamerthismorning.Nora.TohavesomefunatChristmas-time,ofcourse.Howdelightful!Wewillhavesuchfuntogether!Buttakeoffyourthings.Youarenotcold,Ihope.(Helpsher.)Nowwewillsitdownbythestove,andbecosy.No,takethisarmchair;Iwillsithereintherocking-chair.(Takesherhands.)Nowyoulooklikeyouroldselfagain;itwasonlythefirstmoment--Youarealittlepaler,Christine,andperhapsalittlethinner.Mrs.Linde.Andmuch,mucholder,Nora.Nora.Perhapsalittleolder;very,verylittle;certainlynotmuch.(Stopssuddenlyandspeaksseriously.)WhatathoughtlesscreatureIam,chatteringawaylikethis.Mypoor,dearChristine,doforgiveme.Mrs.Linde.Whatdoyoumean,Nora?-.word.zl-
--Nora(gently).PoorChristine,youareawidow.Mrs.Linde.Yes;itisthreeyearsagonow.Nora.Yes,Iknew;Isawitinthepapers.Iassureyou,Christine,Imeanteversooftentowritetoyouatthetime,butIalwaysputitoffandsomethingalwayspreventedme.Mrs.Linde.Iquiteunderstand,dear.Nora.Itwasverybadofme,Christine.Poorthing,howyoumusthavesuffered.Andheleftyounothing?Mrs.Linde.No.Nora.Andnochildren?Mrs.Linde.No.Nora.Nothingatall,then.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Notevenanysorroworgrieftoliveupon.Nora(lookingincredulouslyather).But,Christine,isthatpossible?Mrs.Linde(smilessadlyandstrokesherhair).Itsometimeshappens,Nora.Nora.Soyouarequitealone.Howdreadfullysadthatmustbe.Ihavethreelovelychildren.Youcan'tseethemjustnow,fortheyareoutwiththeirnurse.Butnowyoumusttellmeallaboutit.Mrs.Linde.No,no;Iwanttohearaboutyou.Nora.No,youmustbegin.Imustn'tbeselfishtoday;todayImustonlythinkofyouraffairs.ButthereisonethingImusttellyou.Doyouknowwehavejusthadagreatpieceofgoodluck?Mrs.Linde.No,whatisit?Nora.Justfancy,myhusbandhasbeenmademanageroftheBank!Mrs.Linde.Yourhusband?Whatgoodluck!-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes,tremendous!Abarrister'sprofessionissuchanuncertainthing,especiallyifhewon'tundertakeunsavourycases;andnaturallyTorvaldhasneverbeenwillingtodothat,andIquiteagreewithhim.Youmayimaginehowpleasedweare!HeistotakeuphisworkintheBankattheNewYear,andthenhewillhaveabigsalaryandlotsofmissions.Forthefuturewecanlivequitedifferently--wecandojustaswelike.Ifeelsorelievedandsohappy,Christine!Itwillbesplendidtohaveheapsofmoneyandnotneedtohaveanyanxiety,won'tit?Mrs.Linde.Yes,anyhowIthinkitwouldbedelightfultohavewhatoneneeds.Nora.No,notonlywhatoneneeds,butheapsandheapsofmoney.Mrs.Linde(smiling).Nora,Nora,haven'tyoulearnedsenseyet?Inourschooldaysyouwereagreatspendthrift.Nora(laughing).Yes,thatiswhatTorvaldsaysnow.(Wagsherfingerather.)But"Nora,Nora"isnotsosillyasyouthink.Wehavenotbeeninapositionformetowastemoney.Wehavebothhadtowork.Mrs.Linde.Youtoo?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes;oddsandends,needlework,crotchet-work,embroidery,andthatkindofthing.(Droppinghervoice.)Andotherthingsaswell.YouknowTorvaldlefthisofficewhenweweremarried?Therewasnoprospectofpromotionthere,andhehadtotryandearnmorethanbefore.Butduringthefirstyearheover-workedhimselfdreadfully.Yousee,hehadtomakemoneyeverywayhecould,andheworkedearlyandlate;buthecouldn'tstandit,andfelldreadfullyill,andthedoctorssaiditwasnecessaryforhimtogosouth.Mrs.Linde.YouspentawholeyearinItaly,didn'tyou?Nora.Yes.Itwasnoeasymattertogetaway,Icantellyou.ItwasjustafterIvarwasborn;butnaturallywehadtogo.Itwasawonderfullybeautifuljourney,anditsavedTorvald'slife.Butitcostatremendouslotofmoney,Christine.Mrs.Linde.SoIshouldthink.Nora.Itcostabouttwohundredandfiftypounds.That'salot,isn'tit?Mrs.Linde.Yes,andinemergencieslikethatitisluckytohavethemoney.Nora.Ioughttotellyouthatwehaditfrompapa.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Oh,Isee.Itwasjustaboutthattimethathedied,wasn'tit?Nora.Yes;and,justthinkofit,Icouldn'tgoandnursehim.IwasexpectinglittleIvar'sbirtheverydayandIhadmypoorsickTorvaldtolookafter.Mydear,kindfather--Ineversawhimagain,Christine.ThatwasthesaddesttimeIhaveknownsinceourmarriage.Mrs.Linde.Iknowhowfondyouwereofhim.AndthenyouwentofftoItaly?Nora.Yes;youseewehadmoneythen,andthedoctorsinsistedonourgoing,sowestartedamonthlater.Mrs.Linde.Andyourhusbandcamebackquitewell?Nora.Assoundasabell!Mrs.Linde.But--thedoctor?Nora.Whatdoctor?Mrs.Linde.IthoughtyourmaidsaidthegentlemanwhoarrivedherejustasIdid,wasthedoctor?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes,thatwasDoctorRank,buthedoesn'tehereprofessionally.Heisourgreatestfriend,andesinatleastonceeveryday.No,Torvaldhasnothadanhour'sillnesssincethen,andourchildrenarestrongandhealthyandsoamI.(Jumpsupandclapsherhands.)Christine!Christine!it'sgoodtobealiveandhappy!--Buthowhorridofme;Iamtalkingofnothingbutmyownaffairs.(Sitsonastoolnearher,andrestsherarmsonherknees.)Youmustn'tbeangrywithme.Tellme,isitreallytruethatyoudidnotloveyourhusband?Whydidyoumarryhim?Mrs.Linde.Mymotherwasalivethen,andwasbedriddenandhelpless,andIhadtoprovideformytwoyoungerbrothers;soIdidnotthinkIwasjustifiedinrefusinghisoffer.Nora.No,perhapsyouwerequiteright.Hewasrichatthattime,then?Mrs.Linde.Ibelievehewasquitewelloff.Buthisbusinesswasaprecariousone;and,whenhedied,itallwenttopiecesandtherewasnothingleft.Nora.Andthen?--Mrs.Linde.Well,IhadtoturnmyhandtoanythingIcouldfind—firstasmallshop,thenasmallschool,andsoon.Thelastthreeyearshaveseemedlikeonelong-.word.zl-
--working-day,withnorest.Nowitisatanend,Nora.Mypoormotherneedsmenomore,forsheisgone;andtheboysdonotneedmeeither;theyhavegotsituationsandcanshiftforthemselves.Nora.Whatareliefyoumustfeelif--Mrs.Linde.No,indeed;Ionlyfeelmylifeunspeakablyempty.Noonetoliveforanymore.(Getsuprestlessly.)ThatwaswhyIcouldnotstandthelifeinmylittlebackwateranylonger.Ihopeitmaybeeasierheretofindsomethingwhichwillbusymeandoccupymythoughts.IfonlyIcouldhavethegoodlucktogetsomeregularwork--officeworkofsomekind--Nora.But,Christine,thatissofrightfullytiring,andyoulooktiredoutnow.Youhadfarbettergoawaytosomewatering-place.Mrs.Linde(walkingtothewindow).Ihavenofathertogivememoneyforajourney,Nora.Nora(rising).Oh,don'tbeangrywithme!Mrs.Linde(goinguptoher).Itisyouthatmustnotbeangrywithme,dear.Theworstofapositionlikemineisthatitmakesonesobitter.Noonetoworkfor,and-.word.zl-
--yetobligedtobealwaysonthelookoutforchances.Onemustlive,andsoonebeesselfish.Whenyoutoldmeofthehappyturnyourfortuneshavetaken--youwillhardlybelieveit—Iwasdelightednotsomuchonyouraccountasonmyown.Nora.Howdoyoumean?--Oh,Iunderstand.YoumeanthatperhapsTorvaldcouldgetyousomethingtodo.Mrs.Linde.Yes,thatwaswhatIwasthinkingof.Nora.Hemust,Christine.Justleaveittome;Iwillbroachthesubjectverycleverly--Iwillthinkofsomethingthatwillpleasehimverymuch.Itwillmakemesohappytobeofsomeusetoyou.Mrs.Linde.Howkindyouare,Nora,tobesoanxioustohelpme!Itisdoublykindinyou,foryouknowsolittleoftheburdensandtroublesoflife.Nora.I--?Iknowsolittleofthem?Mrs.Linde(smiling).Mydear!Smallhouseholdcaresandthatsortofthing!--Youareachild,Nora.Nora(tossesherheadandcrossesthestage).Yououghtnottobesosuperior.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.No?Nora.Youarejustliketheothers.TheyallthinkthatIamincapableofanythingreallyserious--Mrs.Linde.e,e--Nora.--thatIhavegonethroughnothinginthisworldofcares.Mrs.Linde.But,mydearNora,youhavejusttoldmeallyourtroubles.Nora.Pooh!--thoseweretrifles.(Loweringhervoice.)Ihavenottoldyoutheimportantthing.Mrs.Linde.Theimportantthing?Whatdoyoumean?Nora.Youlookdownuponmealtogether,Christine--butyououghtnotto.Youareproud,aren'tyou,ofhavingworkedsohardandsolongforyourmother?Mrs.Linde.Indeed,Idon'tlookdownonanyone.ButitistruethatIambothproudandgladtothinkthatIwasprivilegedtomaketheendofmymother'slife-.word.zl-
--almostfreefromcare.Nora.Andyouareproudtothinkofwhatyouhavedoneforyourbrothers?Mrs.Linde.IthinkIhavetherighttobe.Nora.Ithinkso,too.Butnow,listentothis;Itoohavesomethingtobeproudandgladof.Mrs.Linde.Ihavenodoubtyouhave.Butwhatdoyoureferto?Nora.Speaklow.SupposeTorvaldweretohear!Hemustn'tonanyaccount--nooneintheworldmustknow,Christine,exceptyou.Mrs.Linde.Butwhatisit?Nora.ehere.(Pullsherdownonthesofabesideher.)NowIwillshowyouthatItoohavesomethingtobeproudandgladof.ItwasIwhosavedTorvald'slife.Mrs.Linde."Saved"?How?Nora.ItoldyouaboutourtriptoItaly.Torvaldwouldneverhaverecoveredifhe-.word.zl-
--hadnotgonethere--Mrs.Linde.Yes,butyourfathergaveyouthenecessaryfunds.Nora(smiling).Yes,thatiswhatTorvaldandalltheothersthink,but--Mrs.Linde.But--Nora.Papadidn'tgiveusashilling.ItwasIwhoprocuredthemoney.Mrs.Linde.You?Allthatlargesum?Nora.Twohundredandfiftypounds.Whatdoyouthinkofthat?Mrs.Linde.But,Nora,howcouldyoupossiblydoit?DidyouwinaprizeintheLottery?Nora(contemptuously).IntheLottery?Therewouldhavebeennocreditinthat.Mrs.Linde.Butwheredidyougetitfrom,then?Nora(hummingandsmilingwithanairofmystery).Hm,hm!Aha!-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Becauseyoucouldn'thaveborrowedit.Nora.Couldn'tI?Whynot?Mrs.Linde.No,awifecannotborrowwithoutherhusband'sconsent.Nora(tossingherhead).Oh,ifitisawifewhohasanyheadforbusiness--awifewhohasthewittobealittlebitclever--Mrs.Linde.Idon'tunderstanditatall,Nora.Nora.Thereisnoneedyoushould.IneversaidIhadborrowedthemoney.Imayhavegotitsomeotherway.(Liesbackonthesofa.)PerhapsIgotitfromsomeotheradmirer.WhenanyoneisasattractiveasIam--Mrs.Linde.Youareamadcreature.Nora.Now,youknowyou'refullofcuriosity,Christine.Mrs.Linde.Listentome,Noradear.Haven'tyoubeenalittlebitimprudent?Nora(sitsupstraight).Isitimprudenttosaveyourhusband'slife?-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Itseemstomeimprudent,withouthisknowledge,to--Nora.Butitwasabsolutelynecessarythatheshouldnotknow!Mygoodness,can'tyouunderstandthat?Itwasnecessaryheshouldhavenoideawhatadangerousconditionhewasin.Itwastomethatthedoctorscameandsaidthathislifewasindanger,andthattheonlythingtosavehimwastoliveinthesouth.DoyousupposeIdidn'ttry,firstofall,togetwhatIwantedasifitwereformyself?ItoldhimhowmuchIshouldlovetotravelabroadlikeotheryoungwives;Itriedtearsandentreatieswithhim;ItoldhimthatheoughttoremembertheconditionIwasin,andthatheoughttobekindandindulgenttome;Ievenhintedthathemightraisealoan.Thatnearlymadehimangry,Christine.HesaidIwasthoughtless,andthatitwashisdutyasmyhusbandnottoindulgemeinmywhimsandcaprices--asIbelievehecalledthem.Verywell,Ithought,youmustbesaved--andthatwashowIcametodeviseawayoutofthedifficulty--Mrs.Linde.Anddidyourhusbandnevergettoknowfromyourfatherthatthemoneyhadnotefromhim?Nora.No,never.Papadiedjustatthattime.Ihadmeanttolethimintothesecretandbeghimnevertorevealit.Buthewassoillthen--alas,thereneverwasanyneedtotellhim.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Andsincethenhaveyounevertoldyoursecrettoyourhusband?Nora.GoodHeavens,no!Howcouldyouthinkso?Amanwhohassuchstrongopinionsaboutthesethings!Andbesides,howpainfulandhumiliatingitwouldbeforTorvald,withhismanlyindependence,toknowthatheowedmeanything!Itwouldupsetourmutualrelationsaltogether;ourbeautifulhappyhomewouldnolongerbewhatitisnow.Mrs.Linde.Doyoumeannevertotellhimaboutit?Nora(meditatively,andwithahalfsmile).Yes--someday,perhaps,aftermanyyears,whenIamnolongerasnice-lookingasIamnow.Don'tlaughatme!Imean,ofcourse,whenTorvaldisnolongerasdevotedtomeasheisnow;whenmydancinganddressing-upandrecitinghavepalledonhim;thenitmaybeagoodthingtohavesomethinginreserve--(Breakingoff.)Whatnonsense!Thattimewillnevere.Now,whatdoyouthinkofmygreatsecret,Christine?DoyoustillthinkIamofnouse?Icantellyou,too,thatthisaffairhascausedmealotofworry.Ithasbeenbynomeanseasyformetomeetmyengagementspunctually.Imaytellyouthatthereissomethingthatiscalled,inbusiness,quarterlyinterest,andanotherthingcalledpaymentininstallments,anditisalwayssodreadfullydifficulttomanagethem.Ihavehadtosavealittlehereandthere,whereIcould,you-.word.zl-
--understand.Ihavenotbeenabletoputasidemuchfrommyhousekeepingmoney,forTorvaldmusthaveagoodtable.Icouldn'tletmychildrenbeshabbilydressed;Ihavefeltobligedtouseupallhegavemeforthem,thesweetlittledarlings!Mrs.Linde.Soithasallhadtoeoutofyourownnecessariesoflife,poorNora?Nora.Ofcourse.Besides,Iwastheoneresponsibleforit.WheneverTorvaldhasgivenmemoneyfornewdressesandsuchthings,Ihaveneverspentmorethanhalfofit;Ihavealwaysboughtthesimplestandcheapestthings.ThankHeaven,anyclotheslookwellonme,andsoTorvaldhasnevernoticedit.Butitwasoftenveryhardonme,Christine--becauseitisdelightfultobereallywelldressed,isn'tit?Mrs.Linde.Quiteso.Nora.Well,thenIhavefoundotherwaysofearningmoney.LastwinterIwasluckyenoughtogetalotofcopyingtodo;soIlockedmyselfupandsatwritingeveryeveninguntilquitelateatnight.ManyatimeIwasdesperatelytired;butallthesameitwasatremendouspleasuretositthereworkingandearningmoney.Itwaslikebeingaman.Mrs.Linde.Howmuchhaveyoubeenabletopayoffinthatway?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Ican'ttellyouexactly.Yousee,itisverydifficulttokeepanaccountofabusinessmatterofthatkind.IonlyknowthatIhavepaideverypennythatIcouldscrapetogether.ManyatimeIwasatmywits'end.(Smiles.)ThenIusedtosithereandimaginethataricholdgentlemanhadfalleninlovewithme--Mrs.Linde.What!Whowasit?Nora.Bequiet!--thathehaddied;andthatwhenhiswillwasopeneditcontained,writteninbigletters,theinstruction:"ThelovelyMrs.NoraHelmeristohaveallIpossesspaidovertoheratonceincash."Mrs.Linde.But,mydearNora--whocouldthemanbe?Nora.Goodgracious,can'tyouunderstand?Therewasnooldgentlemanatall;itwasonlysomethingthatIusedtosithereandimagine,whenIcouldn'tthinkofanywayofprocuringmoney.Butit'sallthesamenow;thetiresomeoldpersoncanstaywhereheis,asfarasIamconcerned;Idon'tcareabouthimorhiswilleither,forIamfreefromcarenow.(Jumpsup.)Mygoodness,it'sdelightfultothinkof,Christine!Freefromcare!Tobeabletobefreefromcare,quitefreefromcare;tobeabletoplayandrompwiththechildren;tobeabletokeepthehousebeautifullyandhaveeverythingjustasTorvaldlikesit!And,thinkofit,soon-.word.zl-
--thespringwilleandthebigbluesky!Perhapsweshallbeabletotakealittletrip--perhapsIshallseetheseaagain!Oh,it'sawonderfulthingtobealiveandbehappy.(Abellisheardinthehall.)Mrs.Linde(rising).Thereisthebell;perhapsIhadbettergo.Nora.No,don'tgo;noonewilleinhere;itissuretobeforTorvald.Servant(atthehalldoor).Excuseme,ma'am--thereisagentlemantoseethemaster,andasthedoctoriswithhim--Nora.Whoisit?Krogstad(atthedoor).ItisI,Mrs.Helmer.(Mrs.LINDEstarts,trembles,andturnstothewindow.)Nora(takesasteptowardshim,andspeaksinastrained,lowvoice).You?Whatisit?Whatdoyouwanttoseemyhusbandabout?Krogstad.Bankbusiness--inaway.IhaveasmallpostintheBank,andIhearyourhusbandistobeourchiefnow---.word.zl-
--Nora.Thenitis--Krogstad.Nothingbutdrybusinessmatters,Mrs.Helmer;absolutelynothingelse.Nora.Besogoodastogointothestudy,then.(Shebowsindifferentlytohimandshutsthedoorintothehall;thenesbackandmakesupthefireinthestove.)Mrs.Linde.Nora--whowasthatman?Nora.Alawyer,ofthenameofKrogstad.Mrs.Linde.Thenitreallywashe.Nora.Doyouknowtheman?Mrs.Linde.Iusedto--manyyearsago.Atonetimehewasasolicitor'sclerkinourtown.Nora.Yes,hewas.Mrs.Linde.Heisgreatlyaltered.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Hemadeaveryunhappymarriage.Mrs.Linde.Heisawidowernow,isn'the?Nora.Withseveralchildren.Therenow,itisburningup.(Shutsthedoorofthestoveandmovestherocking-chairaside.)Mrs.Linde.Theysayhecarriesonvariouskindsofbusiness.Nora.Really!Perhapshedoes;Idon'tknowanythingaboutit.Butdon'tletusthinkofbusiness;itissotiresome.DoctorRank(esoutofHELMER'Sstudy.Beforeheshutsthedoorhecallstohim).No,mydearfellow,Iwon'tdisturbyou;Iwouldrathergointoyourwifeforalittlewhile.(ShutsthedoorandseesMrs.LINDE.)Ibegyourpardon;IamafraidIamdisturbingyoutoo.Nora.No,notatall.(Introducinghim).DoctorRank,Mrs.Linde.Rank.IhaveoftenheardMrs.Linde'snamementionedhere.IthinkIpassedyouonthestairswhenIarrived,Mrs.Linde?-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Yes,Igoupveryslowly;Ican'tmanagestairswell.Rank.Ah!someslightinternalweakness?Mrs.Linde.No,thefactisIhavebeenoverworkingmyself.Rank.Nothingmorethanthat?ThenIsupposeyouhaveetotowntoamuseyourselfwithourentertainments?Mrs.Linde.Ihaveetolookforwork.Rank.Isthatagoodcureforoverwork?Mrs.Linde.Onemustlive,DoctorRank.Rank.Yes,thegeneralopinionseemstobethatitisnecessary.Nora.Lookhere,DoctorRank--youknowyouwanttolive.Rank.Certainly.HoweverwretchedImayfeel,Iwanttoprolongtheagonyaslongaspossible.Allmypatientsarelikethat.Andsoarethosewhoaremorallydiseased;oneofthem,andabadcasetoo,isatthisverymomentwithHelmer---.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde(sadly).Ah!Nora.Whomdoyoumean?Rank.AlawyerofthenameofKrogstad,afellowyoudon'tknowatall.Hesuffersfromadiseasedmoralcharacter,Mrs.Helmer;butevenhebegantalkingofitsbeinghighlyimportantthatheshouldlive.Nora.Didhe?WhatdidhewanttospeaktoTorvaldabout?Rank.Ihavenoidea;IonlyheardthatitwassomethingabouttheBank.Nora.Ididn'tknowthis--what'shisname--KrogstadhadanythingtodowiththeBank.Rank.Yes,hehassomesortofappointmentthere.(ToMrs.LINDE.)Idon'tknowwhetheryoufindalsoinyourpartoftheworldthattherearecertainpeoplewhogozealouslysnuffingabouttosmelloutmoralcorruption,and,assoonastheyhavefoundsome,putthepersonconcernedintosomelucrativepositionwheretheycankeeptheireyeonhim.Healthynaturesareleftoutinthecold.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.StillIthinkthesickarethosewhomostneedtakingcareof.Rank(shrugginghisshoulders).Yes,thereyouare.ThatisthesentimentthatisturningSocietyintoasick-house.(NORA,whohasbeenabsorbedinherthoughts,breaksoutintosmotheredlaughterandclapsherhands.)Rank.Whydoyoulaughatthat?HaveyouanynotionwhatSocietyreallyis?Nora.WhatdoIcareabouttiresomeSociety?Iamlaughingatsomethingquitedifferent,somethingextremelyamusing.Tellme,DoctorRank,areallthepeoplewhoareemployedintheBankdependentonTorvaldnow?Rank.Isthatwhatyoufindsoextremelyamusing?Nora(smilingandhumming).That'smyaffair!(Walkingabouttheroom.)It'sperfectlyglorioustothinkthatwehave--thatTorvaldhassomuchpoweroversomanypeople.(Takesthepacketfromherpocket.)DoctorRank,whatdoyousaytoamacaroon?Rank.What,macaroons?Ithoughttheywereforbiddenhere.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes,butthesearesomeChristinegaveme.Mrs.Linde.What!I?--Nora.Oh,well,don'tbealarmed!Youcouldn'tknowthatTorvaldhadforbiddenthem.Imusttellyouthatheisafraidtheywillspoilmyteeth.But,bah!--onceinaway--That'sso,isn'tit,DoctorRank?Byyourleave!(Putsamacaroonintohismouth.)Youmusthaveonetoo,Christine.AndIshallhaveone,justalittleone--oratmosttwo.(Walkingabout.)Iamtremendouslyhappy.ThereisjustonethingintheworldnowthatIshoulddearlylovetodo.Rank.Well,whatisthat?Nora.It'ssomethingIshoulddearlylovetosay,ifTorvaldcouldhearme.Rank.Well,whycan'tyousayit?Nora.No,Idaren't;it'ssoshocking.Mrs.Linde.Shocking?-.word.zl-
--Rank.Well,Ishouldnotadviseyoutosayit.Still,withusyoumight.WhatisityouwouldsomuchliketosayifTorvaldcouldhearyou?Nora.Ishouldjustlovetosay--Well,I'mdamned!Rank.Areyoumad?Mrs.Linde.Nora,dear--!Rank.Sayit,hereheis!Nora(hidingthepacket).Hush!Hush!Hush!(HELMEResoutofhisroom,withhiscoatoverhisarmandhishatinhishand.)Nora.Well,Torvalddear,haveyougotridofhim?Helmer.Yes,hehasjustgone.Nora.Letmeintroduceyou--thisisChristine,whohasetotown.Helmer.Christine--?Excuseme,butIdon'tknow---.word.zl-
--Nora.Mrs.Linde,dear;ChristineLinde.Helmer.Ofcourse.Aschoolfriendofmywife's,Ipresume?Mrs.Linde.Yes,wehaveknowneachothersincethen.Nora.Andjustthink,shehastakenalongjourneyinordertoseeyou.Helmer.Whatdoyoumean?Mrs.Linde.No,really,I--Nora.Christineistremendouslycleveratbook-keeping,andsheisfrightfullyanxioustoworkundersomecleverman,soastoperfectherself--Helmer.Verysensible,Mrs.Linde.Nora.AndwhensheheardyouhadbeenappointedmanageroftheBank--thenewswastelegraphed,youknow--shetravelledhereasquickasshecould.Torvald,IamsureyouwillbeabletodosomethingforChristine,formysake,won'tyou?Helmer.Well,itisnotaltogetherimpossible.Ipresumeyouarea-.word.zl-
--widow,Mrs.Linde?Mrs.Linde.Yes.Helmer.Andhavehadsomeexperienceofbook-keeping?Mrs.Linde.Yes,afairamount.Helmer.Ah!well,it'sverylikelyImaybeabletofindsomethingforyou--Nora(clappingherhands).WhatdidItellyou?WhatdidItellyou?Helmer.Youhavejusteatafortunatemoment,Mrs.Linde.Mrs.Linde.HowamItothankyou?Helmer.Thereisnoneed.(Putsonhiscoat.)Buttodayyoumustexcuseme--Rank.Waitaminute;Iwillewithyou.(Bringshisfurcoatfromthehallandwarmsitatthefire.)-.word.zl-
--Nora.Don'tbelongaway,Torvalddear.Helmer.Aboutanhour,notmore.Nora.Areyougoingtoo,Christine?Mrs.Linde(puttingonhercloak).Yes,Imustgoandlookforaroom.Helmer.Oh,wellthen,wecanwalkdownthestreettogether.Nora(helpingher).Whatapityitiswearesoshortofspacehere;Iamafraiditisimpossibleforus--Mrs.Linde.Pleasedon'tthinkofit!Goodbye,Noradear,andmanythanks.Nora.Goodbyeforthepresent.Ofcourseyouwillebackthisevening.Andyoutoo,Dr.Rank.Whatdoyousay?Ifyouarewellenough?Oh,youmustbe!Wrapyourselfupwell.(Theygotothedooralltalkingtogether.Children'svoicesareheardonthestaircase.)-.word.zl-
--Nora.Theretheyare!Theretheyare!(Sherunstoopenthedoor.TheNURSEesinwiththechildren.)ein!ein!(Stoopsandkissesthem.)Oh,yousweetblessings!Lookatthem,Christine!Aren'ttheydarlings?Rank.Don'tletusstandhereinthedraught.Helmer.ealong,Mrs.Linde;theplacewillonlybebearableforamothernow!(RANK,HELMER,andMrs.LINDEgodownstairs.TheNURSEesforwardwiththechildren;NORAshutsthehalldoor.)Nora.Howfreshandwellyoulook!Suchredcheekslikeapplesandroses.(Thechildrenalltalkatoncewhileshespeakstothem.)Haveyouhadgreatfun?That'ssplendid!What,youpulledbothEmmyandBobalongonthesledge?--bothatonce?--thatwasgood.Youareacleverboy,Ivar.Letmetakeherforalittle,Anne.Mysweetlittlebabydoll!(TakesthebabyfromtheMAIDanddancesitupanddown.)Yes,yes,motherwilldancewithBobtoo.What!Haveyoubeensnowballing?IwishIhadbeentheretoo!No,no,Iwilltaketheirthingsoff,Anne;-.word.zl-
--pleaseletmedoit,itissuchfun.Goinnow,youlookhalffrozen.Thereissomehotcoffeeforyouonthestove.(TheNURSEgoesintotheroomontheleft.NORAtakesoffthechildren'sthingsandthrowsthemabout,whiletheyalltalktoheratonce.)Nora.Really!Didabigdogrunafteryou?Butitdidn'tbiteyou?No,dogsdon'tbitenicelittledollychildren.Youmustn'tlookattheparcels,Ivar.Whatarethey?Ah,Idaresayyouwouldliketoknow.No,no--it'ssomethingnasty!e,letushaveagame!Whatshallweplayat?HideandSeek?Yes,we'llplayHideandSeek.Bobshallhidefirst.MustIhide?Verywell,I'llhidefirst.(Sheandthechildrenlaughandshout,andrompinandoutoftheroom;atlastNORAhidesunderthetable,thechildrenrushinandoutforher,butdonotseeher;theyhearhersmotheredlaughter,runtothetable,liftuptheclothandfindher.Shoutsoflaughter.Shecrawlsforwardandpretendstofrightenthem.Freshlaughter.Meanwhiletherehasbeenaknockatthehalldoor,butnoneofthemhasnoticedit.Thedoorishalfopened,andKROGSTADappears,liewaitsalittle;thegamegoeson.)Krogstad.Excuseme,Mrs.Helmer.-.word.zl-
--Nora(withastifledcry,turnsroundandgetsupontoherknees).Ah!whatdoyouwant?Krogstad.Excuseme,theouterdoorwasajar;Isupposesomeoneforgottoshutit.Nora(rising).Myhusbandisout,Mr.Krogstad.Krogstad.Iknowthat.Nora.Whatdoyouwanthere,then?Krogstad.Awordwithyou.Nora.Withme?--(Tothechildren,gently.)Gointonurse.What?No,thestrangemanwon'tdomotheranyharm.Whenhehasgonewewillhaveanothergame.(Shetakesthechildrenintotheroomontheleft,andshutsthedoorafterthem.)Youwanttospeaktome?Krogstad.Yes,Ido.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Today?Itisnotthefirstofthemonthyet.Krogstad.No,itisChristmasEve,anditwilldependonyourselfwhatsortofaChristmasyouwillspend.Nora.Whatdoyoumean?Todayitisabsolutelyimpossibleforme--Krogstad.Wewon'ttalkaboutthatuntillateron.Thisissomethingdifferent.Ipresumeyoucangivemeamoment?Nora.Yes--yes,Ican--although--Krogstad.Good.IwasinOlsen'sRestaurantandsawyourhusbandgoingdownthestreet--Nora.Yes?Krogstad.Withalady.Nora.Whatthen?Krogstad.MayImakesoboldastoaskifitwasaMrs.Linde?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Itwas.Krogstad.Justarrivedintown?Nora.Yes,today.Krogstad.Sheisagreatfriendofyours,isn'tshe?Nora.Sheis.ButIdon'tsee--Krogstad.Iknewhertoo,onceuponatime.Nora.Iamawareofthat.Krogstad.Areyou?Soyouknowallaboutit;Ithoughtasmuch.ThenIcanaskyou,withoutbeatingaboutthebush--isMrs.LindetohaveanappointmentintheBank?Nora.Whatrighthaveyoutoquestionme,Mr.Krogstad?--You,oneofmyhusband'ssubordinates!Butsinceyouask,youshallknow.Yes,Mrs.Lindeistohaveanappointment.AnditwasIwhopleadedhercause,Mr.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad,letmetellyouthat.Krogstad.IwasrightinwhatIthought,then.Nora(walkingupanddownthestage).Sometimesonehasatinylittlebitofinfluence,Ishouldhope.Becauseoneisawoman,itdoesnotnecessarilyfollowthat--.Whenanyoneisinasubordinateposition,Mr.Krogstad,theyshouldreallybecarefultoavoidoffendinganyonewho--who--Krogstad.Whohasinfluence?Nora.Exactly.Krogstad(changinghistone).Mrs.Helmer,youwillbesogoodastouseyourinfluenceonmybehalf.Nora.What?Whatdoyoumean?Krogstad.YouwillbesokindastoseethatIamallowedtokeepmysubordinatepositionintheBank.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Whoproposestotakeyourpostawayfromyou?Krogstad.Oh,thereisnonecessitytokeepupthepretenceofignorance.Icanquiteunderstandthatyourfriendisnotveryanxioustoexposeherselftothechanceofrubbingshoulderswithme;andIquiteunderstand,too,whomIhavetothankforbeingturnedoff.Nora.ButIassureyou--Krogstad.Verylikely;but,toetothepoint,thetimehasewhenIshouldadviseyoutouseyourinfluencetopreventthat.Nora.But,Mr.Krogstad,Ihavenoinfluence.Krogstad.Haven'tyou?Ithoughtyousaidyourselfjustnow--Nora.NaturallyIdidnotmeanyoutoputthatconstructiononit.I!WhatshouldmakeyouthinkIhaveanyinfluenceofthatkindwithmyhusband?Krogstad.Oh,Ihaveknownyourhusbandfromourstudentdays.Idon't-.word.zl-
--supposeheisanymoreunassailablethanotherhusbands.Nora.Ifyouspeakslightinglyofmyhusband,Ishallturnyououtofthehouse.Krogstad.Youarebold,Mrs.Helmer.Nora.Iamnotafraidofyouanylonger.AssoonastheNewYeares,Ishallinaveryshorttimebefreeofthewholething.Krogstad(controllinghimself).Listentome,Mrs.Helmer.Ifnecessary,IampreparedtofightformysmallpostintheBankasifIwerefightingformylife.Nora.Soitseems.Krogstad.Itisnotonlyforthesakeofthemoney;indeed,thatweighsleastwithmeinthematter.Thereisanotherreason--well,Imayaswelltellyou.Mypositionisthis.Idaresayyouknow,likeeverybodyelse,thatonce,manyyearsago,Iwasguiltyofanindiscretion.Nora.IthinkIhaveheardsomethingofthekind.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad.Thematternevercameintocourt;buteverywayseemedtobeclosedtomeafterthat.SoItooktothebusinessthatyouknowof.Ihadtodosomething;and,honestly,Idon'tthinkI'vebeenoneoftheworst.ButnowImustcutmyselffreefromallthat.Mysonsaregrowingup;fortheirsakeImusttryandwinbackasmuchrespectasIcaninthetown.ThispostintheBankwaslikethefirststepupforme--andnowyourhusbandisgoingtokickmedownstairsagainintothemud.Nora.Butyoumustbelieveme,Mr.Krogstad;itisnotinmypowertohelpyouatall.Krogstad.Thenitisbecauseyouhaven'tthewill;butIhavemeanstopelyou.Nora.Youdon'tmeanthatyouwilltellmyhusbandthatIoweyoumoney?Krogstad.Hm!--supposeIweretotellhim?Nora.Itwouldbeperfectlyinfamousofyou.(Sobbing.)Tothinkofhislearningmysecret,whichhasbeenmyjoyandpride,insuchanugly,clumsyway--thatheshouldlearnitfromyou!Anditwouldputmeina-.word.zl-
--horriblydisagreeableposition--Krogstad.Onlydisagreeable?Nora(impetuously).Well,doit,then!--anditwillbetheworseforyou.Myhusbandwillseeforhimselfwhatablackguardyouare,andyoucertainlywon'tkeepyourpostthen.Krogstad.Iaskedyouifitwasonlyadisagreeablesceneathomethatyouwereafraidof?Nora.Ifmyhusbanddoesgettoknowofit,ofcoursehewillatoncepayyouwhatisstillowing,andweshallhavenothingmoretodowithyou.Krogstad(ingastepnearer).Listentome,Mrs.Helmer.Eitheryouhaveaverybadmemoryoryouknowverylittleofbusiness.Ishallbeobligedtoremindyouofafewdetails.Nora.Whatdoyoumean?Krogstad.Whenyourhusbandwasill,youcametometoborrowtwo-.word.zl-
--hundredandfiftypounds.Nora.Ididn'tknowanyoneelsetogoto.Krogstad.Ipromisedtogetyouthatamount--Nora.Yes,andyoudidso.Krogstad.Ipromisedtogetyouthatamount,oncertainconditions.Yourmindwassotakenupwithyourhusband'sillness,andyouweresoanxioustogetthemoneyforyourjourney,thatyouseemtohavepaidnoattentiontotheconditionsofourbargain.ThereforeitwillnotbeamissifIremindyouofthem.Now,IpromisedtogetthemoneyonthesecurityofabondwhichIdrewup.Nora.Yes,andwhichIsigned.Krogstad.Good.Butbelowyoursignaturetherewereafewlinesconstitutingyourfatherasuretyforthemoney;thoselinesyourfathershouldhavesigned.Nora.Should?Hedidsignthem.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad.Ihadleftthedateblank;thatistosay,yourfathershouldhimselfhaveinsertedthedateonwhichhesignedthepaper.Doyourememberthat?Nora.Yes,IthinkIremember--Krogstad.ThenIgaveyouthebondtosendbyposttoyourfather.Isthatnotso?Nora.Yes.Krogstad.Andyounaturallydidsoatonce,becausefiveorsixdaysafterwardsyoubroughtmethebondwithyourfather'ssignature.AndthenIgaveyouthemoney.Nora.Well,haven'tIbeenpayingitoffregularly?Krogstad.Fairlyso,yes.But--toebacktothematterinhand--thatmusthavebeenaverytryingtimeforyou,Mrs.Helmer?Nora.Itwas,indeed.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad.Yourfatherwasveryill,wasn'the?Nora.Hewasverynearhisend.Krogstad.Anddiedsoonafterwards?Nora.Yes.Krogstad.Tellme,Mrs.Helmer,canyoubyanychancerememberwhatdayyourfatherdied?--onwhatdayofthemonth,Imean.Nora.Papadiedonthe29thofSeptember.Krogstad.Thatiscorrect;Ihaveascertaineditformyself.And,asthatisso,thereisadiscrepancy(takingapaperfromhispocket)whichIcannotaccountfor.Nora.Whatdiscrepancy?Idon'tknow--Krogstad.Thediscrepancyconsists,Mrs.Helmer,inthefactthatyourfathersignedthisbondthreedaysafterhisdeath.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Whatdoyoumean?Idon'tunderstand--Krogstad.Yourfatherdiedonthe29thofSeptember.But,lookhere;yourfatherhasdatedhissignaturethe2ndofOctober.Itisadiscrepancy,isn'tit?(NORAissilent.)Canyouexplainittome?(NORAisstillsilent.)Itisaremarkablething,too,thatthewords"2ndofOctober,"aswellastheyear,arenotwritteninyourfather'shandwritingbutinonethatIthinkIknow.Well,ofcourseitcanbeexplained;yourfathermayhaveforgottentodatehissignature,andsomeoneelsemayhavedatedithaphazardbeforetheyknewofhisdeath.Thereisnoharminthat.Italldependsonthesignatureofthename;andthatisgenuine,Isuppose,Mrs.Helmer?Itwasyourfatherhimselfwhosignedhisnamehere?Nora(afterashortpause,throwsherheadupandlooksdefiantlyathim).No,itwasnot.ItwasIthatwrotepapa'sname.Krogstad.Areyouawarethatisadangerousconfession?Nora.Inwhatway?Youshallhaveyourmoneysoon.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad.Letmeaskyouaquestion;whydidyounotsendthepapertoyourfather?Nora.Itwasimpossible;papawassoill.IfIhadaskedhimforhissignature,Ishouldhavehadtotellhimwhatthemoneywastobeusedfor;andwhenhewassoillhimselfIcouldn'ttellhimthatmyhusband'slifewasindanger--itwasimpossible.Krogstad.Itwouldhavebeenbetterforyouifyouhadgivenupyourtripabroad.Nora.No,thatwasimpossible.Thattripwastosavemyhusband'slife;Icouldn'tgivethatup.Krogstad.Butdiditneveroccurtoyouthatyouweremittingafraudonme?Nora.Icouldn'ttakethatintoaccount;Ididn'ttroublemyselfaboutyouatall.Icouldn'tbearyou,becauseyouputsomanyheartlessdifficultiesinmyway,althoughyouknewwhatadangerousconditionmyhusbandwasin.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad.Mrs.Helmer,youevidentlydonotrealiseclearlywhatitisthatyouhavebeenguiltyof.ButIcanassureyouthatmyonefalsestep,whichlostmeallmyreputation,wasnothingmoreornothingworsethanwhatyouhavedone.Nora.You?Doyouaskmetobelievethatyouwerebraveenoughtorunarisktosaveyourwife'slife?Krogstad.Thelawcaresnothingaboutmotives.Nora.Thenitmustbeaveryfoolishlaw.Krogstad.Foolishornot,itisthelawbywhichyouwillbejudged,ifIproducethispaperincourt.Nora.Idon'tbelieveit.Isadaughternottobeallowedtospareherdyingfatheranxietyandcare?Isawifenottobeallowedtosaveherhusband'slife?Idon'tknowmuchaboutlaw;butIamcertainthattheremustbelawspermittingsuchthingsasthat.Haveyounoknowledgeofsuchlaws--youwhoarealawyer?Youmustbeaverypoorlawyer,Mr.Krogstad.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad.Maybe.Butmattersofbusiness--suchbusinessasyouandIhavehadtogether--doyouthinkIdon'tunderstandthat?Verywell.Doasyouplease.Butletmetellyouthis--ifIlosemypositionasecondtime,youshallloseyourswithme.(Hebows,andgoesoutthroughthehall.)Nora(appearsburiedinthoughtforashorttime,thentossesherhead).Nonsense!Tryingtofrightenmelikethat!--Iamnotsosillyashethinks.(Beginstobusyherselfputtingthechildren'sthingsinorder.)Andyet--?No,it'simpossible!Ididitforlove'ssake.TheChildren(inthedoorwayontheleft).Mother,thestrangermanhasgoneoutthroughthegate.Nora.Yes,dears,Iknow.But,don'ttellanyoneaboutthestrangerman.Doyouhear?Notevenpapa.Children.No,mother;butwillyoueandplayagain?Nora.No,no,--notnow.Children.But,mother,youpromisedus.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes,butIcan'tnow.Runawayin;Ihavesuchalottodo.Runawayin,mysweetlittledarlings.(Shegetsthemintotheroombydegreesandshutsthedooronthem;thensitsdownonthesofa,takesupapieceofneedleworkandsewsafewstitches,butsoonstops.)No!(Throwsdownthework,getsup,goestothehalldoorandcallsout.)Helen!bringtheTreein.(Goestothetableontheleft,opensadrawer,andstopsagain.)No,no!itisquiteimpossible!Maid(inginwiththeTree).WhereshallIputit,ma'am?Nora.Here,inthemiddleofthefloor.Maid.ShallIgetyouanythingelse?Nora.No,thankyou.IhaveallIwant.[ExitMAID.]Nora(beginsdressingthetree).Acandlehere-andflowershere--Thehorribleman!It'sallnonsense--there'snothingwrong.Thetreeshallbesplendid!IwilldoeverythingIcanthinkoftopleaseyou,Torvald!--Iwillsingforyou,danceforyou--(HELMEResinwithsomepapersunderhisarm.)Oh!areyoubackalready?-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Yes.Hasanyonebeenhere?Nora.Here?No.Helmer.Thatisstrange.IsawKrogstadgoingoutofthegate.Nora.Didyou?Ohyes,Iforgot,Krogstadwashereforamoment.Helmer.Nora,Icanseefromyourmannerthathehasbeenherebeggingyoutosayagoodwordforhim.Nora.Yes.Helmer.Andyouweretoappeartodoitofyourownaccord;youweretoconcealfrommethefactofhishavingbeenhere;didn'thebegthatofyoutoo?Nora.Yes,Torvald,but--Helmer.Nora,Nora,andyouwouldbeapartytothatsortofthing?Tohaveanytalkwithamanlikethat,andgivehimanysortofpromise?-.word.zl-
--Andtotellmealieintothebargain?Nora.Alie--?Helmer.Didn'tyoutellmenoonehadbeenhere?(Shakeshisfingerather.)Mylittlesongbirdmustneverdothatagain.Asongbirdmusthaveacleanbeaktochirpwith--nofalsenotes!(Putshisarmroundherwaist.)Thatisso,isn'tit?Yes,Iamsureitis.(Letshergo.)Wewillsaynomoreaboutit.(Sitsdownbythestove.)Howwarmandsnugitishere!(Turnsoverhispapers.)Nora(afterashortpause,duringwhichshebusiesherselfwiththeChristmasTree.)Torvald!Helmer.Yes.Nora.Iamlookingforwardtremendouslytothefancy-dressballattheStenborgs'thedayaftertomorrow.Helmer.AndIamtremendouslycurioustoseewhatyouaregoingtosurprisemewith.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Itwasverysillyofmetowanttodothat.Helmer.Whatdoyoumean?Nora.Ican'thituponanythingthatwilldo;everythingIthinkofseemssosillyandinsignificant.Helmer.DoesmylittleNoraacknowledgethatatlast?Nora(standingbehindhischairwithherarmsonthebackofit).Areyouverybusy,Torvald?Helmer.Well--Nora.Whatareallthosepapers?Helmer.Bankbusiness.Nora.Already?Helmer.Ihavegotauthorityfromtheretiringmanagertoundertakethenecessarychangesinthestaffandintherearrangementofthework;and-.word.zl-
--ImustmakeuseoftheChristmasweekforthat,soastohaveeverythinginorderforthenewyear.Nora.ThenthatwaswhythispoorKrogstad--Helmer.Hm!Nora(leansagainstthebackofhischairandstrokeshishair).Ifyouhadn'tbeensobusyIshouldhaveaskedyouatremendouslybigfavour,Torvald.Helmer.Whatisthat?Tellme.Nora.Thereisnoonehassuchgoodtasteasyou.AndIdosowanttolookniceatthefancy-dressball.Torvald,couldn'tyoutakemeinhandanddecidewhatIshallgoas,andwhatsortofadressIshallwear?Helmer.Aha!somyobstinatelittlewomanisobligedtogetsomeonetoetoherrescue?Nora.Yes,Torvald,Ican'tgetalongabitwithoutyourhelp.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Verywell,Iwillthinkitover,weshallmanagetohituponsomething.Nora.Thatisniceofyou.(GoestotheChristmasTree.Ashortpause.)Howprettytheredflowerslook--.But,tellme,wasitreallysomethingverybadthatthisKrogstadwasguiltyof?Helmer.Heforgedsomeone'sname.Haveyouanyideawhatthatmeans?Nora.Isn'titpossiblethathewasdriventodoitbynecessity?Helmer.Yes;or,asinsomanycases,byimprudence.Iamnotsoheartlessastocondemnamanaltogetherbecauseofasinglefalsestepofthatkind.Nora.No,youwouldn't,wouldyou,Torvald?Helmer.Manyamanhasbeenabletoretrievehischaracter,ifhehasopenlyconfessedhisfaultandtakenhispunishment.Nora.Punishment--?-.word.zl-
--Helmer.ButKrogstaddidnothingofthatsort;hegothimselfoutofitbyacunningtrick,andthatiswhyhehasgoneunderaltogether.Nora.Butdoyouthinkitwould--?Helmer.Justthinkhowaguiltymanlikethathastolieandplaythehypocritewitheveryone,howhehastowearamaskinthepresenceofthosenearanddeartohim,evenbeforehisownwifeandchildren.Andaboutthechildren--thatisthemostterriblepartofitall,Nora.Nora.How?Helmer.Becausesuchanatmosphereofliesinfectsandpoisonsthewholelifeofahome.Eachbreaththechildrentakeinsuchahouseisfullofthegermsofevil.Nora(ingnearerhim).Areyousureofthat?Helmer.Mydear,Ihaveoftenseenitinthecourseofmylifeasalawyer.Almosteveryonewhohasgonetothebadearlyinlifehashadadeceitfulmother.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Whydoyouonlysay--mother?Helmer.Itseemsmostmonlytobethemother'sinfluence,thoughnaturallyabadfather'swouldhavethesameresult.Everylawyerisfamiliarwiththefact.ThisKrogstad,now,hasbeenpersistentlypoisoninghisownchildrenwithliesanddissimulation;thatiswhyIsayhehaslostallmoralcharacter.(Holdsouthishandstoher.)ThatiswhymysweetlittleNoramustpromisemenottopleadhiscause.Givemeyourhandonit.e,e,whatisthis?Givemeyourhand.Therenow,that'ssettled.Iassureyouitwouldbequiteimpossibleformetoworkwithhim;IliterallyfeelphysicallyillwhenIaminthepanyofsuchpeople.Nora(takesherhandoutofhisandgoestotheoppositesideoftheChristmasTree).Howhotitisinhere;andIhavesuchalottodo.Helmer(gettingupandputtinghispapersinorder).Yes,andImusttryandreadthroughsomeofthesebeforedinner;andImustthinkaboutyourcostume,too.AnditisjustpossibleImayhavesomethingreadyingoldpapertohangupontheTree.(Putshishandonherhead.)Mypreciouslittlesinging-bird!(Hegoesintohisroomandshutsthedoorafterhim.)-.word.zl-
--Nora(afterapause,whispers).No,no--itisn'ttrue.It'simpossible;itmustbeimpossible.(TheNURSEopensthedoorontheleft.)Nurse.Thelittleonesarebeggingsohardtobeallowedtoeintomamma.Nora.No,no,no!Don'tletthemeintome!Youstaywiththem,Anne.Nurse.Verywell,ma'am.(Shutsthedoor.)Nora(palewithterror).Depravemylittlechildren?Poisonmyhome?(Ashortpause.Thenshetossesherhead.)It'snottrue.Itcan'tpossiblybetrue.ACTII-.word.zl-
--(THESAMESCENE.--THEChristmasTreeisinthecornerbythepiano,strippedofitsornamentsandwithburnt-downcandle-endsonitsdishevelledbranches.NORA'Scloakandhatarelyingonthesofa.Sheisaloneintheroom,walkingaboutuneasily.Shestopsbythesofaandtakesuphercloak.)Nora(dropshercloak).Someoneisingnow!(Goestothedoorandlistens.)No--itisnoone.Ofcourse,noonewilletoday,ChristmasDay--nortomorroweither.But,perhaps--(opensthedoorandlooksout).No,nothingintheletterbox;itisquiteempty.(esforward.)Whatrubbish!ofcoursehecan'tbeinearnestaboutit.Suchathingcouldn'thappen;itisimpossible--Ihavethreelittlechildren.(EntertheNURSEfromtheroomontheleft,carryingabigcardboardbox.)Nurse.AtlastIhavefoundtheboxwiththefancydress.Nora.Thanks;putitonthetable.Nurse(doingso).Butitisverymuchinwantofmending.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Ishouldliketotearitintoahundredthousandpieces.Nurse.Whatanidea!Itcaneasilybeputinorder--justalittlepatience.Nora.Yes,IwillgoandgetMrs.Lindetoeandhelpmewithit.Nurse.What,outagain?Inthishorribleweather?Youwillcatchcold,ma'am,andmakeyourselfill.erNora.Well,worsethanthatmighthappen.Howarethechildren?Nurse.ThepoorlittlesoulsareplayingwiththeirChristmaspresents,but--Nora.Dotheyaskmuchforme?Nurse.Yousee,theyaresoaccustomedtohavetheirmammawiththem.Nora.Yes,but,nurse,IshallnotbeabletobesomuchwiththemnowasIwasbefore.-.word.zl-
--Nurse.Ohwell,youngchildreneasilygetaccustomedtoanything.Nora.Doyouthinkso?Doyouthinktheywouldforgettheirmotherifshewentawayaltogether?Nurse.Goodheavens!--wentawayaltogether?Nora.Nurse,IwantyoutotellmesomethingIhaveoftenwonderedabout--howcouldyouhavethehearttoputyourownchildoutamongstrangers?Nurse.Iwasobligedto,ifIwantedtobelittleNora'snurse.Nora.Yes,buthowcouldyoubewillingtodoit?Nurse.What,whenIwasgoingtogetsuchagoodplacebyit?Apoorgirlwhohasgotintotroubleshouldbegladto.Besides,thatwickedmandidn'tdoasinglethingforme.Nora.ButIsupposeyourdaughterhasquiteforgottenyou.-.word.zl-
--Nurse.No,indeedshehasn't.Shewrotetomewhenshewasconfirmed,andwhenshewasmarried.Nora(puttingherarmsroundherneck).DearoldAnne,youwereagoodmothertomewhenIwaslittle.Nurse.LittleNora,poordear,hadnoothermotherbutme.Nora.Andifmylittleoneshadnoothermother,Iamsureyouwould--WhatnonsenseIamtalking!(Opensthebox.)Gointothem.NowImust--.YouwillseetomorrowhowcharmingIshalllook.Nurse.Iamsuretherewillbenooneattheballsocharmingasyou,ma'am.(Goesintotheroomontheleft.)Nora(beginstounpackthebox,butsoonpushesitawayfromher).IfonlyIdaredgoout.Ifonlynoonewoulde.IfonlyIcouldbesurenothingwouldhappenhereinthemeantime.Stuffandnonsense!Noonewille.OnlyImustn'tthinkaboutit.Iwillbrushmymuff.Whatlovely,lovelygloves!Outofmythoughts,outofmythoughts!One,two,three,four,five,six--(Screams.)Ah!thereissomeoneing--.(Makesamovementtowardsthedoor,butstandsirresolute.)-.word.zl-
--(EnterMRS.LINDEfromthehall,whereshehastakenoffhercloakandhat.)Nora.Oh,it'syou,Christine.Thereisnooneelseoutthere,isthere?Howgoodofyoutoe!Mrs.Linde.Iheardyouwereupaskingforme.Nora.Yes,Iwaspassingby.Asamatteroffact,itissomethingyoucouldhelpmewith.Letussitdownhereonthesofa.Lookhere.Tomorroweveningthereistobeafancy-dressballattheStenborgs',wholiveaboveus;andTorvaldwantsmetogoasaNeapolitanfisher-girl,anddancetheTarantellathatIlearnedatCapri.Mrs.Linde.Isee;youaregoingtokeepupthecharacter.Nora.Yes,Torvaldwantsmeto.Look,hereisthedress;Torvaldhaditmadeformethere,butnowitisallsotorn,andIhaven'tanyidea--Mrs.Linde.Wewilleasilyputthatright.Itisonlysomeofthetrimmingeunsewnhereandthere.Needleandthread?Nowthen,that'sallwewant.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Itisniceofyou.Mrs.Linde(sewing).SoyouaregoingtobedresseduptomorrowNora.Iwilltellyouwhat--Ishalleinforamomentandseeyouinyourfinefeathers.ButIhavepletelyforgottentothankyouforadelightfuleveningyesterday.Nora(getsup,andcrossesthestage).Well,Idon'tthinkyesterdaywasaspleasantasusual.Yououghttohaveetotownalittleearlier,Christine.CertainlyTorvalddoesunderstandhowtomakeahousedaintyandattractive.Mrs.Linde.Andsodoyou,itseemstome;youarenotyourfather'sdaughterfornothing.Buttellme,isDoctorRankalwaysasdepressedashewasyesterday?Nora.No;yesterdayitwasverynoticeable.Imusttellyouthathesuffersfromaverydangerousdisease.Hehasconsumptionofthespine,poorcreature.Hisfatherwasahorriblemanwhomittedallsortsofexcesses;andthatiswhyhissonwassicklyfromchildhood,doyouunderstand?-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde(droppinghersewing).But,mydearestNora,howdoyouknowanythingaboutsuchthings?Nora(walkingabout).Pooh!Whenyouhavethreechildren,yougetvisitsnowandthenfrom--frommarriedwomen,whoknowsomethingofmedicalmatters,andtheytalkaboutonethingandanother.Mrs.Linde(goesonsewing.Ashortsilence).DoesDoctorRankehereeveryday?Nora.Everydayregularly.HeisTorvald'smostintimatefriend,andagreatfriendofminetoo.Heisjustlikeoneofthefamily.Mrs.Linde.Buttellmethis--isheperfectlysincere?Imean,isn'thethekindofmanthatisveryanxioustomakehimselfagreeable?Nora.Notintheleast.Whatmakesyouthinkthat?Mrs.Linde.Whenyouintroducedhimtomeyesterday,hedeclaredhehadoftenheardmynamementionedinthishouse;butafterwardsInoticedthatyourhusbandhadn'ttheslightestideawhoIwas.Sohowcould-.word.zl-
--DoctorRank--?Nora.Thatisquiteright,Christine.Torvaldissoabsurdlyfondofmethathewantsmeabsolutelytohimself,ashesays.AtfirstheusedtoseemalmostjealousifImentionedanyofthedearfolkathome,sonaturallyIgaveupdoingso.ButIoftentalkaboutsuchthingswithDoctorRank,becausehelikeshearingaboutthem.Mrs.Linde.Listentome,Nora.Youarestillverylikeachildinmanythings,andIamolderthanyouinmanywaysandhavealittlemoreexperience.Letmetellyouthis--yououghttomakeanendofitwithDoctorRank.Nora.WhatoughtItomakeanendof?Mrs.Linde.Oftwothings,Ithink.Yesterdayyoutalkedsomenonsenseaboutarichadmirerwhowastoleaveyoumoney--Nora.Anadmirerwhodoesn'texist,unfortunately!Butwhatthen?Mrs.Linde.IsDoctorRankamanofmeans?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes,heis.Mrs.Linde.Andhasnoonetoprovidefor?Nora.No,noone;but--Mrs.Linde.Andeshereeveryday?Nora.Yes,Itoldyouso.Mrs.Linde.Buthowcanthiswell-bredmanbesotactless?Nora.Idon'tunderstandyouatall.Mrs.Linde.Don'tprevaricate,Nora.DoyousupposeIdon'tguesswholentyouthetwohundredandfiftypounds?Nora.Areyououtofyoursenses?Howcanyouthinkofsuchathing!Afriendofours,whoeshereeveryday!Doyourealisewhatahorriblypainfulpositionthatwouldbe?Mrs.Linde.Thenitreallyisn'the?-.word.zl-
--Nora.No,certainlynot.Itwouldneverhaveenteredintomyheadforamoment.Besides,hehadnomoneytolendthen;hecameintohismoneyafterwards.Mrs.Linde.Well,Ithinkthatwasluckyforyou,mydearNora.Nora.No,itwouldneverhaveeintomyheadtoaskDoctorRank.AlthoughIamquitesurethatifIhadaskedhim--Mrs.Linde.Butofcourseyouwon't.Nora.Ofcoursenot.Ihavenoreasontothinkitcouldpossiblybenecessary.ButIamquitesurethatifItoldDoctorRank--Mrs.Linde.Behindyourhusband'sback?Nora.Imustmakeanendofitwiththeotherone,andthatwillbebehindhisbacktoo.Imustmakeanendofitwithhim.Mrs.Linde.Yes,thatiswhatItoldyouyesterday,but---.word.zl-
--Nora(walkingupanddown).Amancanputathinglikethatstraightmucheasierthanawoman--Mrs.Linde.One'shusband,yes.Nora.Nonsense!(Standingstill.)Whenyoupayoffadebtyougetyourbondback,don'tyou?Mrs.Linde.Yes,asamatterofcourse.Nora.Andcantearitintoahundredthousandpieces,andburnitup--thenastydirtypaper!Mrs.Linde(lookshardather,laysdownhersewingandgetsupslowly).Nora,youareconcealingsomethingfromme.Nora.DoIlookasifIwere?Mrs.Linde.Somethinghashappenedtoyousinceyesterdaymorning.Nora,whatisit?Nora(goingnearertoher).Christine!(Listens.)Hush!there'sTorvald-.word.zl-
--ehome.Doyoumindgoingintothechildrenforthepresent?Torvaldcan'tbeartoseedressmakinggoingon.LetAnnehelpyou.Mrs.Linde(gatheringsomeofthethingstogether).Certainly--butIamnotgoingawayfromhereuntilwehavehaditoutwithoneanother.(Shegoesintotheroomontheleft,asHELMEResinfromthehall.)Nora(goinguptoHELMER).Ihavewantedyousomuch,Torvalddear.Helmer.Wasthatthedressmaker?Nora.No,itwasChristine;sheishelpingmetoputmydressinorder.YouwillseeIshalllookquitesmart.Helmer.Wasn'tthatahappythoughtofmine,now?Nora.Splendid!Butdon'tyouthinkitisniceofme,too,todoasyouwish?Helmer.Nice?--becauseyoudoasyourhusbandwishes?Well,well,youlittlerogue,Iamsureyoudidnotmeanitinthatway.ButIamnotgoingtodisturbyou;youwillwanttobetryingonyourdress,I-.word.zl-
--expect.Nora.Isupposeyouaregoingtowork.Helmer.Yes.(Showsherabundleofpapers.)Lookatthat.Ihavejustbeenintothebank.(Turnstogointohisroom.)Nora.Torvald.Helmer.Yes.Nora.Ifyourlittlesquirrelweretoaskyouforsomethingvery,veryprettily--?Helmer.Whatthen?Nora.Wouldyoudoit?Helmer.Ishouldliketohearwhatitis,first.Nora.Yoursquirrelwouldrunaboutanddoallhertricksifyouwouldbenice,anddowhatshewants.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Speakplainly.Nora.Yourskylarkwouldchirpaboutineveryroom,withhersongrisingandfalling--Helmer.Well,myskylarkdoesthatanyhow.Nora.Iwouldplaythefairyanddanceforyouinthemoonlight,Torvald.Helmer.Nora--yousurelydon'tmeanthatrequestyoumadetomethismorning?Nora(goingnearhim).Yes,Torvald,Ibegyousoearnestly--Helmer.Haveyoureallythecouragetoopenupthatquestionagain?Nora.Yes,dear,youmustdoasIask;youmustletKrogstadkeephispostinthebank.Helmer.MydearNora,itishispostthatIhavearrangedMrs.Linde-.word.zl-
--shallhave.Nora.Yes,youhavebeenawfullykindaboutthat;butyoucouldjustaswelldismisssomeotherclerkinsteadofKrogstad.Helmer.Thisissimplyincredibleobstinacy!Becauseyouchosetogivehimathoughtlesspromisethatyouwouldspeakforhim,Iamexpectedto--Nora.Thatisn'tthereason,Torvald.Itisforyourownsake.Thisfellowwritesinthemostscurrilousnewspapers;youhavetoldmesoyourself.Hecandoyouanunspeakableamountofharm.Iamfrightenedtodeathofhim--Helmer.Ah,Iunderstand;itisrecollectionsofthepastthatscareyou.Nora.Whatdoyoumean?Helmer.Naturallyyouarethinkingofyourfather.Nora.Yes--yes,ofcourse.Justrecalltoyourmindwhatthesemalicious-.word.zl-
--creatureswroteinthepapersaboutpapa,andhowhorriblytheyslanderedhim.IbelievetheywouldhaveprocuredhisdismissaliftheDepartmenthadnotsentyouovertoinquireintoit,andifyouhadnotbeensokindlydisposedandhelpfultohim.Helmer.MylittleNora,thereisanimportantdifferencebetweenyourfatherandme.Yourfather'sreputationasapublicofficialwasnotabovesuspicion.Mineis,andIhopeitwillcontinuetobeso,aslongasIholdmyoffice.Nora.Younevercantellwhatmischiefthesemenmaycontrive.Weoughttobesowelloff,sosnugandhappyhereinourpeacefulhome,andhavenocares--youandIandthechildren,Torvald!ThatiswhyIbegyousoearnestly--Helmer.Anditisjustbyintercedingforhimthatyoumakeitimpossibleformetokeephim.ItisalreadyknownattheBankthatImeantodismissKrogstad.Isittogetaboutnowthatthenewmanagerhaschangedhismindathiswife'sbidding--Nora.Andwhatifitdid?-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Ofcourse!--ifonlythisobstinatelittlepersoncangetherway!DoyousupposeIamgoingtomakemyselfridiculousbeforemywholestaff,toletpeoplethinkthatIamamantobeswayedbyallsortsofoutsideinfluence?Ishouldverysoonfeeltheconsequencesofit,Icantellyou!Andbesides,thereisonethingthatmakesitquiteimpossibleformetohaveKrogstadintheBankaslongasIammanager.Nora.Whateveristhat?Helmer.HismoralfailingsImightperhapshaveoverlooked,ifnecessary--Nora.Yes,youcould--couldn'tyou?Helmer.AndIhearheisagoodworker,too.ButIknewhimwhenwewereboys.Itwasoneofthoserashfriendshipsthatsooftenproveanincubusinafterlife.Imayaswelltellyouplainly,wewereonceonveryintimatetermswithoneanother.Butthistactlessfellowlaysnorestraintonhimselfwhenotherpeoplearepresent.Onthecontrary,hethinksitgiveshimtherighttoadoptafamiliartonewithme,andeveryminuteitis"Isay,Helmer,oldfellow!"andthatsortofthing.Iassureyouitisextremelypainfulforme.Hewouldmakemyposition-.word.zl-
--intheBankintolerable.Nora.Torvald,Idon'tbelieveyoumeanthat.Helmer.Don'tyou?Whynot?Nora.Becauseitissuchanarrow-mindedwayoflookingatthings.Helmer.Whatareyousaying?Narrow-minded?DoyouthinkIamnarrow-minded?Nora.No,justtheopposite,dear--anditisexactlyforthatreason.Helmer.It'sthesamething.Yousaymypointofviewisnarrow-minded,soImustbesotoo.Narrow-minded!Verywell--Imustputanendtothis.(Goestothehalldoorandcalls.)Helen!Nora.Whatareyougoingtodo?Helmer(lookingamonghispapers).Settleit.(EnterMAID.)Lookhere;takethisletterandgodownstairswithitatonce.Findamessengerandtellhimtodeliverit,andbequick.Theaddressisonit,andhereis-.word.zl-
--themoney.Maid.Verywell,sir.(Exitwiththeletter.)Helmer(puttinghispaperstogether).Nowthen,littleMissObstinate.Nora(breathlessly).Torvald--whatwasthatletter?Helmer.Krogstad'sdismissal.Nora.Callherback,Torvald!Thereisstilltime.OhTorvald,callherback!Doitformysake--foryourownsake--forthechildren'ssake!Doyouhearme,Torvald?Callherback!Youdon'tknowwhatthatlettercanbringuponus.Helmer.It'stoolate.Nora.Yes,it'stoolate.Helmer.MydearNora,Icanforgivetheanxietyyouarein,althoughreallyitisaninsulttome.Itis,indeed.Isn'titaninsulttothinkthatIshouldbeafraidofastarvingquill-driver'svengeance?ButI-.word.zl-
--forgiveyounevertheless,becauseitissucheloquentwitnesstoyourgreatloveforme.(Takesherinhisarms.)Andthatisasitshouldbe,myowndarlingNora.ewhatwill,youmaybesureIshallhavebothcourageandstrengthiftheybeneeded.YouwillseeIammanenoughtotakeeverythinguponmyself.Nora(inahorror-strickenvoice).Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Helmer.Everything,Isay--Nora(recoveringherself).Youwillneverhavetodothat.Helmer.That'sright.Well,wewillshareit,Nora,asmanandwifeshould.Thatishowitshallbe.(Caressingher.)Areyoucontentnow?There!There!--notthesefrighteneddove'seyes!Thewholethingisonlythewildestfancy!--Now,youmustgoandplaythroughtheTarantellaandpractisewithyourtambourine.Ishallgointotheinnerofficeandshutthedoor,andIshallhearnothing;youcanmakeasmuchnoiseasyouplease.(Turnsbackatthedoor.)AndwhenRankes,tellhimwherehewillfindme.(Nodstoher,takeshispapersandgoesintohisroom,andshutsthedoorafterhim.)-.word.zl-
--Nora(bewilderedwithanxiety,standsasifrootedtothespot,andwhispers).Hewascapableofdoingit.Hewilldoit.Hewilldoitinspiteofeverything.--No,notthat!Never,never!Anythingratherthanthat!Oh,forsomehelp,somewayoutofit!(Thedoor-bellrings.)DoctorRank!Anythingratherthanthat--anything,whateveritis!(Sheputsherhandsoverherface,pullsherselftogether,goestothedoorandopensit.RANKisstandingwithout,hanginguphiscoat.Duringthefollowingdialogueitbeginstogrowdark.)Nora.Goodday,DoctorRank.Iknewyourring.Butyoumustn'tgointoTorvaldnow;Ithinkheisbusywithsomething.Rank.Andyou?Nora(bringshiminandshutsthedoorafterhim).Oh,youknowverywellIalwayshavetimeforyou.Rank.Thankyou.IshallmakeuseofasmuchofitasIcan.Nora.Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Asmuchofitasyoucan?Rank.Well,doesthatalarmyou?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Itwassuchastrangewayofputtingit.Isanythinglikelytohappen?Rank.NothingbutwhatIhavelongbeenpreparedfor.ButIcertainlydidn'texpectittohappensosoon.Nora(grippinghimbythearm).Whathaveyoufoundout?DoctorRank,youmusttellme.Rank(sittingdownbythestove).Itisallupwithme.Anditcan'tbehelped.Nora(withasighofrelief).Isitaboutyourself?Rank.Whoelse?Itisnouselyingtoone'sself.Iamthemostwretchedofallmypatients,Mrs.Helmer.LatelyIhavebeentakingstockofmyinternaleconomy.Bankrupt!ProbablywithinamonthIshalllierottinginthechurchyard.Nora.Whatanuglythingtosay!-.word.zl-
--Rank.Thethingitselfiscursedlyugly,andtheworstofitisthatIshallhavetofacesomuchmorethatisuglybeforethat.Ishallonlymakeonemoreexaminationofmyself;whenIhavedonethat,Ishallknowprettycertainlywhenitwillbethatthehorrorsofdissolutionwillbegin.ThereissomethingIwanttotellyou.Helmer'srefinednaturegiveshimanunconquerabledisgustateverythingthatisugly;Iwon'thavehiminmysick-room.Nora.Oh,but,DoctorRank--Rank.Iwon'thavehimthere.Notonanyaccount.Ibarmydoortohim.AssoonasIamquitecertainthattheworsthase,Ishallsendyoumycardwithablackcrossonit,andthenyouwillknowthattheloathsomeendhasbegun.Nora.Youarequiteabsurdtoday.AndIwantedyousomuchtobeinareallygoodhumour.Rank.Withdeathstalkingbesideme?--Tohavetopaythispenaltyforanotherman'ssin?Isthereanyjusticeinthat?Andineverysinglefamily,inonewayoranother,somesuchinexorableretributionisbeingexacted---.word.zl-
--Nora(puttingherhandsoverherears).Rubbish!Dotalkofsomethingcheerful.Rank.Oh,it'samerelaughingmatter,thewholething.Mypoorinnocentspinehastosufferformyfather'syouthfulamusements.Nora(sittingatthetableontheleft).Isupposeyoumeanthathewastoopartialtoasparagusandpatedefoiegras,don'tyou?Rank.Yes,andtotruffles.Nora.Truffles,yes.Andoysterstoo,Isuppose?Rank.Oysters,ofcourse,thatgoeswithoutsaying.Nora.Andheapsofportandchampagne.Itissadthatallthesenicethingsshouldtaketheirrevengeonourbones.Rank.Especiallythattheyshouldrevengethemselvesontheunluckybonesofthosewhohavenothadthesatisfactionofenjoyingthem.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes,that'sthesaddestpartofitall.Rank(withasearchinglookather).Hm!--Nora(afterashortpause).Whydidyousmile?Rank.No,itwasyouthatlaughed.Nora.No,itwasyouthatsmiled,DoctorRank!Rank(rising).YouareagreaterrascalthanIthought.Nora.Iaminasillymoodtoday.Rank.Soitseems.Nora(puttingherhandsonhisshoulders).Dear,dearDoctorRank,deathmustn'ttakeyouawayfromTorvaldandme.Rank.Itisalossyouwouldeasilyrecoverfrom.Thosewhoaregonearesoonforgotten.-.word.zl-
--Nora(lookingathimanxiously).Doyoubelievethat?Rank.Peopleformnewties,andthen--Nora.Whowillformnewties?Rank.BothyouandHelmer,whenIamgone.Youyourselfarealreadyonthehighroadtoit,Ithink.WhatdidthatMrs.Lindewantherelastnight?Nora.Oho!--youdon'tmeantosayyouarejealousofpoorChristine?Rank.Yes,Iam.Shewillbemysuccessorinthishouse.WhenIamdonefor,thiswomanwill--Nora.Hush!don'tspeaksoloud.Sheisinthatroom.Rank.Todayagain.There,yousee.Nora.Shehasonlyetosewmydressforme.Blessmysoul,howunreasonableyouare!(Sitsdownonthesofa.)Benicenow,DoctorRank,andtomorrowyouwillseehowbeautifullyIshalldance,andyoucan-.word.zl-
--imagineIamdoingitallforyou--andforTorvaldtoo,ofcourse.(Takesvariousthingsoutofthebox.)DoctorRank,eandsitdownhere,andIwillshowyousomething.Rank(sittingdown).Whatisit?Nora.Justlookatthose!Rank.Silkstockings.Nora.Flesh-coloured.Aren'ttheylovely?Itissodarkherenow,buttomorrow--.No,no,no!youmustonlylookatthefeet.Ohwell,youmayhaveleavetolookatthelegstoo.Rank.Hm!--Nora.Whyareyoulookingsocritical?Don'tyouthinktheywillfitme?Rank.Ihavenomeansofforminganopinionaboutthat.Nora(looksathimforamoment).Forshame!(Hitshimlightlyontheearwiththestockings.)That'stopunishyou.(Foldsthemupagain.)-.word.zl-
--Rank.AndwhatothernicethingsamItobeallowedtosee?Nora.Notasinglethingmore,forbeingsonaughty.(Shelooksamongthethings,hummingtoherself.)Rank(afterashortsilence).WhenIamsittinghere,talkingtoyouasintimatelyasthis,IcannotimagineforamomentwhatwouldhavebeeofmeifIhadnevereintothishouse.Nora(smiling).Ibelieveyoudofeelthoroughlyathomewithus.Rank(inalowervoice,lookingstraightinfrontofhim).Andtobeobligedtoleaveitall--Nora.Nonsense,youarenotgoingtoleaveit.Rank(asbefore).Andnotbeabletoleavebehindonetheslightesttokenofone'sgratitude,scarcelyevenafleetingregret--nothingbutanemptyplacewhichthefirstercanfillaswellasanyother.Nora.AndifIaskedyounowfora--?No!-.word.zl-
--Rank.Forwhat?Nora.Forabigproofofyourfriendship--Rank.Yes,yes!Nora.Imeanatremendouslybigfavour--Rank.Wouldyoureallymakemesohappyforonce?Nora.Ah,butyoudon'tknowwhatitisyet.Rank.No--buttellme.Nora.Ireallycan't,DoctorRank.Itissomethingoutofallreason;itmeansadvice,andhelp,andafavour--Rank.Thebiggerathingitisthebetter.Ican'tconceivewhatitisyoumean.Dotellme.Haven'tIyourconfidence?Nora.Morethananyoneelse.Iknowyouaremytruestandbestfriend,andsoIwilltellyouwhatitis.Well,DoctorRank,itissomething-.word.zl-
--youmusthelpmetoprevent.Youknowhowdevotedly,howinexpressiblydeeplyTorvaldlovesme;hewouldneverforamomenthesitatetogivehislifeforme.Rank(leaningtowardsher).Nora--doyouthinkheistheonlyone--?Nora(withaslightstart).Theonlyone--?Rank.Theonlyonewhowouldgladlygivehislifeforyoursake.Nora(sadly).Isthatit?Rank.IwasdeterminedyoushouldknowitbeforeIwentaway,andtherewillneverbeabetteropportunitythanthis.Nowyouknowit,Nora.Andnowyouknow,too,thatyoucantrustmeasyouwouldtrustnooneelse.Nora(rises,deliberatelyandquietly).Letmepass.Rank(makesroomforhertopasshim,butsitsstill).Nora!Nora(atthehalldoor).Helen,bringinthelamp.(Goesovertothestove.)DearDoctorRank,thatwasreallyhorridofyou.-.word.zl-
--Rank.Tohavelovedyouasmuchasanyoneelsedoes?Wasthathorrid?Nora.No,buttogoandtellmeso.Therewasreallynoneed--Rank.Whatdoyoumean?Didyouknow--?(MAIDenterswithlamp,putsitdownonthetable,andgoesout.)Nora--Mrs.Helmer--tellme,hadyouanyideaofthis?Nora.Oh,howdoIknowwhetherIhadorwhetherIhadn't?Ireallycan'ttellyou--Tothinkyoucouldbesoclumsy,DoctorRank!Weweregettingonsonicely.Rank.Well,atalleventsyouknownowthatyoucanmandme,bodyandsoul.Sowon'tyouspeakout?Nora(lookingathim).Afterwhathappened?Rank.Ibegyoutoletmeknowwhatitis.Nora.Ican'ttellyouanythingnow.-.word.zl-
--Rank.Yes,yes.Youmustn'tpunishmeinthatway.Letmehavepermissiontodoforyouwhateveramanmaydo.Nora.Youcandonothingformenow.Besides,Ireallydon'tneedanyhelpatall.Youwillfindthatthewholethingismerelyfancyonmypart.Itreallyisso--ofcourseitis!(Sitsdownintherocking-chair,andlooksathimwithasmile.)Youareanicesortofman,DoctorRank!--don'tyoufeelashamedofyourself,nowthelamphase?Rank.Notabit.ButperhapsIhadbettergo--forever?Nora.No,indeed,youshallnot.Ofcourseyoumusteherejustasbefore.YouknowverywellTorvaldcan'tdowithoutyou.Rank.Yes,butyou?Nora.Oh,Iamalwaystremendouslypleasedwhenyoue.Rank.Itisjustthat,thatputmeonthewrongtrack.Youareariddletome.IhaveoftenthoughtthatyouwouldalmostassoonbeinmypanyasinHelmer's.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes--youseetherearesomepeopleonelovesbest,andotherswhomonewouldalmostalwaysratherhaveaspanions.Rank.Yes,thereissomethinginthat.Nora.WhenIwasathome,ofcourseIlovedpapabest.ButIalwaysthoughtittremendousfunifIcouldstealdownintothemaids'room,becausetheynevermoralisedatall,andtalkedtoeachotheraboutsuchentertainingthings.Rank.Isee--itistheirplaceIhavetaken.Nora(jumpingupandgoingtohim).Oh,dear,niceDoctorRank,Inevermeantthatatall.ButsurelyyoucanunderstandthatbeingwithTorvaldisalittlelikebeingwithpapa--(EnterMAIDfromthehall.)Maid.Ifyouplease,ma'am.(Whispersandhandsheracard.)Nora(glancingatthecard).Oh!(Putsitinherpocket.)Rank.Isthereanythingwrong?-.word.zl-
--Nora.No,no,notintheleast.Itisonlysomething--itismynewdress--Rank.What?Yourdressislyingthere.Nora.Oh,yes,thatone;butthisisanother.Iorderedit.Torvaldmustn'tknowaboutit--Rank.Oho!Thenthatwasthegreatsecret.Nora.Ofcourse.Justgointohim;heissittingintheinnerroom.Keephimaslongas--Rank.Makeyourmindeasy;Iwon'tlethimescape.(GoesintoHELMER'Sroom.)Nora(totheMAID).Andheisstandingwaitinginthekitchen?Maid.Yes;hecameupthebackstairs.Nora.Butdidn'tyoutellhimnoonewasin?-.word.zl-
--Maid.Yes,butitwasnogood.Nora.Hewon'tgoaway?Maid.No;hesayshewon'tuntilhehasseenyou,ma'am.Nora.Well,lethimein--butquietly.Helen,youmustn'tsayanythingaboutittoanyone.Itisasurpriseformyhusband.Maid.Yes,ma'am,Iquiteunderstand.(Exit.)Nora.Thisdreadfulthingisgoingtohappen!Itwillhappeninspiteofme!No,no,no,itcan'thappen--itshan'thappen!(SheboltsthedoorofHELMER'Sroom.TheMAIDopensthehalldoorforKROGSTADandshutsitafterhim.Heiswearingafurcoat,highbootsandafurcap.)Nora(advancingtowardshim).Speaklow--myhusbandisathome.Krogstad.Nomatteraboutthat.Nora.Whatdoyouwantofme?-.word.zl-
--Krogstad.Anexplanationofsomething.Nora.Makehastethen.Whatisit?Krogstad.Youknow,Isuppose,thatIhavegotmydismissal.Nora.Icouldn'tpreventit,Mr.Krogstad.IfoughtashardasIcouldonyourside,butitwasnogood.Krogstad.Doesyourhusbandloveyousolittle,then?HeknowswhatIcanexposeyouto,andyetheventures--Nora.Howcanyousupposethathehasanyknowledgeofthesort?Krogstad.Ididn'tsupposesoatall.ItwouldnotbetheleastlikeourdearTorvaldHelmertoshowsomuchcourage--Nora.Mr.Krogstad,alittlerespectformyhusband,please.Krogstad.Certainly--alltherespecthedeserves.Butsinceyouhavekeptthemattersocarefullytoyourself,Imakeboldtosupposethat-.word.zl-
--youhavealittlecleareridea,thanyouhadyesterday,ofwhatitactuallyisthatyouhavedone?Nora.Morethanyoucouldeverteachme.Krogstad.Yes,suchabadlawyerasIam.Nora.Whatisityouwantofme?Krogstad.Onlytoseehowyouwere,Mrs.Helmer.Ihavebeenthinkingaboutyoualldaylong.Amerecashier,aquill-driver,a--well,amanlikeme--evenhehasalittleofwhatiscalledfeeling,youknow.Nora.Showit,then;thinkofmylittlechildren.Krogstad.Haveyouandyourhusbandthoughtofmine?Butnevermindaboutthat.Ionlywantedtotellyouthatyouneednottakethismattertooseriously.Inthefirstplacetherewillbenoaccusationmadeonmypart.Nora.No,ofcoursenot;Iwassureofthat.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad.Thewholethingcanbearrangedamicably;thereisnoreasonwhyanyoneshouldknowanythingaboutit.Itwillremainasecretbetweenusthree.Nora.Myhusbandmustnevergettoknowanythingaboutit.Krogstad.Howwillyoubeabletopreventit?AmItounderstandthatyoucanpaythebalancethatisowing?Nora.No,notjustatpresent.Krogstad.Orperhapsthatyouhavesomeexpedientforraisingthemoneysoon?Nora.NoexpedientthatImeantomakeuseof.Krogstad.Well,inanycase,itwouldhavebeenofnousetoyounow.Ifyoustoodtherewitheversomuchmoneyinyourhand,Iwouldneverpartwithyourbond.Nora.Tellmewhatpurposeyoumeantoputitto.Krogstad.Ishallonlypreserveit--keepitinmypossession.Noonewho-.word.zl-
--isnotconcernedinthemattershallhavetheslightesthintofit.Sothatifthethoughtofithasdrivenyoutoanydesperateresolution--Nora.Ithas.Krogstad.Ifyouhaditinyourmindtorunawayfromyourhome--Nora.Ihad.Krogstad.Orevensomethingworse--Nora.Howcouldyouknowthat?Krogstad.Giveuptheidea.Nora.HowdidyouknowIhadthoughtofthat?Krogstad.Mostofusthinkofthatatfirst.Idid,too--butIhadn'tthecourage.Nora(faintly).NomorehadI.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad(inatoneofrelief).No,that'sit,isn'tit--youhadn'tthecourageeither?Nora.No,Ihaven't--Ihaven't.Krogstad.Besides,itwouldhavebeenagreatpieceoffolly.Oncethefirststormathomeisover--.Ihavealetterforyourhusbandinmypocket.Nora.Tellinghimeverything?Krogstad.InaslenientamannerasIpossiblycould.Nora(quickly).Hemustn'tgettheletter.Tearitup.Iwillfindsomemeansofgettingmoney.Krogstad.Excuseme,Mrs.Helmer,butIthinkItoldyoujustnow--Nora.IamnotspeakingofwhatIoweyou.Tellmewhatsumyouareaskingmyhusbandfor,andIwillgetthemoney.Krogstad.Iamnotaskingyourhusbandforapenny.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Whatdoyouwant,then?Krogstad.Iwilltellyou.Iwanttorehabilitatemyself,Mrs.Helmer;Iwanttogeton;andinthatyourhusbandmusthelpme.ForthelastyearandahalfIhavenothadahandinanythingdishonourable,amidallthattimeIhavebeenstrugglinginmostrestrictedcircumstances.Iwascontenttoworkmywayupstepbystep.NowIamturnedout,andIamnotgoingtobesatisfiedwithmerelybeingtakenintofavouragain.Iwanttogeton,Itellyou.IwanttogetintotheBankagain,inahigherposition.Yourhusbandmustmakeaplaceforme--Nora.Thathewillneverdo!Krogstad.Hewill;Iknowhim;hedarenotprotest.AndassoonasIaminthereagainwithhim,thenyouwillsee!WithinayearIshallbethemanager'srighthand.ItwillbeNilsKrogstadandnotTorvaldHelmerwhomanagestheBank.Nora.That'sathingyouwillneversee!Krogstad.Doyoumeanthatyouwill--?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Ihavecourageenoughforitnow.Krogstad.Oh,youcan'tfrightenme.Afine,spoiltladylikeyou--Nora.Youwillsee,youwillsee.Krogstad.Undertheice,perhaps?Downintothecold,coal-blackwater?Andthen,inthespring,tofloatuptothesurface,allhorribleandunrecognisable,withyourhairfallenout--Nora.Youcan'tfrightenme.Krogstad.Noryoume.Peopledon'tdosuchthings,Mrs.Helmer.Besides,whatusewoulditbe?Ishouldhavehimpletelyinmypowerallthesame.Nora.Afterwards?WhenIamnolonger--Krogstad.HaveyouforgottenthatitisIwhohavethekeepingofyourreputation?(NORAstandsspeechlesslylookingathim.)Well,now,Ihavewarnedyou.Donotdoanythingfoolish.WhenHelmerhashadmyletter,-.word.zl-
--Ishallexpectamessagefromhim.Andbesureyourememberthatitisyourhusbandhimselfwhohasforcedmeintosuchwaysasthisagain.Iwillneverforgivehimforthat.Goodbye,Mrs.Helmer.(Exitthroughthehall.)Nora(goestothehalldoor,opensitslightlyandlistens.)Heisgoing.Heisnotputtingtheletterinthebox.Ohno,no!that'simpossible!(Opensthedoorbydegrees.)Whatisthat?Heisstandingoutside.Heisnotgoingdownstairs.Ishehesitating?Canhe--?(Aletterdropsintothebox;thenKROGSTAD'Sfootstepsareheard,untiltheydieawayashegoesdownstairs.NORAuttersastifledcry,andrunsacrosstheroomtothetablebythesofa.Ashortpause.)Nora.Intheletter-box.(Stealsacrosstothehalldoor.)Thereitlies--Torvald,Torvald,thereisnohopeforusnow!(Mrs.LINDEesinfromtheroomontheleft,carryingthedress.)Mrs.Linde.There,Ican'tseeanythingmoretomendnow.Wouldyouliketotryiton--?Nora(inahoarsewhisper).Christine,ehere.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde(throwingthedressdownonthesofa).Whatisthematterwithyou?Youlooksoagitated!Nora.ehere.Doyouseethatletter?There,look--youcanseeitthroughtheglassintheletter-box.Mrs.Linde.Yes,Iseeit.Nora.ThatletterisfromKrogstad.Mrs.Linde.Nora--itwasKrogstadwholentyouthemoney!Nora.Yes,andnowTorvaldwillknowallaboutit.Mrs.Linde.Believeme,Nora,that'sthebestthingforbothofyou.Nora.Youdon'tknowall.Iforgedaname.Mrs.Linde.Goodheavens--!Nora.Ionlywanttosaythistoyou,Christine--youmustbemywitness.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Yourwitness?Whatdoyoumean?WhatamIto--?Nora.IfIshouldgooutofmymind--anditmighteasilyhappen--Mrs.Linde.Nora!Nora.Orifanythingelseshouldhappentome--anything,forinstance,thatmightpreventmybeinghere--Mrs.Linde.Nora!Nora!youarequiteoutofyourmind.Nora.Andifitshouldhappenthatthereweresomeonewhowantedtotakealltheresponsibility,alltheblame,youunderstand--Mrs.Linde.Yes,yes--buthowcanyousuppose--?Nora.Thenyoumustbemywitness,thatitisnottrue,Christine.Iamnotoutofmymindatall;Iaminmyrightsensesnow,andItellyounooneelsehasknownanythingaboutit;I,andIalone,didthewholething.Rememberthat.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Iwill,indeed.ButIdon'tunderstandallthis.Nora.Howshouldyouunderstandit?Awonderfulthingisgoingtohappen!Mrs.Linde.Awonderfulthing?Nora.Yes,awonderfulthing!--Butitissoterrible,Christine;itmustn'thappen,notforalltheworld.Mrs.Linde.IwillgoatonceandseeKrogstad.Nora.Don'tgotohim;hewilldoyousomeharm.Mrs.Linde.Therewasatimewhenhewouldgladlydoanythingformysake.Nora.He?Mrs.Linde.Wheredoeshelive?Nora.HowshouldIknow--?Yes(feelinginherpocket),hereishis-.word.zl-
--card.Buttheletter,theletter--!Helmer(callsfromhisroom,knockingatthedoor).Nora!Nora(criesoutanxiously).Oh,what'sthat?Whatdoyouwant?Helmer.Don'tbesofrightened.Wearenotingin;youhavelockedthedoor.Areyoutryingonyourdress?Nora.Yes,that'sit.Ilooksonice,Torvald.Mrs.Linde(whohasreadthecard).Iseehelivesatthecornerhere.Nora.Yes,butit'snouse.Itishopeless.Theletterislyingthereinthebox.Mrs.Linde.Andyourhusbandkeepsthekey?Nora.Yes,always.Mrs.Linde.Krogstadmustaskforhisletterbackunread,hemustfindsomepretence---.word.zl-
--Nora.ButitisjustatthistimethatTorvaldgenerally--Mrs.Linde.Youmustdelayhim.Gointohiminthemeantime.IwillebackassoonasIcan.(Shegoesouthurriedlythroughthehalldoor.)Nora(goestoHELMER'Sdoor,opensitandpeepsin).Torvald!Helmer(fromtheinnerroom).Well?MayIventureatlasttoeintomyownroomagain?ealong,Rank,nowyouwillsee--(Haltinginthedoorway.)Butwhatisthis?Nora.Whatiswhat,dear?Helmer.Rankledmetoexpectasplendidtransformation.Rank(inthedoorway).Iunderstoodso,butevidentlyIwasmistaken.Nora.Yes,nobodyistohavethechanceofadmiringmeinmydressuntiltomorrow.Helmer.But,mydearNora,youlooksowornout.Haveyoubeen-.word.zl-
--practisingtoomuch?Nora.No,Ihavenotpractisedatall.Helmer.Butyouwillneedto--Nora.Yes,indeedIshall,Torvald.ButIcan'tgetonabitwithoutyoutohelpme;Ihaveabsolutelyforgottenthewholething.Helmer.Oh,wewillsoonworkitupagain.Nora.Yes,helpme,Torvald.Promisethatyouwill!Iamsonervousaboutit--allthepeople--.Youmustgiveyourselfuptomeentirelythisevening.Notthetiniestbitofbusiness--youmustn'teventakeapeninyourhand.Willyoupromise,Torvalddear?Helmer.Ipromise.ThiseveningIwillbewhollyandabsolutelyatyourservice,youhelplesslittlemortal.Ah,bytheway,firstofallIwilljust--(Goestowardsthehalldoor.)Nora.Whatareyougoingtodothere?-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Onlyseeifanylettershavee.Nora.No,no!don'tdothat,Torvald!Helmer.Whynot?Nora.Torvald,pleasedon't.Thereisnothingthere.Helmer.Well,letmelook.(Turnstogototheletter-box.NORA,atthepiano,playsthefirstbarsoftheTarantella.HELMERstopsinthedoorway.)Aha!Nora.Ican'tdancetomorrowifIdon'tpractisewithyou.Helmer(goinguptoher).Areyoureallysoafraidofit,dear?Nora.Yes,sodreadfullyafraidofit.Letmepractiseatonce;thereistimenow,beforewegotodinner.Sitdownandplayforme,Torvalddear;criticiseme,andcorrectmeasyouplay.Helmer.Withgreatpleasure,ifyouwishmeto.(Sitsdownatthepiano.)-.word.zl-
--Nora(takesoutoftheboxatambourineandalongvariegatedshawl.Shehastilydrapestheshawlroundher.Thenshespringstothefrontofthestageandcallsout).Nowplayforme!Iamgoingtodance!(HELMERplaysandNORAdances.RANKstandsbythepianobehindHELMER,andlookson.)Helmer(asheplays).Slower,slower!Nora.Ican'tdoitanyotherway.Helmer.Notsoviolently,Nora!Nora.Thisistheway.Helmer(stopsplaying).No,no--thatisnotabitright.Nora(laughingandswingingthetambourine).Didn'tItellyouso?Rank.Letmeplayforher.-.word.zl-
--Helmer(gettingup).Yes,do.Icancorrectherbetterthen.(RANKsitsdownatthepianoandplays.NORAdancesmoreandmorewildly.HELMERhastakenupapositionbesidethestove,andduringherdancegivesherfrequentinstructions.Shedoesnotseemtohearhim;herhairesdownandfallsoverhershoulders;shepaysnoattentiontoit,butgoesondancing.EnterMrs.LINDE.)Mrs.Linde(standingasifspell-boundinthedoorway).Oh!--Nora(asshedances).Suchfun,Christine!Helmer.MydeardarlingNora,youaredancingasifyourlifedependedonit.Nora.Soitdoes.Helmer.Stop,Rank;thisissheermadness.Stop,Itellyou!(RANKstopsplaying,andNORAsuddenlystandsstill.HELMERgoesuptoher.)Icouldneverhavebelievedit.YouhaveforgotteneverythingItaughtyou.Nora(throwingawaythetambourine).There,yousee.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Youwillwantalotofcoaching.Nora.Yes,youseehowmuchIneedit.Youmustcoachmeuptothelastminute.Promisemethat,Torvald!Helmer.Youcandependonme.Nora.Youmustnotthinkofanythingbutme,eithertodayortomorrow;youmustn'topenasingleletter--notevenopentheletter-box--Helmer.Ah,youarestillafraidofthatfellow--Nora.Yes,indeedIam.Helmer.Nora,Icantellfromyourlooksthatthereisaletterfromhimlyingthere.Nora.Idon'tknow;Ithinkthereis;butyoumustnotreadanythingofthatkindnow.Nothinghorridmustebetweenusuntilthisisallover.-.word.zl-
--Rank(whisperstoHELMER).Youmustn'tcontradicther.Helmer(takingherinhisarms).Thechildshallhaveherway.Buttomorrownight,afteryouhavedanced--Nora.Thenyouwillbefree.(TheMAIDappearsinthedoorwaytotheright.)Maid.Dinnerisserved,ma'am.Nora.Wewillhavechampagne,Helen.Maid.Verygood,ma'am.[Exit.Helmer.Hullo!--arewegoingtohaveabanquet?Nora.Yes,achampagnebanquetuntilthesmallhours.(Callsout.)Andafewmacaroons,Helen--lots,justforonce!Helmer.e,e,don'tbesowildandnervous.Bemyownlittleskylark,asyouused.-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes,dear,Iwill.Butgoinnowandyoutoo,DoctorRank.Christine,youmusthelpmetodoupmyhair.Rank(whisperstoHELMERastheygoout).Isupposethereisnothing--sheisnotexpectinganything?Helmer.Farfromit,mydearfellow;itissimplynothingmorethanthischildishnervousnessIwastellingyouof.(Theygointotheright-handroom.)Nora.Well!Mrs.Linde.Goneoutoftown.Nora.Icouldtellfromyourface.Mrs.Linde.Heisinghometomorrowevening.Iwroteanoteforhim.Nora.Youshouldhaveletitalone;youmustpreventnothing.Afterall,itissplendidtobewaitingforawonderfulthingtohappen.Mrs.Linde.Whatisitthatyouarewaitingfor?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Oh,youwouldn'tunderstand.Gointothem,Iwilleinamoment.(Mrs.LINDEgoesintothedining-room.NORAstandsstillforalittlewhile,asiftoposeherself.Thenshelooksatherwatch.)Fiveo'clock.Sevenhoursuntilmidnight;andthenfour-and-twentyhoursuntilthenextmidnight.ThentheTarantellawillbeover.Twenty-fourandseven?Thirty-onehourstolive.Helmer(fromthedoorwayontheright).Where'smylittleskylark?Nora(goingtohimwithherarmsoutstretched).Heresheis!ACTIII(THESAMESCENE.--Thetablehasbeenplacedinthemiddleofthestage,withchairsaroundit.Alampisburningonthetable.Thedoorintothehallstandsopen.Dancemusicisheardintheroomabove.Mrs.LINDEissittingatthetableidlyturningovertheleavesofabook;shetriestoread,butdoesnotseemabletocollectherthoughts.Everynowand-.word.zl-
--thenshelistensintentlyforasoundattheouterdoor.)Mrs.Linde(lookingatherwatch).Notyet--andthetimeisnearlyup.Ifonlyhedoesnot--.(Listensagain.)Ah,thereheis.(Goesintothehallandopenstheouterdoorcarefully.Lightfootstepsareheardonthestairs.Shewhispers.)ein.Thereisnoonehere.Krogstad(inthedoorway).Ifoundanotefromyouathome.Whatdoesthismean?Mrs.Linde.ItisabsolutelynecessarythatIshouldhaveatalkwithyou.Krogstad.Really?Andisitabsolutelynecessarythatitshouldbehere?Mrs.Linde.ItisimpossiblewhereIlive;thereisnoprivateentrancetomyrooms.ein;wearequitealone.Themaidisasleep,andtheHelmersareatthedanceupstairs.Krogstad(ingintotheroom).AretheHelmersreallyatadancetonight?-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Yes,whynot?Krogstad.Certainly--whynot?Mrs.Linde.Now,Nils,letushaveatalk.Krogstad.Canwetwohaveanythingtotalkabout?Mrs.Linde.Wehaveagreatdealtotalkabout.Krogstad.Ishouldn'thavethoughtso.Mrs.Linde.No,youhaveneverproperlyunderstoodme.Krogstad.Wasthereanythingelsetounderstandexceptwhatwasobvioustoalltheworld--aheartlesswomanjiltsamanwhenamorelucrativechanceturnsup?Mrs.Linde.DoyoubelieveIamasabsolutelyheartlessasallthat?AnddoyoubelievethatIdiditwithalightheart?Krogstad.Didn'tyou?-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Nils,didyoureallythinkthat?Krogstad.Ifitwereasyousay,whydidyouwritetomeasyoudidatthetime?Mrs.Linde.Icoulddonothingelse.AsIhadtobreakwithyou,itwasmydutyalsotoputanendtoallthatyoufeltforme.Krogstad(wringinghishands).Sothatwasit.Andallthis--onlyforthesakeofmoney!Mrs.Linde.YoumustnotforgetthatIhadahelplessmotherandtwolittlebrothers.Wecouldn'twaitforyou,Nils;yourprospectsseemedhopelessthen.Krogstad.Thatmaybeso,butyouhadnorighttothrowmeoverforanyoneelse'ssake.Mrs.Linde.IndeedIdon'tknow.ManyatimedidIaskmyselfifIhadtherighttodoit.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad(moregently).WhenIlostyou,itwasasifallthesolidgroundwentfromundermyfeet.Lookatmenow--Iamashipwreckedmanclingingtoabitofwreckage.Mrs.Linde.Buthelpmaybenear.Krogstad.Itwasnear;butthenyoucameandstoodinmyway.Mrs.Linde.Unintentionally,Nils.ItwasonlytodaythatIlearneditwasyourplaceIwasgoingtotakeintheBank.Krogstad.Ibelieveyou,ifyousayso.Butnowthatyouknowit,areyounotgoingtogiveituptome?Mrs.Linde.No,becausethatwouldnotbenefityouintheleast.Krogstad.Oh,benefit,benefit--Iwouldhavedoneitwhetherorno.Mrs.Linde.Ihavelearnedtoactprudently.Life,andhard,bitternecessityhavetaughtmethat.Krogstad.Andlifehastaughtmenottobelieveinfinespeeches.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Thenlifehastaughtyousomethingveryreasonable.Butdeedsyoumustbelievein?Krogstad.Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Mrs.Linde.Yousaidyouwerelikeashipwreckedmanclingingtosomewreckage.Krogstad.Ihadgoodreasontosayso.Mrs.Linde.Well,Iamlikeashipwreckedwomanclingingtosomewreckage--noonetomournfor,noonetocarefor.Krogstad.Itwasyourownchoice.Mrs.Linde.Therewasnootherchoice--then.Krogstad.Well,whatnow?Mrs.Linde.Nils,howwoulditbeifwetwoshipwreckedpeoplecouldjoinforces?-.word.zl-
--Krogstad.Whatareyousaying?Mrs.Linde.Twoonthesamepieceofwreckagewouldstandabetterchancethaneachontheirown.Krogstad.ChristineI...Mrs.Linde.Whatdoyousupposebroughtmetotown?Krogstad.Doyoumeanthatyougavemeathought?Mrs.Linde.Icouldnotendurelifewithoutwork.Allmylife,aslongasIcanremember,Ihaveworked,andithasbeenmygreatestandonlypleasure.ButnowIamquitealoneintheworld--mylifeissodreadfullyemptyandIfeelsoforsaken.Thereisnottheleastpleasureinworkingforone'sself.Nils,givemesomeoneandsomethingtoworkfor.Krogstad.Idon'ttrustthat.Itisnothingbutawoman'soverstrainedsenseofgenerositythatpromptsyoutomakesuchanofferofyourself.-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Haveyouevernoticedanythingofthesortinme?Krogstad.Couldyoureallydoit?Tellme--doyouknowallaboutmypastlife?Mrs.Linde.Yes.Krogstad.Anddoyouknowwhattheythinkofmehere?Mrs.Linde.Youseemedtometoimplythatwithmeyoumighthavebeenquiteanotherman.Krogstad.Iamcertainofit.Mrs.Linde.Isittoolatenow?Krogstad.Christine,areyousayingthisdeliberately?Yes,Iamsureyouare.Iseeitinyourface.Haveyoureallythecourage,then--?Mrs.Linde.Iwanttobeamothertosomeone,andyourchildrenneedamother.Wetwoneedeachother.Nils,Ihavefaithinyourrealcharacter--Icandareanythingtogetherwithyou.-.word.zl-
--Krogstad(graspsherhands).Thanks,thanks,Christine!NowIshallfindawaytoclearmyselfintheeyesoftheworld.Ah,butIforgot--Mrs.Linde(listening).Hush!TheTarantella!Go,go!Krogstad.Why?Whatisit?Mrs.Linde.Doyouhearthemupthere?Whenthatisover,wemayexpectthemback.Krogstad.Yes,yes--Iwillgo.Butitisallnouse.OfcourseyouarenotawarewhatstepsIhavetakeninthematteroftheHelmers.Mrs.Linde.Yes,Iknowallaboutthat.Krogstad.Andinspiteofthathaveyouthecourageto--?Mrs.Linde.Iunderstandverywelltowhatlengthsamanlikeyoumightbedrivenbydespair.Krogstad.IfIcouldonlyundowhatIhavedone!-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Youcannot.Yourletterislyingintheletter-boxnow.Krogstad.Areyousureofthat?Mrs.Linde.Quitesure,but--Krogstad(withasearchinglookather).Isthatwhatitallmeans?--thatyouwanttosaveyourfriendatanycost?Tellmefrankly.Isthatit?Mrs.Linde.Nils,awomanwhohasoncesoldherselfforanother'ssake,doesn'tdoitasecondtime.Krogstad.Iwillaskformyletterback.Mrs.Linde.No,no.Krogstad.Yes,ofcourseIwill.IwillwaithereuntilHelmeres;Iwilltellhimhemustgivememyletterback--thatitonlyconcernsmydismissal--thatheisnottoreadit---.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.No,Nils,youmustnotrecallyourletter.Krogstad.But,tellme,wasn'titforthatverypurposethatyouaskedmetomeetyouhere?Mrs.Linde.Inmyfirstmomentoffright,itwas.Buttwenty-fourhourshaveelapsedsincethen,andinthattimeIhavewitnessedincrediblethingsinthishouse.Helmermustknowallaboutit.Thisunhappysecretmustbedisclosed;theymusthaveapleteunderstandingbetweenthem,whichisimpossiblewithallthisconcealmentandfalsehoodgoingon.Krogstad.Verywell,ifyouwilltaketheresponsibility.ButthereisonethingIcandoinanycase,andIshalldoitatonce.Mrs.Linde(listening).Youmustbequickandgo!Thedanceisover;wearenotsafeamomentlonger.Krogstad.Iwillwaitforyoubelow.Mrs.Linde.Yes,do.Youmustseemebacktomydoor...Krogstad.Ihaveneverhadsuchanamazingpieceofgoodfortuneinmy-.word.zl-
--life!(Goesoutthroughtheouterdoor.Thedoorbetweentheroomandthehallremainsopen.)Mrs.Linde(tidyinguptheroomandlayingherhatandcloakready).Whatadifference!whatadifference!Someonetoworkforandlivefor--ahometobringfortinto.ThatIwilldo,indeed.Iwishtheywouldbequickande--(Listens.)Ah,theretheyarenow.Imustputonmythings.(Takesupherhatandcloak.HELMER'SandNORA'Svoicesareheardoutside;akeyisturned,andHELMERbringsNORAalmostbyforceintothehall.SheisinanItaliancostumewithalargeblackshawlaroundher;heisineveningdress,andablackdominowhichisflyingopen.)Nora(hangingbackinthedoorway,andstrugglingwithhim).No,no,no!--don'ttakemein.Iwanttogoupstairsagain;Idon'twanttoleavesoearly.Helmer.But,mydearestNora--Nora.Please,Torvalddear--please,please--onlyanhourmore.Helmer.Notasingleminute,mysweetNora.Youknowthatwasour-.word.zl-
--agreement.ealongintotheroom;youarecatchingcoldstandingthere.(Hebringshergentlyintotheroom,inspiteofherresistance.)Mrs.Linde.Goodevening.Nora.Christine!Helmer.Youhere,solate,Mrs.Linde?Mrs.Linde.Yes,youmustexcuseme;IwassoanxioustoseeNorainherdress.Nora.Haveyoubeensittingherewaitingforme?Mrs.Linde.Yes,unfortunatelyIcametoolate,youhadalreadygoneupstairs;andIthoughtIcouldn'tgoawayagainwithouthavingseenyou.Helmer(takingoffNORA'Sshawl).Yes,takeagoodlookather.Ithinksheisworthlookingat.Isn'tshecharming,Mrs.Linde?Mrs.Linde.Yes,indeedsheis.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Doesn'tshelookremarkablypretty?Everyonethoughtsoatthedance.Butsheisterriblyself-willed,thissweetlittleperson.Whatarewetodowithher?YouwillhardlybelievethatIhadalmosttobringherawaybyforce.Nora.Torvald,youwillrepentnothavingletmestay,evenifitwereonlyforhalfanhour.Helmer.Listentoher,Mrs.Linde!ShehaddancedherTarantella,andithadbeenatremendoussuccess,asitdeserved--althoughpossiblytheperformancewasatrifletoorealistic--alittlemoreso,Imean,thanwasstrictlypatiblewiththelimitationsofart.Butnevermindaboutthat!Thechiefthingis,shehadmadeasuccess--shehadmadeatremendoussuccess.DoyouthinkIwasgoingtoletherremainthereafterthat,andspoiltheeffect?No,indeed!ItookmycharminglittleCaprimaiden--mycapriciouslittleCaprimaiden,Ishouldsay--onmyarm;tookonequickturnroundtheroom;acurtseyoneitherside,and,astheysayinnovels,thebeautifulapparitiondisappeared.Anexitoughtalwaystobeeffective,Mrs.Linde;butthatiswhatIcannotmakeNoraunderstand.Pooh!thisroomishot.(Throwshisdominoonachair,andopensthedoorofhisroom.)Hullo!it'salldarkinhere.Oh,of-.word.zl-
--course--excuseme--.(Hegoesin,andlightssomecandles.)Nora(inahurriedandbreathlesswhisper).Well?Mrs.Linde(inalowvoice).Ihavehadatalkwithhim.Nora.Yes,and--Mrs.Linde.Nora,youmusttellyourhusbandallaboutit.Nora(inanexpressionlessvoice).Iknewit.Mrs.Linde.YouhavenothingtobeafraidofasfarasKrogstadisconcerned;butyoumusttellhim.Nora.Iwon'ttellhim.Mrs.Linde.Thentheletterwill.Nora.Thankyou,Christine.NowIknowwhatImustdo.Hush--!Helmer(inginagain).Well,Mrs.Linde,haveyouadmiredher?-.word.zl-
--Mrs.Linde.Yes,andnowIwillsaygoodnight.Helmer.What,already?Isthisyours,thisknitting?Mrs.Linde(takingit).Yes,thankyou,Ihadverynearlyforgottenit.Helmer.Soyouknit?Mrs.Linde.Ofcourse.Helmer.Doyouknow,yououghttoembroider.Mrs.Linde.Really?Why?Helmer.Yes,it'sfarmorebeing.Letmeshowyou.Youholdtheembroiderythusinyourlefthand,andusetheneedlewiththeright--likethis--withalong,easysweep.Doyousee?Mrs.Linde.Yes,perhaps--Helmer.Butinthecaseofknitting--thatcanneverbeanythingbut-.word.zl-
--ungraceful;lookhere--thearmsclosetogether,theknitting-needlesgoingupanddown--ithasasortofChineseeffect--.Thatwasreallyexcellentchampagnetheygaveus.Mrs.Linde.Well,--goodnight,Nora,anddon'tbeself-willedanymore.Helmer.That'sright,Mrs.Linde.Mrs.Linde.Goodnight,Mr.Helmer.Helmer(acpanyinghertothedoor).Goodnight,goodnight.Ihopeyouwillgethomeallright.Ishouldbeveryhappyto--butyouhaven'tanygreatdistancetogo.Goodnight,goodnight.(Shegoesout;heshutsthedoorafterher,andesinagain.)Ah!--atlastwehavegotridofher.Sheisafrightfulbore,thatwoman.Nora.Aren'tyouverytired,Torvald?Helmer.No,notintheleast.Nora.Norsleepy?-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Notabit.Onthecontrary,Ifeelextraordinarilylively.Andyou?--youreallylookbothtiredandsleepy.Nora.Yes,Iamverytired.Iwanttogotosleepatonce.Helmer.There,youseeitwasquiterightofmenottoletyoustaythereanylonger.Nora.Everythingyoudoisquiteright,Torvald.Helmer(kissingherontheforehead).Nowmylittleskylarkisspeakingreasonably.DidyounoticewhatgoodspiritsRankwasinthisevening?Nora.Really?Washe?Ididn'tspeaktohimatall.Helmer.AndIverylittle,butIhavenotforalongtimeseenhiminsuchgoodform.(Looksforawhileatherandthengoesnearertoher.)Itisdelightfultobeathomebyourselvesagain,tobeallalonewithyou--youfascinating,charminglittledarling!Nora.Don'tlookatmelikethat,Torvald.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Whyshouldn'tIlookatmydearesttreasure?--atallthebeautythatismine,allmyveryown?Nora(goingtotheothersideofthetable).Youmustn'tsaythingslikethattometonight.Helmer(followingher).YouhavestillgottheTarantellainyourblood,Isee.Anditmakesyoumorecaptivatingthanever.Listen--theguestsarebeginningtogonow.(Inalowervoice.)Nora--soonthewholehousewillbequiet.Nora.Yes,Ihopeso.Helmer.Yes,myowndarlingNora.Doyouknow,whenIamoutatapartywithyoulikethis,whyIspeaksolittletoyou,keepawayfromyou,andonlysendastolenglanceinyourdirectionnowandthen?--doyouknowwhyIdothat?ItisbecauseImakebelievetomyselfthatwearesecretlyinlove,andyouaremysecretlypromisedbride,andthatnoonesuspectsthereisanythingbetweenus.Nora.Yes,yes--Iknowverywellyourthoughtsarewithmeallthetime.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Andwhenweareleaving,andIamputtingtheshawloveryourbeautifulyoungshoulders--onyourlovelyneck--thenIimaginethatyouaremyyoungbrideandthatwehavejustefromthewedding,andIambringingyouforthefirsttimeintoourhome--tobealonewithyouforthefirsttime--quitealonewithmyshylittledarling!AllthiseveningIhavelongedfornothingbutyou.WhenIwatchedtheseductivefiguresoftheTarantella,mybloodwasonfire;Icouldendureitnolonger,andthatwaswhyIbroughtyoudownsoearly--Nora.Goaway,Torvald!Youmustletmego.Iwon't--Helmer.What'sthat?You'rejoking,mylittleNora!Youwon't--youwon't?AmInotyourhusband--?(Aknockisheardattheouterdoor.)Nora(starting).Didyouhear--?Helmer(goingintothehall).Whoisit?Rank(outside).ItisI.MayIeinforamoment?Helmer(inafretfulwhisper).Oh,whatdoeshewantnow?(Aloud.)Waitaminute!(Unlocksthedoor.)e,that'skindofyounottopassby-.word.zl-
--ourdoor.Rank.IthoughtIheardyourvoice,andfeltasifIshouldliketolookin.(Withaswiftglanceround.)Ah,yes!--thesedearfamiliarrooms.Youareveryhappyandcosyinhere,youtwo.Helmer.Itseemstomethatyoulookedafteryourselfprettywellupstairstoo.Rank.Excellently.Whyshouldn'tI?Whyshouldn'toneenjoyeverythinginthisworld?--atanyrateasmuchasonecan,andaslongasonecan.Thewinewascapital--Helmer.Especiallythechampagne.Rank.Soyounoticedthattoo?ItisalmostincrediblehowmuchImanagedtoputaway!Nora.Torvalddrankagreatdealofchampagnetonighttoo.Rank.Didhe?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Yes,andheisalwaysinsuchgoodspiritsafterwards.Rank.Well,whyshouldonenotenjoyamerryeveningafterawell-spentday?Helmer.Wellspent?IamafraidIcan'ttakecreditforthat.Rank(clappinghimontheback).ButIcan,youknow!Nora.DoctorRank,youmusthavebeenoccupiedwithsomescientificinvestigationtoday.Rank.Exactly.Helmer.Justlisten!--littleNoratalkingaboutscientificinvestigations!Nora.AndmayIcongratulateyouontheresult?Rank.Indeedyoumay.Nora.Wasitfavourable,then?-.word.zl-
--Rank.Thebestpossible,forbothdoctorandpatient--certainty.Nora(quicklyandsearchingly).Certainty?Rank.Absolutecertainty.Sowasn'tIentitledtomakeamerryeveningofitafterthat?Nora.Yes,youcertainlywere,DoctorRank.Helmer.Ithinksotoo,solongasyoudon'thavetopayforitinthemorning.Rank.Ohwell,onecan'thaveanythinginthislifewithoutpayingforit.Nora.DoctorRank--areyoufondoffancy-dressballs?Rank.Yes,ifthereisafinelotofprettycostumes.Nora.Tellme--whatshallwetwowearatthenext?Helmer.Littlefeatherbrain!--areyouthinkingofthenextalready?-.word.zl-
--Rank.Wetwo?Yes,Icantellyou.Youshallgoasagoodfairy--Helmer.Yes,butwhatdoyousuggestasanappropriatecostumeforthat?Rank.Letyourwifegodressedjustassheisineverydaylife.Helmer.Thatwasreallyveryprettilyturned.Butcan'tyoutelluswhatyouwillbe?Rank.Yes,mydearfriend,Ihavequitemadeupmymindaboutthat.Helmer.Well?Rank.Atthenextfancy-dressballIshallbeinvisible.Helmer.That'sagoodjoke!Rank.Thereisabigblackhat--haveyouneverheardofhatsthatmakeyouinvisible?Ifyouputoneon,noonecanseeyou.Helmer(suppressingasmile).Yes,youarequiteright.-.word.zl-
--Rank.ButIamcleanforgettingwhatIcamefor.Helmer,givemeacigar--oneofthedarkHavanas.Helmer.Withthegreatestpleasure.(Offershimhiscase.)Rank(takesacigarandcutsofftheend).Thanks.Nora(strikingamatch).Letmegiveyoualight.Rank.Thankyou.(Sheholdsthematchforhimtolighthiscigar.)Andnowgoodbye!Helmer.Goodbye,goodbye,dearoldman!Nora.Sleepwell,DoctorRank.Rank.Thankyouforthatwish.Nora.Wishmethesame.Rank.You?Well,ifyouwantmetosleepwell!Andthanksforthelight.(Henodstothembothandgoesout.)-.word.zl-
--Helmer(inasubduedvoice).Hehasdrunkmorethanheought.Nora(absently).Maybe.(Helmertakesabunchofkeysoutofhispocketandgoesintothehall.)Torvald!whatareyougoingtodothere?Helmer.Emptyingtheletter-box;itisquitefull;therewillbenoroomtoputthenewspaperintomorrowmorning.Nora.Areyougoingtoworktonight?Helmer.YouknowquitewellI'mnot.Whatisthis?Someonehasbeenatthelock.Nora.Atthelock--?Helmer.Yes,someonehas.Whatcanitmean?Ishouldneverhavethoughtthemaid--.Hereisabrokenhairpin.Nora,itisoneofyours.Nora(quickly).Thenitmusthavebeenthechildren--Helmer.Thenyoumustgetthemoutofthoseways.There,atlastIhave-.word.zl-
--gotitopen.(Takesoutthecontentsoftheletter-box,andcallstothekitchen.)Helen!--Helen,putoutthelightoverthefrontdoor.(Goesbackintotheroomandshutsthedoorintothehall.Heholdsouthishandfullofletters.)Lookatthat--lookwhataheapofthemthereare.(Turningthemover.)Whatonearthisthat?Nora(atthewindow).Theletter--No!Torvald,no!Helmer.Twocards--ofRank's.Nora.OfDoctorRank's?Helmer(lookingatthem).DoctorRank.Theywereonthetop.Hemusthaveputtheminwhenhewentout.Nora.Isthereanythingwrittenonthem?Helmer.Thereisablackcrossoverthename.Lookthere--whatanunfortableidea!Itlooksasifhewereannouncinghisowndeath.Nora.Itisjustwhatheisdoing.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.What?Doyouknowanythingaboutit?Hashesaidanythingtoyou?Nora.Yes.Hetoldmethatwhenthecardscameitwouldbehisleave-takingfromus.Hemeanstoshuthimselfupanddie.Helmer.Mypooroldfriend!CertainlyIknewweshouldnothavehimverylongwithus.Butsosoon!Andsohehideshimselfawaylikeawoundedanimal.Nora.Ifithastohappen,itisbestitshouldbewithoutaword--don'tyouthinkso,Torvald?Helmer(walkingupanddown).Hehadsogrownintoourlives.Ican'tthinkofhimashavinggoneoutofthem.He,withhissufferingsandhisloneliness,waslikeacloudybackgroundtooursunlithappiness.Well,perhapsitisbestso.Forhim,anyway.(Standingstill.)Andperhapsforustoo,Nora.Wetwoarethrownquiteuponeachothernow.(Putshisarmsroundher.)Mydarlingwife,Idon'tfeelasifIcouldholdyoutightenough.Doyouknow,Nora,Ihaveoftenwishedthatyoumightbethreatenedbysomegreatdanger,sothatImightriskmylife'sblood,andeverything,foryoursake.-.word.zl-
--Nora(disengagesherself,andsaysfirmlyanddecidedly).Nowyoumustreadyourletters,Torvald.Helmer.No,no;nottonight.Iwanttobewithyou,mydarlingwife.Nora.Withthethoughtofyourfriend'sdeath--Helmer.Youareright,ithasaffectedusboth.Somethinguglyhasebetweenus--thethoughtofthehorrorsofdeath.Wemusttryandridourmindsofthat.Untilthen--wewilleachgotoourownroom.Nora(hangingonhisneck).Goodnight,Torvald--Goodnight!Helmer(kissingherontheforehead).Goodnight,mylittlesinging-bird.Sleepsound,Nora.NowIwillreadmylettersthrough.(Hetakeshislettersandgoesintohisroom,shuttingthedoorafterhim.)Nora(gropesdistractedlyabout,seizesHELMER'Sdomino,throwsitroundher,whileshesaysinquick,hoarse,spasmodicwhispers).Nevertoseehimagain.Never!Never!(Putshershawloverherhead.)Nevertoseemychildrenagaineither--neveragain.Never!Never!--Ah!theicy,black-.word.zl-
--water--theunfathomabledepths--Ifonlyitwereover!Hehasgotitnow--nowheisreadingit.Goodbye,Torvaldandmychildren!(Sheisabouttorushoutthroughthehall,whenHelmeropenshisdoorhurriedlyandstandswithanopenletterinhishand.)Helmer.Nora!Nora.Ah!--Helmer.Whatisthis?Doyouknowwhatisinthisletter?Nora.Yes,Iknow.Letmego!Letmegetout!Helmer(holdingherback).Whereareyougoing?Nora(tryingtogetfree).Youshan'tsaveme,Torvald!Helmer(reeling).True?Isthistrue,thatIreadhere?Horrible!No,no--itisimpossiblethatitcanbetrue.Nora.Itistrue.Ihavelovedyouaboveeverythingelseintheworld.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Oh,don'tletushaveanysillyexcuses.Nora(takingasteptowardshim).Torvald--!Helmer.Miserablecreature--whathaveyoudone?Nora.Letmego.Youshallnotsufferformysake.Youshallnottakeituponyourself.Helmer.Notragicairs,please.(Locksthehalldoor.)Hereyoushallstayandgivemeanexplanation.Doyouunderstandwhatyouhavedone?Answerme!Doyouunderstandwhatyouhavedone?Nora(lookssteadilyathimandsayswithagrowinglookofcoldnessinherface).Yes,nowIambeginningtounderstandthoroughly.Helmer(walkingabouttheroom).Whatahorribleawakening!Alltheseeightyears--shewhowasmyjoyandpride--ahypocrite,aliar--worse,worse--acriminal!Theunutterableuglinessofitall!--Forshame!Forshame!〔Noraissilentandlookssteadilyathim.Hestopsinfrontofher.)Ioughttohavesuspectedthatsomethingofthesortwouldhappen.-.word.zl-
--Ioughttohaveforeseenit.Allyourfather'swantofprinciple--besilent!--allyourfather'swantofprinciplehaseoutinyou.Noreligion,nomorality,nosenseofduty--.HowIampunishedforhavingwinkedatwhathedid!Ididitforyoursake,andthisishowyourepayme.Nora.Yes,that'sjustit.Helmer.Nowyouhavedestroyedallmyhappiness.Youhaveruinedallmyfuture.Itishorribletothinkof!Iaminthepowerofanunscrupulousman;hecandowhathelikeswithme,askanythinghelikesofme,givemeanyordershepleases--Idarenotrefuse.AndImustsinktosuchmiserabledepthsbecauseofathoughtlesswoman!Nora.WhenIamoutoftheway,youwillbefree.Helmer.Nofinespeeches,please.Yourfatherhadalwaysplentyofthoseready,too.Whatgoodwoulditbetomeifyouwereoutoftheway,asyousay?Nottheslightest.Hecanmaketheaffairknowneverywhere;andifhedoes,Imaybefalselysuspectedofhavingbeenapartytoyourcriminalaction.VerylikelypeoplewillthinkIwasbehinditall--thatitwasIwhopromptedyou!AndIhavetothankyouforallthis--you-.word.zl-
--whomIhavecherishedduringthewholeofourmarriedlife.Doyouunderstandnowwhatitisyouhavedoneforme?Nora(coldlyandquietly).Yes.Helmer.ItissoincrediblethatIcan'ttakeitin.Butwemustetosomeunderstanding.Takeoffthatshawl.Takeitoff,Itellyou.Imusttryandappeasehimsomewayoranother.Themattermustbehushedupatanycost.Andasforyouandme,itmustappearasifeverythingbetweenuswerejustasbefore--butnaturallyonlyintheeyesoftheworld.Youwillstillremaininmyhouse,thatisamatterofcourse.ButIshallnotallowyoutobringupthechildren;Idarenottrustthemtoyou.TothinkthatIshouldbeobligedtosaysotoonewhomIhavelovedsodearly,andwhomIstill--.No,thatisallover.Fromthismomenthappinessisnotthequestion;allthatconcernsusistosavetheremains,thefragments,theappearance--(Aringisheardatthefront-doorbell.)Helmer(withastart).Whatisthat?Solate!Cantheworst--?Canhe--?Hideyourself,Nora.Sayyouareill.-.word.zl-
--(Norastandsmotionless.HELMERgoesandunlocksthehalldoor.)Maid(half-dressed,estothedoor).Aletterforthemistress.Helmer.Giveittome.(Takestheletter,andshutsthedoor.)Yes,itisfromhim.Youshallnothaveit;Iwillreaditmyself.Nora.Yes,readit.Helmer(standingbythelamp).Iscarcelyhavethecouragetodoit.Itmaymeanruinforbothofus.No,Imustknow.(Tearsopentheletter,runshiseyeoverafewlines,looksatapaperenclosed,andgivesashoutofjoy.)Nora!(Shelooksathimquestioningly.)Nora!--No,Imustreaditonceagain--.Yes,itistrue!Iamsaved!Nora,Iamsaved!Nora.AndI?Helmer.Youtoo,ofcourse;wearebothsaved,bothyouandI.Look,hesendsyouyourbondback.Hesaysheregretsandrepents--thatahappychangeinhislife--nevermindwhathesays!Wearesaved,Nora!Noonecandoanythingtoyou.Oh,Nora,Nora!--no,firstImustdestroythesehatefulthings.Letmesee--.(Takesalookatthebond.)No,no,I-.word.zl-
--won'tlookatit.Thewholethingshallbenothingbutabaddreamtome.(Tearsupthebondandbothletters,throwsthemallintothestove,andwatchesthemburn.)There--nowitdoesn'texistanylonger.HesaysthatsinceChristmasEveyou--.Thesemusthavebeenthreedreadfuldaysforyou,Nora.Nora.Ihavefoughtahardfightthesethreedays.Helmer.Andsufferedagonies,andseennowayoutbut--.No,wewon'tcallanyofthehorrorstomind.Wewillonlyshoutwithjoy,andkeepsaying,"It'sallover!It'sallover!"Listentome,Nora.Youdon'tseemtorealisethatitisallover.Whatisthis?--suchacold,setface!MypoorlittleNora,Iquiteunderstand;youdon'tfeelasifyoucouldbelievethatIhaveforgivenyou.Butitistrue,Nora,Iswearit;Ihaveforgivenyoueverything.Iknowthatwhatyoudid,youdidoutofloveforme.Nora.Thatistrue.Helmer.Youhavelovedmeasawifeoughttoloveherhusband.Onlyyouhadnotsufficientknowledgetojudgeofthemeansyouused.Butdoyousupposeyouareanythelessdeartome,becauseyoudon'tunderstand-.word.zl-
--howtoactonyourownresponsibility?No,no;onlyleanonme;Iwilladviseyouanddirectyou.Ishouldnotbeamanifthiswomanlyhelplessnessdidnotjustgiveyouadoubleattractivenessinmyeyes.YoumustnotthinkanymoreaboutthehardthingsIsaidinmyfirstmomentofconsternation,whenIthoughteverythingwasgoingtooverwhelmme.Ihaveforgivenyou,Nora;IsweartoyouIhaveforgivenyou.Nora.Thankyouforyourforgiveness.(Shegoesoutthroughthedoortotheright.)Helmer.No,don'tgo--.(Looksin.)Whatareyoudoinginthere?Nora(fromwithin).Takingoffmyfancydress.Helmer(standingattheopendoor).Yes,do.Tryandcalmyourself,andmakeyourmindeasyagain,myfrightenedlittlesinging-bird.Beatrest,andfeelsecure;Ihavebroadwingstoshelteryouunder.(Walksupanddownbythedoor.)Howwarmandcosyourhomeis,Nora.Hereisshelterforyou;hereIwillprotectyoulikeahunteddovethatIhavesavedfromahawk'sclaws;Iwillbringpeacetoyourpoorbeatingheart.Itwille,littlebylittle,Nora,believeme.Tomorrow-.word.zl-
--morningyouwilllookuponitallquitedifferently;sooneverythingwillbejustasitwasbefore.Verysoonyouwon'tneedmetoassureyouthatIhaveforgivenyou;youwillyourselffeelthecertaintythatIhavedoneso.CanyousupposeIshouldeverthinkofsuchathingasrepudiatingyou,orevenreproachingyou?Youhavenoideawhatatrueman'sheartislike,Nora.Thereissomethingsoindescribablysweetandsatisfying,toaman,intheknowledgethathehasforgivenhiswife--forgivenherfreely,andwithallhisheart.Itseemsasifthathadmadeher,asitwere,doublyhisown;hehasgivenheranewlife,sotospeak;andshehasinawaybeebothwifeandchildtohim.Soyoushallbeformeafterthis,mylittlescared,helplessdarling.Havenoanxietyaboutanything,Nora;onlybefrankandopenwithme,andIwillserveaswillandconsciencebothtoyou--.Whatisthis?Notgonetobed?Haveyouchangedyourthings?Nora(ineverydaydress).Yes,Torvald,Ihavechangedmythingsnow.Helmer.Butwhatfor?--solateasthis.Nora.Ishallnotsleeptonight.Helmer.But,mydearNora---.word.zl-
--Nora(lookingatherwatch).Itisnotsoverylate.Sitdownhere,Torvald.YouandIhavemuchtosaytooneanother.(Shesitsdownatonesideofthetable.)Helmer.Nora--whatisthis?--thiscold,setface?Nora.Sitdown.Itwilltakesometime;Ihavealottotalkoverwithyou.Helmer(sitsdownattheoppositesideofthetable).Youalarmme,Nora!--andIdon'tunderstandyou.Nora.No,thatisjustit.Youdon'tunderstandme,andIhaveneverunderstoodyoueither--beforetonight.No,youmustn'tinterruptme.YoumustsimplylistentowhatIsay.Torvald,thisisasettlingofaccounts.Helmer.Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Nora(afterashortsilence).Isn'tthereonethingthatstrikesyouasstrangeinoursittingherelikethis?-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Whatisthat?Nora.Wehavebeenmarriednoweightyears.Doesitnotoccurtoyouthatthisisthefirsttimewetwo,youandI,husbandandwife,havehadaseriousconversation?Helmer.Whatdoyoumeanbyserious?Nora.Inalltheseeightyears--longerthanthat--fromtheverybeginningofouracquaintance,wehaveneverexchangedawordonanyserioussubject.Helmer.WasitlikelythatIwouldbecontinuallyandforevertellingyouaboutworriesthatyoucouldnothelpmetobear?Nora.Iamnotspeakingaboutbusinessmatters.Isaythatwehaveneversatdowninearnesttogethertotryandgetatthebottomofanything.Helmer.But,dearestNora,wouldithavebeenanygoodtoyou?Nora.Thatisjustit;youhaveneverunderstoodme.Ihavebeengreatly-.word.zl-
--wronged,Torvald--firstbypapaandthenbyyou.Helmer.What!Byustwo--byustwo,whohavelovedyoubetterthananyoneelseintheworld?Nora(shakingherhead).Youhaveneverlovedme.Youhaveonlythoughtitpleasanttobeinlovewithme.Helmer.Nora,whatdoIhearyousaying?Nora.Itisperfectlytrue,Torvald.WhenIwasathomewithpapa,hetoldmehisopinionabouteverything,andsoIhadthesameopinions;andifIdifferedfromhimIconcealedthefact,becausehewouldnothavelikedit.Hecalledmehisdoll-child,andheplayedwithmejustasIusedtoplaywithmydolls.AndwhenIcametolivewithyou--Helmer.Whatsortofanexpressionisthattouseaboutourmarriage?Nora(undisturbed).ImeanthatIwassimplytransferredfrompapa'shandsintoyours.Youarrangedeverythingaccordingtoyourowntaste,andsoIgotthesametastesasyourelseIpretendedto,Iamreallynotquitesurewhich--Ithinksometimestheoneandsometimestheother.-.word.zl-
--WhenIlookbackonit,itseemstomeasifIhadbeenlivingherelikeapoorwoman--justfromhandtomouth.Ihaveexistedmerelytoperformtricksforyou,Torvald.Butyouwouldhaveitso.Youandpapahavemittedagreatsinagainstme.ItisyourfaultthatIhavemadenothingofmylife.Helmer.Howunreasonableandhowungratefulyouare,Nora!Haveyounotbeenhappyhere?Nora.No,Ihaveneverbeenhappy.IthoughtIwas,butithasneverreallybeenso.Helmer.Not--nothappy!Nora.No,onlymerry.Andyouhavealwaysbeensokindtome.Butourhomehasbeennothingbutaplayroom.Ihavebeenyourdoll-wife,justasathomeIwaspapa'sdoll-child;andherethechildrenhavebeenmydolls.Ithoughtitgreatfunwhenyouplayedwithme,justastheythoughtitgreatfunwhenIplayedwiththem.Thatiswhatourmarriagehasbeen,Torvald.Helmer.Thereissometruthinwhatyousay--exaggeratedandstrainedas-.word.zl-
--yourviewofitis.Butforthefutureitshallbedifferent.Playtimeshallbeover,andlesson-timeshallbegin.Nora.Whoselessons?Mine,orthechildren's?Helmer.Bothyoursandthechildren's,mydarlingNora.Nora.Alas,Torvald,youarenotthemantoeducatemeintobeingaproperwifeforyou.Helmer.Andyoucansaythat!Nora.AndI--howamIfittedtobringupthechildren?Helmer.Nora!Nora.Didn'tyousaysoyourselfalittlewhileago--thatyoudarenottrustmetobringthemup?Helmer.Inamomentofanger!Whydoyoupayanyheedtothat?Nora.Indeed,youwereperfectlyright.Iamnotfitforthetask.-.word.zl-
--ThereisanothertaskImustundertakefirst.Imusttryandeducatemyself--youarenotthemantohelpmeinthat.Imustdothatformyself.AndthatiswhyIamgoingtoleaveyounow.Helmer(springingup).Whatdoyousay?Nora.Imuststandquitealone,ifIamtounderstandmyselfandeverythingaboutme.ItisforthatreasonthatIcannotremainwithyouanylonger.Helmer.Nora,Nora!Nora.Iamgoingawayfromherenow,atonce.IamsureChristinewilltakemeinforthenight--Helmer.Youareoutofyourmind!Iwon'tallowit!Iforbidyou!Nora.Itisnouseforbiddingmeanythinganylonger.Iwilltakewithmewhatbelongstomyself.Iwilltakenothingfromyou,eithernoworlater.Helmer.Whatsortofmadnessisthis!-.word.zl-
--Nora.TomorrowIshallgohome--Imean,tomyoldhome.Itwillbeeasiestformetofindsomethingtodothere.Helmer.Youblind,foolishwoman!Nora.Imusttryandgetsomesense,Torvald.Helmer.Todesertyourhome,yourhusbandandyourchildren!Andyoudon'tconsiderwhatpeoplewillsay!Nora.Icannotconsiderthatatall.Ionlyknowthatitisnecessaryforme.Helmer.It'sshocking.Thisishowyouwouldneglectyourmostsacredduties.Nora.Whatdoyouconsidermymostsacredduties?Helmer.DoIneedtotellyouthat?Aretheynotyourdutiestoyourhusbandandyourchildren?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Ihaveotherdutiesjustassacred.Helmer.Thatyouhavenot.Whatdutiescouldthosebe?Nora.Dutiestomyself.Helmer.Beforeallelse,youareawifeandamother.Nora.Idon'tbelievethatanylonger.IbelievethatbeforeallelseIamareasonablehumanbeing,justasyouare--or,atallevents,thatImusttryandbeeone.Iknowquitewell,Torvald,thatmostpeoplewouldthinkyouright,andthatviewsofthatkindaretobefoundinbooks;butIcannolongercontentmyselfwithwhatmostpeoplesay,orwithwhatisfoundinbooks.Imustthinkoverthingsformyselfandgettounderstandthem.Helmer.Canyounotunderstandyourplaceinyourownhome?Haveyounotareliableguideinsuchmattersasthat?--haveyounoreligion?Nora.Iamafraid,Torvald,Idonotexactlyknowwhatreligionis.Helmer.Whatareyousaying?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Iknownothingbutwhattheclergymansaid,whenIwenttobeconfirmed.Hetoldusthatreligionwasthis,andthat,andtheother.WhenIamawayfromallthis,andamalone,Iwilllookintothatmattertoo.Iwillseeifwhattheclergymansaidistrue,oratalleventsifitistrueforme.Helmer.Thisisunheardofinagirlofyourage!Butifreligioncannotleadyouaright,letmetryandawakenyourconscience.Isupposeyouhavesomemoralsense?Or--answerme--amItothinkyouhavenone?Nora.Iassureyou,Torvald,thatisnotaneasyquestiontoanswer.Ireallydon'tknow.Thethingperplexesmealtogether.IonlyknowthatyouandIlookatitinquiteadifferentlight.Iamlearning,too,thatthelawisquiteanotherthingfromwhatIsupposed;butIfinditimpossibletoconvincemyselfthatthelawisright.Accordingtoitawomanhasnorighttospareherolddyingfather,ortosaveherhusband'slife.Ican'tbelievethat.Helmer.Youtalklikeachild.Youdon'tunderstandtheconditionsoftheworldinwhichyoulive.-.word.zl-
--Nora.No,Idon't.ButnowIamgoingtotry.IamgoingtoseeifIcanmakeoutwhoisright,theworldorI.Helmer.Youareill,Nora;youaredelirious;Ialmostthinkyouareoutofyourmind.Nora.Ihaveneverfeltmymindsoclearandcertainastonight.Helmer.Andisitwithaclearandcertainmindthatyouforsakeyourhusbandandyourchildren?Nora.Yes,itis.Helmer.Thenthereisonlyonepossibleexplanation.Nora.Whatisthat?Helmer.Youdonotlovemeanymore.Nora.No,thatisjustit.Helmer.Nora!--andyoucansaythat?-.word.zl-
--Nora.Itgivesmegreatpain,Torvald,foryouhavealwaysbeensokindtome,butIcannothelpit.Idonotloveyouanymore.Helmer(regaininghisposure).Isthataclearandcertainconvictiontoo?Nora.Yes,absolutelyclearandcertain.ThatisthereasonwhyIwillnotstayhereanylonger.Helmer.AndcanyoutellmewhatIhavedonetoforfeityourlove?Nora.Yes,indeedIcan.Itwastonight,whenthewonderfulthingdidnothappen;thenIsawyouwerenotthemanIhadthoughtyouwere.Helmer.Explainyourselfbetter.Idon'tunderstandyou.Nora.Ihavewaitedsopatientlyforeightyears;for,goodnessknows,Iknewverywellthatwonderfulthingsdon'thappeneveryday.Thenthishorriblemisfortunecameuponme;andthenIfeltquitecertainthatthewonderfulthingwasgoingtohappenatlast.WhenKrogstad'sletterwaslyingoutthere,neverforamomentdidIimaginethatyouwouldconsent-.word.zl-
--toacceptthisman'sconditions.Iwassoabsolutelycertainthatyouwouldsaytohim:Publishthethingtothewholeworld.Andwhenthatwasdone--Helmer.Yes,whatthen?--whenIhadexposedmywifetoshameanddisgrace?Nora.Whenthatwasdone,Iwassoabsolutelycertain,youwouldeforwardandtakeeverythinguponyourself,andsay:Iamtheguiltyone.Helmer.Nora--!Nora.YoumeanthatIwouldneverhaveacceptedsuchasacrificeonyourpart?No,ofcoursenot.Butwhatwouldmyassuranceshavebeenworthagainstyours?ThatwasthewonderfulthingwhichIhopedforandfeared;anditwastopreventthat,thatIwantedtokillmyself.Helmer.Iwouldgladlyworknightanddayforyou,Nora--bearsorrowandwantforyoursake.Butnomanwouldsacrificehishonourfortheoneheloves.Nora.Itisathinghundredsofthousandsofwomenhavedone.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Oh,youthinkandtalklikeaheedlesschild.Nora.Maybe.ButyouneitherthinknortalklikethemanIcouldbindmyselfto.Assoonasyourfearwasover--anditwasnotfearforwhatthreatenedme,butforwhatmighthappentoyou--whenthewholethingwaspast,asfarasyouwereconcerneditwasexactlyasifnothingatallhadhappened.Exactlyasbefore,Iwasyourlittleskylark,yourdoll,whichyouwouldinfuturetreatwithdoublygentlecare,becauseitwassobrittleandfragile.(Gettingup.)Torvald--itwasthenitdawneduponmethatforeightyearsIhadbeenlivingherewithastrangeman,andhadbornehimthreechildren--.Oh,Ican'tbeartothinkofit!Icouldtearmyselfintolittlebits!Helmer(sadly).Isee,Isee.Anabysshasopenedbetweenus--thereisnodenyingit.But,Nora,woulditnotbepossibletofillitup?Nora.AsIamnow,Iamnowifeforyou.Helmer.Ihaveitinmetobeeadifferentman.Nora.Perhaps--ifyourdollistakenawayfromyou.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Buttopart!--topartfromyou!No,no,Nora,Ican'tunderstandthatidea.Nora(goingouttotheright).Thatmakesitallthemorecertainthatitmustbedone.(Sheesbackwithhercloakandhatandasmallbagwhichsheputsonachairbythetable.)Helmer.Nora,Nora,notnow!Waituntiltomorrow.Nora(puttingonhercloak).Icannotspendthenightinastrangeman'sroom.Helmer.Butcan'tweliveherelikebrotherandsister--?Nora(puttingonherhat).Youknowverywellthatwouldnotlastlong.(Putstheshawlroundher.)Goodbye,Torvald.Iwon'tseethelittleones.Iknowtheyareinbetterhandsthanmine.AsIamnow,Icanbeofnousetothem.Helmer.Butsomeday,Nora--someday?-.word.zl-
--Nora.HowcanItell?Ihavenoideawhatisgoingtobeeofme.Helmer.Butyouaremywife,whateverbeesofyou.Nora.Listen,Torvald.Ihaveheardthatwhenawifedesertsherhusband'shouse,asIamdoingnow,heislegallyfreedfromallobligationstowardsher.Inanycase,Isetyoufreefromallyourobligations.Youarenottofeelyourselfboundintheslightestway,anymorethanIshall.Theremustbeperfectfreedomonbothsides.See,hereisyourringback.Givememine.Helmer.Thattoo?Nora.Thattoo.Helmer.Hereitis.Nora.That'sright.Nowitisallover.Ihaveputthekeyshere.Themaidsknowallabouteverythinginthehouse--betterthanIdo.Tomorrow,afterIhavelefther,ChristinewillehereandpackupmyownthingsthatIbroughtwithmefromhome.Iwillhavethemsentafterme.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Allover!Allover!--Nora,shallyouneverthinkofmeagain?Nora.IknowIshalloftenthinkofyou,thechildren,andthishouse.Helmer.MayIwritetoyou,Nora?Nora.No--never.Youmustnotdothat.Helmer.Butatleastletmesendyou--Nora.Nothing--nothing--Helmer.Letmehelpyouifyouareinwant.Nora.No.Icanreceivenothingfromastranger.Helmer.Nora--canIneverbeanythingmorethanastrangertoyou?Nora(takingherbag).Ah,Torvald,themostwonderfulthingofallwouldhavetohappen.-.word.zl-
--Helmer.Tellmewhatthatwouldbe!Nora.BothyouandIwouldhavetobesochangedthat--.Oh,Torvald,Idon'tbelieveanylongerinwonderfulthingshappening.Helmer.ButIwillbelieveinit.Tellme!Sochangedthat--?Nora.Thatourlifetogetherwouldbearealwedlock.Goodbye.(Shegoesoutthroughthehall.)Helmer(sinksdownonachairatthedoorandburieshisfaceinhishands).Nora!Nora!(Looksround,andrises.)Empty.Sheisgone.(Ahopeflashesacrosshismind.)Themostwonderfulthingofall--?(Thesoundofadoorshuttingisheardfrombelow.)***ENDOFTHISEBOOKADOLL'SHOUSE***-.word.zl-
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