Act II (A Doll's House) 1. How do the beginning stage directions set the scene of Act II? How has the mood or the atmosphere of the house shifted since the opening scene of the play?

2. When Nora sees the box of masquerade clothes, she wants to “rip them in a million pieces!” What do you believe Ibsen is trying to symbolize with this characterization?

3. Discuss the foreshadowing in Nora’s conversation with the Nurse, Anne Marie.

4. Why does Torvald make such a decisive show of mailing the letter firing Krogstad against Nora’s pleas?

5. After Dr. Rank professes his love, Nora demands the lamp be brought in. Why? What might Ibsen be suggesting about truth and light in the Helmer’s household?

6. Different histories describe the tarantella as a cure to spider's venomous bite or as a form of “uncontrollable” dancing that allowed dancers to vent their frustrations against restriction. Describe how Nora dances the tarantella. How does her dance fit into the historical meaning of the dance? How does it characterize her?