Question

This passage is from the opening scene of a play set in Norway and written in the late 1800s. As the passage begins, Torvald Helmer is speaking to his wife, Nora.,end italics,



from ,begin bold,A Doll's House,end bold,



,begin italics,Helmer.,end italics, You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it has gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; for indeed it is true that you can inherit these things, Nora.

,begin italics,Nora.,end italics, Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities.

,begin italics,Helmer.,end italics, And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that you are looking rather—what shall I say—rather uneasy today?

,begin italics,Nora.,end italics, Do I?

,begin italics,Helmer.,end italics, You do, really. Look straight at me.

,begin italics,Nora (looks at him,end italics,). Well?

,begin italics,Helmer (wagging his finger at her).,end italics, Hasn't Miss Sweet-Tooth been breaking rules in town today?

,begin italics,Nora.,end italics, No; what makes you think that?

,begin italics,Helmer.,end italics, Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's?

,begin italics,Nora.,end italics, No, I assure you, Torvald—

,begin italics,Helmer.,end italics, Not been nibbling sweets?

,begin italics,Nora.,end italics, No, certainly not.

,begin italics,Helmer.,end italics, Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?

,begin italics,Nora.,end italics, No, Torvald, I assure you really—

,begin italics,Helmer.,end italics, There, there, of course I was only joking.

,begin italics,Nora (going to the table on the right).,end italics, I should not think of going against your wishes.

,begin italics,Helmer.,end italics, No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word—,begin italics,(Going up to her.),end italics, Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt.

,begin italics,Nora.,end italics, Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank?

,begin italics,Helmer.,end italics, No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in this morning. I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can't think how I am looking forward to this evening.

,begin italics,Nora.,end italics, So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald!



(from ,begin underline,A Doll's House,end underline, by Henrik Ibsen)

Question
How does the dialogue help the reader understand the characters Torvald and Nora?

Answer options with 4 options
1.
The stern and indifferent way in which Torvald and Nora address each other shows that there is a lack of tenderness between the two characters.

2.
The highly descriptive language in the dialogue allows the reader to picture Torvald's and Nora's actions on stage as well as what Torvald and Nora look like.

3.
The lengthy and condescending statements Torvald makes contrast with Nora's short, deferential responses, helping to establish the dynamics of their relationship.

4.
The dialogue begins with Torvald scolding Nora for spending money, indicating that Torvald and Nora's relationship is strained because they are struggling with financial difficulties.

Answer 1

3. The lengthy and condescending statements Torvald makes contrast with Nora's short, deferential responses, helping to establish the dynamics of their relationship.