Id
PT
8861
A7
SMC
The Nelson Playbooks
18!
fuBRARYj
1*0
A DOLL'S HOUSE
%
Digitized t)y the Internet Archive
in 2008 with funding from
IVIicrosoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/dollshouseplayinOOibs
A DOLL'S HOUSE
A PLAY IN THREE ACTS
BY
HENRIK IBSEN
TRANSLATED BY
WILLIAM ARCHER
THOMAS NELSON AND SONS, Ltd.
LONDON AND EDINBURGH
NOTE
This play is fully protected by copyright. No performance
may be given unless permission has first been obtained from
Messrs. Curtis Brown, Ltd., 6 Henrietta Street, London, W.C.z,
The ustMl fee for an amateur performance is £3, 3s.
){■
jar-'»oi;
INTRODUCTION
This is not only one of the most frequently acted and
discussed of all Ibsen's twenty odd plays, it marks a great
turning-point in his career, and therefore in the history of
European drama. His earlier plays, romantic and his-
torical, had given him a considerable reputation in
Scandinavia, and The Pillars of Society (1877) had proved
popular in Germany also, but A Doll's House made him
famous throughout Europe and began a new dramatic era.
The first two and a half acts show nothing remarkable,
interesting as they are. Though the characters are vitalized
by the creative power of the poet in Ibsen, which was
fortunately never subdued to realism, the tone and conduct
of the whole are those of the French " well-made " play,
with many little theatrical touches in the use of coincidence
and contrast, the tarantella scene, and the working out
of Nora's ti'agedy against the bright tinsel background of
Christmas festivities. None of this perturbed audiences of
the 'eighties and 'nineties, who looked forward comfortably
to the conventional happy ending. It was the ending
which Avas revolutionary. The tense, significant dialogue
between Nora and Torvald, and Nora's departure, which
raised the whole play to a high level by following truth of
character instead of stage convention, left many playgoers
outraged ; it was not long before Nora's conduct was being
hotly discussed all over northern and western Europe, and
her creator was being as hotly condemned. But Ibsen had
realized in that concluding scene the possibilities of " social
drama," and proceeded to develop them in his greatest,
most characteristic work. His next play, Ghosts, the final
break with his early romanticism, made him for his own
time " the most modern of the moderns."
We can still discuss with interest whether Nora was right
or merely selfish in leaving home, but it is more pertinent
to ask, for example, whether the swift development of
her character has been made convincing, and whether Dr.
Rank's story contributes harmoniously to the total effect.
It is as drama that any play must finally be judged.
J. H.
CHARACTERS
TORVALD HeLMER.
Nora, his wife.
Doctor Rank.
Mrs. Linden.*
Nils Krogstad.
The Helmers' Three Children.
Anna,! their nurse.
A Maid-servant (Ellen).
A Porter.
The action passes in Helmer's house {aflat) in Christiania.
Et Dukkehjent was completed in September jcS^j^. at Amalfi, not far
from Naples. It was published in Copenhagen on December 4,
acted at the Royal Theatre, Copenhagen, about a fortnight later, and
was soon being acted, read, and discussed all over Scandinavia and
Germany. In 1885 a London amateur society gave a performance of
the play, in Miss Lord's translation ; on June 7, 1889, the first English
professional performance was given at the Novelty Theatre (after-
wards renamed the Great Queen Street Theatre), London, with Janet
Achurch as Nora. On the Continent the famous actresses who chose
this part included Eleonora Duse and Madame Re jane. Indeed, says
William Archer, " there is probably no country in the world, possessing
a theatre on the European model, in which A Doll's House has not been
more or less frequently acted."
The play is here reprinted, by kind permission of Messrs. William
Heinemann, Ltd., from the standard English edition : The Collected
Works of Ibsen, translated and edited with introductions by William
Archer, in twelve volumes.
It will be seen that Archer uses spaced type instead of italics.
to indicate emphasis.
* In the original " Fru Linde."
t In the original " Anne-Marie."
VI
A DOLL'S HOUSE
ACT I
A room, comfortably and tastefully, hut not expensively,
furnished. In the hack, on the right, a door leads to the
hall ; on the left another door leads to Helmer's study.
Between the two doors a pianoforte. In the middle of the
left wall a door, and nearer the front a window. Near the
window a round tahle with armchairs and a small sofa.
In the right wall, somewhat to the hack, a door, and against
the same wall, farther forward, a porcelain stove ; in front
of it a couple of armchairs and a rocking-chair. Between
the stove and the side-door a small tahle. Engravings on
the walls. A whatnot with china and hric-d-hrac. A small
bookcase filled with handsomely hound books. Carpet. A
fire in the stove. It is a winter day.
A hell rings in the hall outside. Presently the outer door
of the flat is heard to open. Then Nora enters, humming
gaily. She is in outdoor dress, and carries several parcels,
which she lays on the right-hand tahle. She leaves the door
into the hall open, and a Porter is seen outside, carrying a
Christmas-tree and a basket, which he gives to the maid-
servant who has opened the dour.
Nora. Hide the Christmas-tree carefully, Ellen ; the
children must on no account see it before this evening,
when it's lighted up. {To the Porter, taking out her
purse.) How much ?
Porter. Fifty ore.*
♦ About sixpence. There are loo ore in a krone or crown, which is
worth thirteenpence halfpenny.
892 7
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. There is a crown. No, keep the change.
[The Porter thanks her and goes. Nora shuts the door.
She continues smiling in quiet glee as she takes off her
outdoor things. Taking from her pocket a hag of
macaroons, she eats one or two. Then she goes on
tiptoe to her husband's door and listens.']
Nora. Yes, he is at home.
[She begins humming again, crossing to the table on the
right.]
Helmer (in his room). Is that my lark twittering there ?
Nora [busy opening some of her parcels). Yes, it is.
Helmer. Is it the squirrel frisking around ?
Nora. Yes !
Helmer. When did the squirrel get home ?
Nora. Just this minute. (Hides the bag of macaroons
in her pocket and wipes her mouth.) Come here, Torvald,
and see what I've been buying.
Helmer. Don't interrupt me. (A little later he opens
the door and looks in, pen in hand.) Buying, did you
say? What! All that? Has m37_ little spendthrift
been making the money fly again ?
Nora. Why, Torvald, surely w6 can afford to launch
out a little now. It's the first Christmas we haven't had
to pinch.
Helmer. Come, come ; we can't afford to squander
money.
Nora. Oh yes, Torvald, do let us squander a httle,
now — just the least little bit ! You know you'U soon be
earning heaps of money.
Helmer. Yes, from New Year's Day. But there's a
whole quarter before my first salary is due.
Nora. Never mind ; we can borrow in the meantime.
Helmer. Nora ! (He goes up to her and takes her play-
fully by the ear) Still my httle featherbrain ! Suppos-
ing I borrowed a thousand crowns to-day, and you made
ducks and drakes of them during Christmas week, and
then on New Year's Eve a tile blew off the roof and
knocked my brains out
8
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Nora (laying her hand on his mouth). Hush ! How
can you talk so horridly ?
Helmer. But supposing it were to happen — what then ?
Nora. If anything so dreadful happened, it would be
all the same to me whether I was in debt or not.
Helmer. But what about the creditors ?
Nora. They ! Who cares for them ? They're only
strangers.
Helmer. Nora, Nora ! What a woman you are ! But
seriously, Nora, you know my principles on these points.
No debts ! No borrowing ! Home life ceases to be ixs^
and beautiful as soon as it is founded on borrowmg^nd
debt We two have held out bravely till now, and we
are not going to give in at the last.
Nora (going to the fireplace). Very well — as you please,
Torvald.
Helmer (following her). Come, come ; my little lark
mustn't droop her wings like that. What ? Is my
squirrel in the sulks ? (Takes out his purse.) Nora,
what do you think I have here ?
Nora (turning round quickly). Money !
Helmer. There ! (Gives her some notes.) Of course I
know all sorts of things are wanted at Christmas.
Nora (counting). Ten, twenty, thirty, forty. Oh,
thank you, thank you, Torvald ! This will go a long
way.
Helmer. I should hope so.
Nora. Yes, indeed ; a long way ! But come here,
and let me show you all I've been buying. And so
cheap ! Look, here's a new suit for Ivar, and a little
sword. Here are a horse and a trumpet for Bob. And
here are a doll and a cradle for Emmy. They're only
common, but they're good enough for her to pull to
pieces. And dress-stuffs and kerchiefs for the servants.
I ought to have got something better for old Anna.
Helmer. And what's in that other parcel ?
Nora (crying out). No, Torvald, you're not to see that
until this evening !
9
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Helmer. Oh ! Ah ! But now tell me, you little
spendthrift, have you thought of anything for your-
self?
Nora. For myself ! Oh, I don't want anything.
Helmer. Nonsense ! Just tell me something sensible
you would like to have. ~~ - '" " '"
Nora. No, really I don't know of anything — ^well,
hsten, Torvald
Helmer. Well?
Nora {playing with his coat-buttons, without looking him
in the face) . If you really want to give me something,
you might, you know — you might
Helmer. Well ? Out with it !
Nora {quickly). You might give me money, Torvald.
Only just what you think you can spare ; then I can
buy something with it later on.
Helmer. But, Nora
Nora. Oh, please do, dear Torvald, please do ! I
should hang the money in lovely gilt paper on the
Christmas-tree. Wouldn't that be fun ?
Helmer. What do they call the birds that are always
making the money fly ? ^^^^ O^J
Nora. Yes, I know — spendthrifts,* of course. But
please do as I ask you, Torvald. Then I shall have
time to think what I want most. Isn't that very
sensible, now ?
Helmer {smiling) . Certainly ; that is to say, if you
really kept the money I gave you, and really spent it on
something for yourself. But it all goes in housekeeping,
and for all manner of useless things, and then I have to
pay up again.
Nora. But, Torvald
Helmer. Can you deny it, Nora dear ? {He puts his
arm round her.) It's a sweet little lark, but it gets
through a lot of money. No one would believe how
much it costs a man to keep such a little bird as you.
• Spittefugl, literally " playbird," means a gambler.
10
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Nora. For shame ! How can you say so ? Why, I
save as much as ever I can.
Helmer (laughing). Very true — as much as you can —
but that's precisely nothing.
Nora {hums and smiles with covert glee). H'm ! If you
only knew, Torvald, what expenses we larks and squir-
rels have.
Helmer. You're a strange little being ! Just Uke your
father — always on the look-out for all the money you
can lay your hands on ; but the moment you have it, it
seems to slip through your fingers ; you never know
what becomes of it. Well, one must take you as you
are. It's in the blood. Yes, Nora, that sort of thing is
hereditary.
Nora. I wish I had inherited many of papa's
qualities.
Helmer. And I don't wish you anything but just what
you are — my own, sweet little song-bird. But I say —
it strikes me you look so — so — what shall I call it ? — so
suspicious to-day
Nora. Do I ?
Helmer. You do, indeed. Look me full in the face.
Nora (looking at him). Well ?
Helmer (threatening with his finger). Hasn't the little
swe^t-tooth been playing pranks to-day ?
Nora. No ; how can you think such a thing !
Helmer. Didn't she just look in at the confectioner's ?
Nora. No, Torvald ; really
Helmer. Not to sip a little jelly ?
Nora. No, certainly not.
Helmer. Hasn't she even nibbled a macaroon or two ?
Nora. No, Torvald, indeed, indeed !
Helmer. Well, well, well ; of course I'm only joking.
Nora (goes to the table on the right). I shouldn't think
of doing what you disapprove of.
Helmer. No, I'm sure of that ; and, besides, you've
given me your word (Going towards her.) Well,
keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, Nora
11
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
darling. The Christmas-tree will bring them all to
light, I daresay.
Nora. Have you remembered to invite Doctor Rank ?
Helmer. No. But it's not necessary ; he'll come as a
matter of course. Besides, I shall ask him when he
looks in to-day. I've ordered some capital wine. Nora,
you can't think how I look forward to this evening.
Nora. And I too. How the children will enjoy them-
selves, Torvald !
Helmer. Ah, it's glorious to feel that one has an
assured position and ample means. Isn't it delightful
to think of ?
Nora. Oh, it's wonderful !
Helmer. Do you remember last Christmas ? For three
whole weeks beforehand you shut yourself up every
evening till long past midnight to make flowers for
the Christmas-tree, and all sorts of other marvels that
were to have astonished us. I was never so bored
in my life.
Nora. I didn't bore myself at all.
Helmer {smiling). But it came to little enough in the
end, Nora.
Nora. Oh, are you going to tease me about that
again ? How could I help the cat getting in and pulling
it all to pieces ?
Helmer. To be sure you couldn't, my poor little Nora.
You did your best to give us all pleasure, and that's the
main point. But, all the same, it's a good thing the
hard times are over.
Nora. Oh, isn't it wonderful ?
Helmer. Now I needn't sit here boring myself all alone ;
and you needn't tire your blessed eyes and your delicate
little fingers
Nora (clapping her hands). No, I needn't, need I,
Torvald ? Oh, how wonderful it is to think of ! (Takes
his arm.) And now I'll tell you how I think we ought
to manage, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over
(The hall-door bell rings.) Oh, there's a ring ! (Arrang-
12
A DOLL'S H0US:E [Act i
ing the room.) That's somebody come to call. How
tiresome !
Helmer. I'm " not at home " to callers ; remxmber
that.
Ellen (in the doorway). A lady to see you, ma'am.
Nora. Show her in.
Ellen (to Helmer). And the doctor has just come, sir.
Helmer. Has he gone into my study ?
Ellen. Yes, sir. '*^" cv^^*^
[Helmer goes into his study. Ellen ushers in Mrs. Linden, ^ . :*^
in travelling costume, and goes out, closing the door.] ' .^
Mrs. Linden (embarrassed and hesitating). How do you i- V .. ^
do, Nora ? ^V" "
Nora (doubtfully). How do you do ? , ^^^'^
Mrs. Linden. I see you don't recognize me.
Nora. No, I don't think — oh yes ! — I believe
(Suddenly brightening.) What, Christina ! Is it really
you?
Mrs. Linden. Yes ; really I !
Nora. Christina ! And to think I didn't know you !
But how could I (More softly.) How changed
you are, Christina !
Mrs. Linden. Yes, no doubt. In nine or ten years
Nora. Is it really so long since we met ? Yes, so it
is. Oh, the last eight years have been a happy time, I
can tell you. And now you have come to town ? AH
that long journey in mid-winter ! How brave of you !
Mrs. Linden. I arrived by this morning's steamer.
Nora. To have a merry Christmas, of course. Oh,
how delightful ! Yes, we will have a merry Christmas.
Do take your things off. Aren't you frozen ? (Helping
her.) There ; now we'll sit cosily by the fire. No, you
take the armchair ; I shall sit in this rocking-chair.
(Seizes her hands.) Yes, now I can see the dear old face
again. It was only at the first glance But you're
a little paler, Christina — and perhaps a little thinner.
Mrs. Linden. And much, much older, Nora.
Nora, Yes, perhaps a little older — not much — ever
13
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
so little. {She suddenly checks herself; seriously.) Oh,
what a thoughtless wretch I am ! Here I sit chattering
on, and Dear, dear Christina, can you forgive me !
Mrs. Linden. What do vou mean, Nora ?
Nora (softly). Poor Christina ! I forgot : you are a
widow.
Mrs. Linden. Yes ; my husband died three years ago.
Nora. I know, I know ; I saw it in the papers. Oh,
believe me, Christina, I did mean to write to you ; but
I kept putting it ofif, and something always came in
the way.
Mrs. Linden. I can quite understand that, Nora dear.
Nora. No, Christina ; it was horrid of me. Oh, you
poor darling ! how much you must have gone through !
— And he left you nothing ?
Mrs. Linden. Nothing.
Nora. And no children ?
Mrs. Linden. None.
Nora. Nothing, nothing at all ?
Mrs. Linden. Not even a sorrow or a longing to dwell
upon.
Nora (looking at her incredulously). My dear Christina,
how is that possible ?
Mrs. Linden (smiling sadly and stroking her hair). Oh,
it happens so sometimes, Nora.
Nora. So utterly alone ! How dreadful that must be !
I have three of the loveliest children. I can't show them
to you just now ; they're out with their nurse. But
now you must tell me everything.
Mrs. Linden. No, no ; I want you to tell me
Nora. No, you must begin ; I won't be egotistical
to-day. To-day I'll think only of you. Oh ! but I
must tell you one thing — perhaps you've heard of our
great stroke of fortune ?
Mrs. Linden. No. What is it ?
Nora. Only think ! my husband has been made
manager of the Joint Stock Bank.
Mrs. Linden. Your husband ! Oh, how fortunate !
14
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Nora. Yes ; isn't it ? A lawyer's position is so un-
certain, you see, especially when he won't touch any
business that's the least bit — shady, as of course Torvald
never would ; and there I quite agree with him. Oh !
you can imagine how glad we are. He is to enter on his
new position at the New Year, and then he'll have a
large salary, and percentages. In future we shall
able to live quite differently — just as we please, in fact
Oh, Christina, I feel so light-hearted and happy!
delightful to have lots of money, and no need to worry
about things, isn't it ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes ; at any rate it must be delightful
to have what you need.
Nora. No, not only what you need, but heaps of
money — h caps!
Mrs. Linden {smiling). Nora, Nora, haven't you learnt
reason yet ? In our schooldays you were a shocking
little spendthrift.
Nora (quietly smiling) . Yes ; that's what Torvald says
I am still. {Holding up her forefinger.) But " Nora,
Nora " is not so silly as you all think. Oh ! I haven't
had the chance to be much of a spendthrift. We have
both had to work.
Mrs. Linden. You too ?
Nora. Yes, light fancy work : crochet, and embroidery,
and things of that sort ; {Carelessly) and other work too.
You know, of course, that Torvald left the Government
service when we were married. He had little chance of
promotion, and of course he required to make more
money. But in the first year after our marriage he over-
worked himself terribly. He had to undertake all sorts
of extra work, you know, and to slave early and late.
He couldn't stand it, and fell dangerously ill. Then
the doctors declared he must go to the South.
Mrs. Linden. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't
you?
Nora. Yes, we did. It wasn't easy to manage, I can
tell you. It was just after Ivar's birth. But of course
15 2
e a
be ,--v
ict. ]
It's /
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
we had to go. Oh, it was a wonderful, delicious journey !
And it saved Torvald's life. But it cost afrightful lot of
money, Christina.
Mrs. Linden. So 1 should think.
Nora. Twelve hundred dollars ! Four thousand eight
hundred crowns ! * Isn't that a lot of money ?
Mrs. Linden. How lucky you had the money to spend I
Nora. We got it from father, you must know.
Mrs. Linden. Ah, I see. He died just about that time,
didn't he ?
Nora. Yes. Christina, just then. And only think ! I
couldn't go and nurse him ! I was expecting little Ivar's
birth daily ; and then I had my poor sick Torvald to
attend to. Dear, kind old father ! I never saw him
again, Christina. Oh ! that's the hardest thing I have
had to bear since my marriage.
Mrs. Linden. I know how fond you were of him. But
then you went to Italy ?
Nora. Yes ; you see, we had the money, and the
doctors said we must lose no time. We started a month
later.
Mrs. Linden. And your husband came back com-
pletely cured ?
Nora. Sound as a bell.
Mrs. Linden. But — the doctor ?
Nora. What do you mean ?
Mrs. Linden. I thought as I came in your servant
announced the doctor
Nora. Oh yes ; Doctor Rank. But he doesn't come
professionally. He is our best friend, and never lets a
day pass without looking in. No, Torvald hasn't had
an hour's illness since that time. And the children are
so healthy and well, and so am I. (Jumps up and claps
her hands.) Oh, Christina, Christina, what a wonderful
thing it is to live and to be happy ! — Oh, but it's really
* The dollar (4s. 6d.) was the old unit of currency m Norway. The
crown was substituted for it shortly before the date of this play.
16
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
too horrid of Ine ! Here am I talking about nothing
but my own concerns. {Seats herself upon a footstool
close to Christina, and lays her arms on her friend's lap.)
Oh, don't be angry with me ! Now tell me, is it really
true that you didn't love your husband ? What made
you marry him, then ?
Mrs. Linden. My mother was still alive, you see, bed-
ridden and helpless ; and then I had my two younger
brothers to think of. I didn't think it would be right
for me to refuse him.
Nora. Perhaps it wouldn't have been. I suppose he
was rich then ?
Mrs. Linden. Very well off, I beUeve. But his busi-
ness was uncertain. It fell to pieces at his death, and
there was nothing left.
Nora. And then ?
Mrs. Linden. Then I had to fight my way by keeping
a shop, a little school, anything I could turn my hand
to. The last three years have been one long struggle
for me. But now it is over, Nora. My poor mother
no longer needs me ; she is at rest. And the boys are
in business, and can look after themselves.
Nora. How free your life must feel !
Mrs. Linden. No, Nora ; only inexpressibly empty.
No one to live for ! (Stands up restlessly.) That's why
I could not bear to stay any longer in that out-of-the-
way corner. Here it must be easier to find something
to take one up — to occupy one's thoughts. H I could
only get some settled employment — some office work.
Nora. But, Christina, that's such drudgery, and you
look worn-out already. It would be ever so much
better for you to go to some watering-place and rest.
Mrs. Linden {going to the window). I have no father f
to give me the money, Nora.
Nora {rising). Oh, don't be vexed with me.
Mrs. Linden {going to her). My dear Nora, don't you
be vexed with me. The worst of a position like mine is
that it makes one so bitter. You have no one to work
17
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
for, yet you have to be always on the strain. You must
live, and so you become selfish. When I heard of the
happy change in your fortunes — can you believe it ? —
I was glad for my own sake more than for yours.
Nora. How do you mean ? Ah, I see ! You think
Torvald can perhaps do something for you ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes, I thought so.
Nora. And so he shall, Christina. Just you leave it
all to me. I shall lead up to it beautifully ! — I shall
think of some delightful plan to put him in a good
humour ! Oh, I should so love to help you.
Mrs. Linden. How good of you, Nora, to stand by me
so warmly ! Doubly good in you, who know so little of
the troubles and burdens of life.
Nora. I ? I know so Uttle of ?
Mrs. Linden {smiling). Oh, well — a little fancy-work,
and so forth. — You're a child, Nora.
Nora (tosses her head and paces the room). Oh, come,
you mustn't be so patronizing !
Mrs. Linden. No ?
Nora. You're like the rest. You all think I'm fit for
nothing really serious
Mrs. Linden. Well, well
Nora. You think I've had no troubles in this weary
world.
Mrs. Linden. My dear Nora, you've just told me all
your troubles.
Nora. Pooh — those trifles ! (Softly.) I haven't told
you the great thing.
Mrs. Linden. The gr^^at thing ? What do you
mean ?
Nora. I know you look down upon me, Christina ;
but you have no right to. You are proud of having
worked so hard and so long for your mother.
Mrs. Linden. I am sure I don't look down upon any
one ; but it's true I am both proud and glad when I
remember that I was able to keep my mother's last days
free from care.
18
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Nora. And you're proud to think of what you have
done for your brothers, too.
Mrs. Linden. Have I not the right to be ?
Nora. Yes, indeed. But now let me tell you, Christina
— I, too, have something to be proud and glad of.
Mrs. Linden. I don't doubt it. But what do you
mean
Nora. Hush ! Not so loud. Only think, if Torvald
were to hear ! He mustn't — not for worlds ! No one
must know about it, Christina — no one but you.
Mrs. Linden. Why, what can it be ?
Nora. Come over here. (Draws her down beside her on
the sofa.) Yes, Christina — I, too, have something to be
proud and glad of. I saved Torvald's life.
Mrs. Linden. Saved his life ? How ?
Nora. I told you about our going to Italy. Torvald
would have died but for that.
Mrs. Linden. Well — and your father gave you the
money.
Nora [smiling). Yes, so Torvald and every one be-i
lieves ; but '
Mrs. Linden. But ?
Nora. Papa didn't give us one penny. It was / that
found the money.
Mrs. Linden. You ? All that money ?
Nora. Twelve hundred dollars. Four thousand eight
hundred crowns. What do you say to that ?
Mrs. Linden. My dear Nora, how did you manage it ?
Did you win it in the lottery ?
Nora (contemptuously). In the lottery ? Pooh ! Any
one could have done that!
Mrs. Linden. Then wherever did you get it from ?
Nora (hums and smiles mysteriously). H'm ; tra-la-
la-la !
Mrs. Linden. Of course you couldn't borrow it.
Nora. No ? Why not ?
Mrs. Linden. Why, a wife can't borrow without her
husband's consent.
19
r^
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora {tossing her head). Oh ! when the wife has some
idea of business, and knows how to set about things
Mrs. Linden. But, Nora, I don't understand
Nora. Well, you needn't. I never said I borrowed
the money. There are many ways I may have got it.
(Throws herself back on the sofa.) I may have got it from
some admirer. When one is so — attractive as I am
Mrs. Linden. You're too silly, Nora.
Nora. Now I'm sure you're dying of curiosity,
Christina
Mrs. Linden. Listen to me, Nora dear : haven't you
been a little rash ?
Nora (sitting upright again). Is it rash to save one's
husband's hfe ?
Mrs. Linden. I think it was rash of you, without his
knowledge
Nora. But it would have been fatal for him to know !
Can't you understand that ? He wasn't even to suspect
how ill he was. The doctors came to m'^^ privately and
told me his life was in danger — that nothing could save
him but a winter in the South. Do you think I didn't
try diplomacy first ? I told him how I longed to have
a trip abroad, like other young wives ; I wept and
prayed ; I said he ought to think of my condition, and
not to thwart me ; and then I hinted that he could
borrow the money. But then, Christina, he got almost
angry. He said I was frivolous, and that it was his
duty as a husband not to yield to my whims and fancies
— so he called them. Very well, thought I, but saved
you must be ; and then I found the way to do it.
Mrs. Linden. And did your husband never learn from
your father that the money was not from him ?
Nora. No ; never. Papa died at that very time. I
meant to have told him all about it, and begged him to
say nothing. But he was so ill — unhappily, it wasn't
necessary.
Mrs. Linden. And you have never confessed to your
husband ?
20
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Nora. Good heavens ! What can you be thinking of ?
Tell him, when he has such a loathing of debt ! And
besides — how painful and humiliating it would be for \
Torvald, with his manly self-respect, to know that he '
owed anything to me ! It would utterly upset the
relation between us ; our beautiful, happy home would
never again be what it is.
Mrs. Linden. Will you never tell him ?
Nora (thoughtfully, half-smiling). Yes, some time per-
haps— many, many years hence, when I'm — not so
pretty. You mustn't laugh at me ! Of course I mean
when Torvald is not so much in love with me as he is
now ; when it doesn't amuse him any longer to see me
dancing about, and dressing up and acting. Then it
might be well to have something in reserve. [Breaking
off.) Nonsense ! nonsense ! That time will never come. |
Now, what do you say to my grand secret, Christina ? i
Am I fit for nothing now ? You may believe it has cost
me a lot of anxiety. It has been no joke to meet my
engagements punctually. You must know, Christina,
that in business there are things called instalments, and
quarterly interest, that are terribly hard to provide for.
So I've had to pinch a little here and there, wherever I
could. I couldn't save much out of the housekeeping,
for of course Torvald had to live weU. And I couldn't
let the children go about badly dressed ; aU I got for
them, I spent on them, the blessed darlings !
Mrs. Linden. Poor Nora ! So it had to come out of
your own pocket-money ?
Nora. Yes, of course. After all, the whole thing was
my doing. When Torvald gave me money for clothes,
and so on, I never spent more than half of it ; I always
bought the simplest and cheapest things. It's a mercy
that everything suits me so well — Torvald never had \
any suspicions. But it was often very hard, Christina
dear. For it's nice to be beautifully dressed — now,
isn't it ?
Mrs. Linden, Indeed it is.
21
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. Well, and besides that, I made money in otfier
ways. Last winter I was so lucky — I got a heap of
\ copying to do. I shut myself up every evening, and
1 wrote far into the night. Oh, sometimes I was so tired,
so tired. And yet it was splendid to work in that way nj^
and earn money. I almost felt as if I was a man. ♦^"^
Mrs. Linden. Then how much have you been able to ^^
4)ay off ? : '^
Nora. Well, I can't precisely say. It's^ difficult to
keep that sort of business clear. I ohTylEnow that I've
paid everything I could scrape together. Sometimes I
really didn't know where to turn. (Smiles.) Then I
used to sit here and pretend that a rich old gentleman
was in love with ine
Mrs. Linden. What ! What gentleman ?
Nora. Oh, nobody ! — that he was dead now, and that
when his will was opened, there stood in large letters :
" Pay over at once everything of which I die possessed
to that charming person, Mrs. Nora Helmer."
Mrs. Linden. But, my dear Nora — what gentleman
do you mean ?
Nora. Oh dear, can't you understand ? There wasn't
any old gentleman : it was only what I used to dream
and dream when I was at my wits' end for money. But
it doesn't matter now — the tiresome old creature may
stay where he is for me. I care nothing for him or his
wiU ; for now my troubles are over. (Springing up.)
Oh, Christina, how glorious it is to think of ! Free from
I all anxiety ! Free, quite free. To be able to play and
i romp about with the children ; to have things tasteful
and pretty in the house, exactly as Torvald likes it !
And then the spring will soon be here, with the great
blue sky. Perhaps then we shall have a little holiday.
Perhaps I shall see the sea again. Oh, what a wonderful
thing it is to live and to be happy !
[The hall-door hell rings. 1
Mrs. Linden (rising). There's a ring. Perhaps I had
better go.
22
^)
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Nora. No ; do stay. No one will come here. It's
sure to be some one for Torvald.
Ellen {in the doorway). If you please, ma'am, there's
a gentleman to speak to Mr. Helmer.
Nora. Who is the gentleman ?
Krogstad (in the doorway). It is I, Mrs. Helmer.
[Mrs. Linden starts, and turns away to the window.]
Nora (goes a step towards him, anxiously, speaking low).
You ? What is it ? What do you want with my husband ?
Krogstad. Bank business — in a way. I hold a small
post in the Joint Stock Bank, and your husband is to
be our new chief, I hear.
Nora. Then it is ?
Krogstad. Only tiresome business, Mrs. Helmer ;
nothing more.
Nora. Then will you please go to his study ?
[Krogstad goes. She bows indifferently while she closes the
door into the hall. Then she goes to the stove and looks
to the fire.]
Mrs. Linden. Nora — who was that man ?
Nora. A Mr. Krogstad — a lawyer.
Mrs. Linden. Then it was really he ?
Nora. Do you know him ?
Mrs. Linden. I used to know him — many years ago.
He was in a lawyer's office in our town.
Nora. Yes, so he was.
Mrs. Linden. How he has changed !
Nora. I believe his marriage was unhappy.
Mrs. Linden. And he is a widower now ?
Nora. With a lot of children. There ! Now it will
burn up.
[She closes the stove, and pushes the rocking-chair a little
aside.]
Mrs. Linden. His business is not of the most credit-
able, they say ?
Nora. Isn't it ? I daresay not. I don't know. But
don't let us think of business — it's so tiresome.
[Dr. Rank comes out of Helmer' s room.]
23 2a
Act I'J A DOLL'S HOUSE
Rank {still in the doorway). No, no ; I'm in your
way. I shall go and have a chat with your wife. (Shuts
the door and sees Mrs. Linden.) Oh, I beg your pardon.
I'm in the way here too.
Nora. No, not in the least. (Introduces them.) Doctor
Rank — Mrs. Linden.
Rank. Oh, indeed ; I've often heard Mrs. Linden's
name. I think I passed you on the stairs as I came up.
Mrs. Linden. Yes ; I go so very slowly. Stairs try
me so much.
Rank. Ah — you are not very strong ?
Mrs. Linden. Only overworked.
Rank. Nothing more ? Then no doubt you've come
to town to find rest in a round of dissipation ?
Mrs. Linden. I have come to look for employment.
Rank. Is that an approved remedy for overwork ?
Mrs. Linden. One must Uve, Doctor Rank.
Rank. Yes, that seems to be the general opinion.
Nora. Come, Doctor Rank — you want to Hve your-
self.
Rank. To be sure I do. However wretched I may
be, I want to drag on as long as possible. All my
patients, too, have the same mania. And it's the same
with people whose complaint is moral. At this very
moment Helmer is talking to just such a moral in-
curable
Mrs. Linden (softly). Ah !
Nora. Whom do you mean ?
Rank. Oh, a fellow named Krogstad, a man you
know nothing about — corrupt to the very core of his
character. But even he began by announcing, as a
matter of vast importance, that he must live.
Nora. Indeed ? And what did he want with Tor-
vald?
Rank. I haven't an idea ; I only gathered that it
was some bank business.
Nora. I didn't know that Krog — that this Mr. Krog-
stad had anything to do with the Bank ?
24
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Rank. Yes. He has got some sort of place there.
(To Mrs. Linden.) I don't know whether, in your part
of the country, you have people who go grubbing and
sniffing around in search of moral rottenness — and then,
when they have found a " case," don't rest till they
have got their man into some good position, where they
can keep a watch upon him. Men with a clean bill of
health they leave out in the cold.
Mrs. Linden. Well, I suppose the — delicate char-
acters require most care.
Rank (shrugs his shoulders). There we have it ! It's
that notion that makes society a hospital.
[Nora, deep in her own thoughts, breaks into half-stifled
laughter, and claps her hands.]
Rank. Why do you laugh at that ? Have you any
idea what " society " is ?
Nora. What do I care for your tiresome society ? I
was laughing at something else — something excessively
amusing. Tell me. Doctor Rank, are all the employees
at the Bank dependent on Torvald now ?
i Rank. Is that what strikes you as excessively amus-
ing ?
Nora (smiles and hums). Never mind, never mind !
{Walks about the room.) Yes, it is funny to think that
we — that Torvald has such power over so many people.
(Takes the bag from her pocket.) Doctor Rank, will you
have a macaroon ?
Rank. What ! — macaroons ! I thought they were
contraband here ?
Nora. Yes ; but Christina brought me these.
Mrs. Linden. What ! I
Nora. Oh, well ! Don't be frightened. You couldn't
possibly know that Torvald had forbidden them. The
fact is, he's afraid of me spoiling my teeth. But, oh
bother, just for once ! — That's for you. Doctor Rank !
(Puts a macaroon into his mouth.) And you too, Chris-
'tina. And I'll have one while we're about it — only a
tiny one, or at most two. (Walks about again.) Oh
25
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
dear, I am happy ! There's only one thing in the world
I really want.
Rank, Well, what's that ?
Nora. There's something I should so like to say — in
Torvald's hearing.
Rank. Then why don't you say it ?
Nora. Because I daren't, it's so ugly.
Mrs. Linden. Ugly ?
Rank. In that case you'd better not. But to us
you might What is it you would so like to say in
Helmer's hearing ?
'^ Nora. I should so love to say, " Damn it all ! " *
Rank. Are you out of your mind ?
Mrs. Linden. Good gracious, Nora !
Rank. Say it — there he is !
Nora (hides the macaroons). Hush — sh — sh.
[Helmer comes out of his room, hat in hand, with his over"
coat on his arm.]
Nora (going to him). Well, Torvald dear, have you got
rid of him ?
Helmer. Yes ; he has just gone.
Nora. Let me introduce you — this is Christina, who
has come to town
Helmer. Christina ? Pardon me, I don't know-
■ ' Nora. Mrs. Linden, Torvald dear — Christina Linden.
^ Helmer (to Mrs. Linden). Indeed ! A school friend of
f/* y my wife's, no doubt ?
' \y . - ; ^ Mrs. Linden. Yes, we knew each other as girls.
\ru y'^ 'Nora. And only think! She has taken this long
,j^ w>^^ journey on purpose to speak to you.
x/ Cl ^ Helmer. To speak to me !
Jf^ Mrs. Linden. Well, not quite
4^ bI^.**^ iVo/'«. You see, Christina is tremendously clever at
oM f ' ofhce work, and she's so anxious to work under a first-
rate man of business in order to learn still more
* Dod og pine, literally " death and tortvire " ; but by usage a com<
paratively mild oath.
26
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Helmer {to Mrs. Linden). Very sensible indeed.
Nora. And when she heard you were appointed
manager — it was telegraphed, you know — she started
off at once, and Torvald dear, for my sake, you
must do something for Christina. Now, can't you ?
Helmer. It's not impossible. I presume Mrs. Linden
is a widow ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes.
Helmer. And you have already had some experience
of business ?
Mrs. Linden. A good deal.
Helmer. Well, then, it's very likely I may be able to
find a place for you.
Nora (clapping her hands). There now ! There now !
Helmer. You have come at a fortunate moment, Mrs.
Linden.
Mrs. Linden. Oh, how can I thank you ?
Helmer (smiling). There is no occasion. (Puts on his
overcoat.) But for the present you must excuse me
Rank. Wait ; I am going with you.
[Fetches his fur coat from the hall and warms it ai the fire.']
Nora. Don't be long, Torvald dear.
Helmer. Only an hour ; not more.
Nora. Are you going too, Christina ?
Mrs. Linden {putting on her walking things). Yes ; I
must set about looking for lodgings.
Helmer. Then perhaps we can go together ?
Nora (helping her). What a pity we haven't a spare
room for you ; but it's impossible
Mrs. Linden. I shouldn't think of troubling you.
Good-bye, dear Nora, and thank you for all your
kindness.
Nora. Good-bye for the present. Of coiu-se you'll
come back this evening. And you, too. Doctor Rank.
What ! If you're well enough ? Of course you'll be
well enough. Only wrap up warmly. (They go out,
talking, into the hall. Outside on the stairs are heard
children's voices.) There they are 1 There they are !
27
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
{She runs to the outer door and opens it. The Nurse, Anna,
enters the hall with the children.) Come in ! Come in !
(Stoops down and kisses the children.) Oh, my sweet
darlings ! Do you see them, Christina ? Aren't they
lovely ?
Rank. Don't let us stand here chattering in the
draught.
Helmer. Come, Mrs. Linden ; only mothers can stand
such a temperature.
[Dr. Rank, Helmer, and Mrs. Linden go down the stairs ;
Anna enters the room with the children ; Nora also,
shutting the door.]
Nora. How fresh and bright you look ! And what red
cheeks you've got ! Like apples and roses. {The chil-
dren chatter to her during what follows.) Have you
had great fim ? That's splendid ! Oh, really ! You've
been giving Emmy and Bob a ride on your sledge! —
both at once, only think ! Why, you're quite a man,
Ivar. Oh, give her to me a httle, Anna. My sweet
httle dolly ! {Takes the smallest from the Nurse and
dances with her.) Yes, yes ; mother will dance with
Bob too. What ! Did you have a game of snowballs ?
Oh, I wish I'd been there. No; leave them, Anna; ^^
I'll take their things off. Oh yes, let me do it; it's ,.>^
such fun. Go to the nursery ; you look frozen. You'll
find some hot coffee on the stove.
[The Nurse goes into the room on the left. Nora takes off
the children's things and throws them down anywhere,
while the children talk all together.']
Really ! A big dog ran after you ? But he didn't bite
you ? No ; dogs don't bite dear httle dolly children.
Don't peep into those parcels, Ivar. What is it ?
Wouldn't you Uke to know ? Take care — ^it'U bite I
What ? Shall we have a game ? What shall we play
at ? Hide-and-seek ? Yes, let's play hide-and-seek.
Bob shall hide first. Am I to ? Yes, let me hide first.
[She and the children play, with laughter and shouting, in
the room and the adjacent one to the right. At last
28
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Nora hides under the table ; the children come rushing
in, look for her, but cannot find her, hear her half-
choked laughter, rush to the table, lift up the cover and
see her. Loud shouts. She creeps out, as though to
frighten them. Fresh shouts. Meanwhile there has
been a knock at the door leading into the hall. No one > . <
has heard it. Now the door is half opened, and Krog- \ ^'Y^j
stad appears. He waits a little ; the game is renewed.^
Krogstad. I beg your pardon, Mrs. Helmer
Nora {with a suppressed cry, turns round and half jumps
up). Ah ! What do you want ?
Krogstad. Excuse me ; the outer door was ajar —
somebody must have forgotten to shut it
Nora (standing up). My husband is not at home, Mr.
Krogstad.
Krogstad. I know it.
Nora. Then what do you want here ?
Krogstad. To say a few words to you.
Nora. To me ? (To the children, softly.) Go in to
Anna. What ? No, the strange man won't hurt
mamma. When he's gone we'll go on playing. (She
leads the children into the left-hand room, and shuts the
door behind them. Uneasy, in suspense.) It is to me
you wish to speak ?
Krogstad. Yes, to you.
Nora. To-day ? But it's not the first yet
Krogstad. No, to-day is Christmas Eve. It wiU de-
pend upon yourself whether you have a merry Christmas.
Nora. What do you want ? I'm not ready to-day
Krogstad. Never mind that just now. I have come
about another matter. You have a minute to spare ?
Nora. Oh yes, I suppose so ; although
Krogstad. Good. I was sitting in the restaurant
opposite, and I saw your husband go down the street
Nora. Well?
Krogstad. with a lady.
Nora. What then ?
Krogstad. May I ask if the lady was a Mrs. Linden ?
29
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. Yes.
Krogstad. Who has just come to town ?
Nora. Yes. To-day.
Krogstad. I believe she is an intimate friend of yours?
Nora. Certainly. But I don't understand
Krogstad. I used to know her too.
Nora. I know you did.
Krogstad. Ah ! You know all about it. I thought
as much. Now, frankly, is Mrs. Linden to have a place
in the Bank ?
Nora. How dare you catechize me in this way, Mr.
Krogstad — you, a subordinate of my husband's ? But
since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs. Linden is to
be employed. And it is I who recommended her, Mr.
Krogstad. Now you know.
Krogstad. Then my guess was right.
Nora (walking up and down). You see one has a wee
bit of influence, after all. It doesn't follow because
one's only a woman When people are in a sub-
ordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they ought really to
be careful how they offend anybody who — h'm
Krogstad. who has influence ?
Nora. Exactly.
Krogstad (taking another tone). Mrs. Helmer, will you
have the kindness to employ yoiu: influence on my
behalf ?
Nora. What ? How do you mean ?
Krogstad. Will you be so good as to see that I retain
my subordinate position in the Bank ?
Nora. What do you mean ? Who wants to take it
from you ?
Krogstad. Oh, you needn't pretend ignorance. I can
very well understand that it cannot be pleasant for your
friend to meet me ; and I can also understand now for
whose sake I am to be hounded out.
Nora. But I assure you
Krogstad. Come, come now, once for all : there is time
yet, and I advise you to use your influence to prevent it.
30
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Nora. But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence —
absolutely none.
Krogstad. None ? I thought you said a moment
ago
Nora. Of course not in that sense. I ! How can
you imagine that I should have any influence over my
husband ?
Krogstad. Oh, I know your husband from our college ]
days. I don't think he is any more inflexible than other |
husbands.
Nora. If you talk disrespectfully of my husband, I
must request you to leave the house.
Krogstad. You are bold, madam.
Nora. I am afraid of you no longer. When New
Year's Day is over, I shall soon be out of the whole
business.
Krogstad {controlling himself). Listen to me, Mrs.
Helmer. If need be, I shall fight as though for my Ufe c -v*---^
to keep my little place in the Bank.
Nora. Yes, so it seems.
Krogstad. It's not only for the salary ; that is what
I care least about. It's something else Well, I had
better make a clean breast ot it. Of course you know, like
every one else, that some years ago I — got into trouble.
Nora. I think I've heard something of the sort.
Krogstad. The matter never came into court ; but
from that moment all paths were barred to me. Then
I took up the business you know about. I had to turn
my hand to something ; and I don't think I've been
one of the worst. But now I must get clear of it all.
My sons are growing up ; for their sake I must try to
recover my character as well as I can. This place in the
Bank was the first step ; and now your husband wants | iJ}^ «^
to kick me off the ladder, back into the mire. T,j->.^^'
Nora. But I assure you, Mr. Krogstad, I haven't the ju^ fo
least power to help you. ^0*^1
Krogstad. That is because you have not the will ; ^unJ*'*
but I can compel you. i«. A» <£'*
31 ^tCL^A* ^*
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. You won't tell my husband that I owe you
money ?
Krogsfad. H'm ; suppose I were to ?
Nora. It would be shameful of you. {With tears in
her voice.) The secret that is my joy and my pride —
that he should learn it in such an ugly, coarse way — and
from you. It would involve me in all sorts of un-
pleasantness
Krogstad. Only unpleasantness ?
Nora (hotly). But just do it. It's you that will come
off worst, for then my husband will see what a bad man
you are, and then you certainly won't keep your place.
Krogstad. I asked whether it was only domestic un-
pleasantness you feared ?
Nora. If my husband gets to know about it, he will
of course pay you off at once, and then we shaU have
nothing more to do with you.
Krogstad (coming a pace nearer). Listen, Mrs. Helmer ;
either your memory is defective, or you don't know
much about business. I must make the position a
little clearer to you.
Nora. How so ?
Krogstad. When your husband was ill, you came to me
to borrow twelve hundred dollars.
Nora. I knew of nobody else.
Krogstad. I promised to find you the money
Nora. And you did find it.
Krogstad. I promised to find you the money, on cer-
tain conditions. You were so much taken up at the
time about your husband's illness, and so eager to have
the wherewithal for your journey, that you probably did
not give much thought to the details. Allow me to
remind you of them. I promised to find you the amount
in exchange for a note of hand, which I drew up.
Nora. Yes, and I signed it.
Krogstad. Quite right. But then I added a few lines,
making your father security for the debt. Your father
was to sign this.
32
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Nora. Was to ? He did sign it !
Krogstad. I had left the date blank. That is to say,
your father was himself to date his signature. Do you
recollect that ?
Nora. Yes, I believe — —
Krogstad. Then I gave you the paper to send to your
father, by post. Is not that so ?
Nora. Yes.
Krogstad. And of course you did so at once ; for ,
within five or six days you brought me back the docu- |
ment with your father's signature ; and I handed you
the money.
Nora. Well ? Have I not made my payments
punctually ?
Krogstad. Fairly — yes. But to return to the point :
you were in great trouble at the time, Mrs. Helmer.
Nora. I was indeed !
Krogstad. Your father was very ill, I believe ?
Nora. He was on his death-bed.
Krogstad. And died soon after ?
Nora. Yes.
Krogstad. Tell me, Mrs. Helmer : do you happen to
recollect the day of his death ? The day of the month,
I mean ?
Nora. Father died on the 29th of September.
Krogstad. Quite correct. I have made inquiries.
And here comes in the remarkable point — {produces a
paper) — ^which I cannot explain.
Nora. What remarkable point ? I don't know
Krogstad. The remarkable point, madam, that your
father signed this paper three days after his death !
Nora. What ! I don't understand
Krogstad. Your father died on the 29th of September. . j
But look here : he has dated his signature October 2nd ! ' I
Is not that remarkable, Mrs. Helmer ? {Nora is silent.)
Can you explain it ? (Nora continues silent.) It is
noteworthy, too, that the words " October 2nd " and
the year are not in your father's handwriting, but in one
33
Act i]
A DOLL'S HOUSE
(
which I beUeve I know. Well, this may be explained ;
your father may have forgotten to date his signature,
and somebody may have added the date at random,
before the fact of your father's death was known. There
is nothing wrong in that. Everything depends on the
signature. Of course it is genuine, Mrs. Helmer ? It
was really your father himself who wrote his name
here ?
Nora (after a short silence, throws her head hack and looks
defiantly at him). No, it was not. /wrote father's name,
Krogstad. Ah !— Are you awareV^adam, "thafthat is
a dangerous admission ?
Nora. How so ? You will soon get your money.
Krogstad. May I ask you one more question ? Why
did you not send the paper to your father ?
Nora. It was impossible. Father was ill. If I had
asked him for his signature, I should have had to tell
him why I wanted the money ; but he was so ill I really
could not tell him that my husband's life was in danger.
It was impossible.
Krogstad. Then it would have been better to have
given up your tour.
Nora. No, I couldn't do that ; my husband's life
depended on that journey. I couldn't give it up.
Krogstad. And did it never occur to you that you
were playing me false ?
Nora. That was nothing to me. I didn't care in the
least about you. I couldn't endure you for all the cruel
difficulties you made, although you knew how ill my
husband was.
Krogstad. Mrs. Helmer, you evidently do not realize
what you have been guilty of. But I can assure you it
was nothing more and nothing worse that made me an
outcast from society.
Nora. You ! You want me to believe that you did a
I brave thing to save your wife's life ?
' Krogstad. The law takes no account of motives.
Nora. Then it must be a very bad law.
34
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Krogstad. Bad or not, if I produce this document in
court, you will be condemned according to law.
Nora. I don't believe that. Do you mean to tell me
that a daughter has no right to spare her dying father
trouble and anxiety ? — that a wife has no right to save/ ^-^.^^
her husband's life ? I don't know much about the law,
but I'm sure you'll find, somewhere or another, that
that is allowed. And you don't know that — you, a
lawyer ! You must be a bad one, Mr. Krogstad.
Krogstad. Possibly. But business — such business as
ours — I do understand. You believe that ? Very well ;
now do as you please. But this I may tell you, that if
I am flung into the gutter a second time, you shall ke^p
me company. [Bows and goes out through hall.]
" Nora (stands a while thinking, then tosses her head). Oh,
nonsense! He wants to frighten me. I'm not so foolish
as that. ^ [Begins folding the children's clothes. Pauses.)
But ^? No, it's impossible ! Why, I did it for /^a^^'
love !
Children (at the door, left). Mamma, the strange man
has gone now.
Nora. Yes, yes, I know. But don't tell any one about
the strange man. Do you hear ? Not even papa !
Children. No, mamma ; and now wiU you play with
us again ?
Nora. No, no ; not now.
Children. Oh, do, mamma ; you know you promised.
Nora. Yes, but I can't just now. Run to the nursery ;
I have so much to do. Run along, run along, and be
good, my darlings ! (She pushes them gently into the inner
room, and closes the door behind them. Sits on the sofa,
embroiders a few stitches, but soon pauses.) No ! (Throws
down the work, rises, goes to the hall door and calls out)
Ellen, bring in the Christmas-tree ! (Goes to table, left,
and opens the drawer ; again pauses.) No, it's quite
impossible !
Ellen (with. Christmas-tree). Where shall I stand it,
ma'am ?
35
H /,>>-
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. There, in the middle of the room.
Ellen. Shall I bring in anything else ?
Nora. No, thank you, I have all I want.
[Ellen, having put down the tree, goes out.]
\\A'^' iVora (busy dressing the tree). There must be a candle
i>^j'_ here — and flowers there. — That horrible man ! Non-
sense, nonsense ! there's nothing to be afraid of. The
Christmas-tree shall be beautiful. I'll do everything to
please you, Torvald ; I'll sing and dance, and
[Enter Helmer by the hall door, with a bundle of docu-
ments.']
Nora. Oh ! You're back already ?
Helmer. Yes. Has anybody been here ?
Nora. Here ? No.
Helmer. That's odd. I saw Krogstad come out of
the house.
Nora. Did you ? Oh yes, by the bye, he was here
for a minute.
Helmer. Nora, I can see by your manner that he has
been begging you to put in a good word for him.
Nora. Yes.
Helmer. And you were to do it as if of your own
accord ? You were to say nothing to me of his having
been here. Didn't he suggest that too ?
Nora. Yes, Torvald ; but
Helmer. Nora, Nora ! And you could condescend to
that ! To speak to such a man, to make him a promise !
And then to tell me an untruth about it !
Nora. An untruth !
Helmer. Didn't you say that nobody had been here ?
(Threatens with his finger.) My little bird must never do
that again ! A song-bird must sing clear and true ; no
false notes. [Puts his arm round her.) That's so, isn't
it ? Yes, I was sure of it. {Lets her go.) And now
we'll say no more about it. {Sits down before the fire.)
Oh, how cosy and quiet it is here !
[Glances into his documents.]
Nora {busy with the tree, after a short silence). Torvald 1
36
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
Helmer. Yes.
Nora. I'm looking forward so much to the Stenborgs'
fancy ball the day after to-morrow.
Helmer. And I'm on tenterhooks to see what surprise
you have in store for me.
Nora. Oh, it's too tiresome !
Helmer. What is ?
Nora. I can't think of anything good. Everything
seems so foolish and meaningless.
Helmer. Has little Nora made that discovery ?
Nora {behind his chair, with her arms on the hack). Are
you very busy, Torvald ?
Helmer. WeU
Nora. What papers are those ?
Helmer. Bank business.
Nora. Already !
Helmer. I have got the retiring manager to let
me make some necessary changes in the staff and the
organization. I can do this during Christmas week.
I want to have everything straight by the New Year.
Nora. Then that's why that poor Krogstad
Helmer. H'm.
Nora {still leaning over the chair-hack and slowly stroking
his hair). If you hadn't been so very busy, I should
have asked you a great, great favour, Torvald.
Helmer. What can it be ? Out with it.
Nora. Nobody has such perfect taste as you ; and I
should so love to look well at the fancy ball. Torvald
dear, couldn't you take me in hand, and settle what I'm
to be, and arrange my costume for me ?
Helmer. Aha ! So my wilful little woman is at a loss,
and making signals of distress.
Nora. Yes, please, Torvald. I can't get on without
your help.
Helmer. Well, well, I'll think it over, and we'll soon
hit upon something.
Nora. Oh, how good that is of you ! {Goes to the tree
again; pause.) How well the red flowers show. — Tell
37
Act I] A DOLL'S HOUSE
me, was it anything so very dreadful this Krogstad got
into trouble about ?
Helmer. Forgery, that's all. Don't you know what
that means ?
Nora. Mayn't he have been driven to it by need ?
Helmer. Yes ; or, like so many others, he may have
done it in pure heedlessness. I am not so hard-hearted
as to condemn a man absolutely for a single fault.
Nora. No, surely not, Torvald !
Helmer. Many a man can retrieve his character, if he
owns his crime and takesLthe punishment.
Nora. Punishment ?
Helmer. But Krogstad didn't do that. He evaded
the law by means of tricks and subterfuges ; and that
is what has morally ruined him.
Nora. Do you think that ?
Helmer. Just think how a man with a thing of that
sort on his conscience must be always lying and canting
and shamming. Think of the mask he must wear even
towards those who stand nearest him — towards his own
wife and children. The effect on the children — that's
the most terrible part of it, Nora.
Nora. Why ?
Helmer. Because in such an atmosphere of lies home
life is poisoned and contaminated in every fibre. Every
breath the children draw contains some germ of evil.
Nora {closer behind him). Are you sure of that ?
Helmer. As a lawyer, my dear, I have seen it often
enough. Nearly all cases of early corruption may be
traced to lying mothers.
Nora. Why — mothers ?
Helmer. It generally comes from the mother's side ;
but of course the father's influence may act in the same
way. Every lawyer knows it too well. And here has
this Krogstad been poisoning his own children for years
past by a life of lies and hypocrisy — that is why I call
him morally ruined. [Holds out both hands to her.) So
my sweet little Nora must promise not to plead his
38
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act i
cause. Shake hands upon it. Come, come, what's this ?
Give me your hand. That's right. Then it's a bargain.
I assure you it would have been impossible for me to
work with him. It gives me a positive sense of physical
discomfort to come in contact with such people.
[Nora draws her hand away, and moves to the other side of
the Christmas-tree?;^
Nora. How warm it is here. And I have so much
to do.
Helmer (rises and gathers up his papers). Yes, and I
must try to get some of these papers looked through
before dinner. And I shall think over your costume
too. Perhaps I may even find something to hang in
gilt paper on the Christmas-tree. [Lays his hand on her
head.) My precious little song-bird !
[He goes into his room and shuts the door.]
Nora (softly, after a pause). It can't be. It's impos-
sible. It must be impossible !
Anna (at the door, left). The little ones are begging so
prettily to come to mamma.
Nora. No, no, no ; don't let them come to me ! Keep
them with you, Anna.
Anna. Very well, ma'am. [Shuts the door.]
Nora {pale with terror). Corrupt my children ! —
Poison my home ! (Short pause. She throws hack her
'head.) It's not true ! It can never, never be true !
39
ACT II
The same room. In the corner, beside the piano, stands
the Christmas-tree, stripped, and with the candles burnt out.
Nora's outdoor things lie on the sofa.
Nora, alone, is walking about restlessly. At last she
stops by the sofa, and takes up her cloak.
Nora {dropping the cloak). There's somebody coming!
{Goes to the hall door and listens.) Nobody ; of course
nobody will come to-day, Christmas Day ; nor to-
morrow either. But perhaps {Opens the door and
looks out.) — No, nothing in the letter-box ; quite empty.
{Comes forward.) Stuff and nonsense ! Of course he
won't really do anything. Such a thing couldn't
happen. It's impossible ! Why, I have three httle
children.
[Anna enters from the left, with a large cardboard box.]
Anna. I've found the box with the fancy dress at last.
Nora. Thanks ; put it down on the table.
Anna {does so). But I'm afraid it's very much out of
order.
Nora. Oh, I wish I could tear it into a hundred thou-
sand pieces !
Anna. Oh no. It can easily be put to rights — just a
little patience.
Nora. I shall go and get Mrs. Linden to help me.
Anna. Going out again ? In such weather as this !
You'll catch cold, ma'am, and be ill.
Nora. Worse things might happen. — WTiat are the
children doing ?
Anna. They're playing with their Christmas presents,
poor little dears ; but
40
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
Nora. Do they often ask for me ?
Anna. You see, they've been so used to having their
mamma with them.
Nora. Yes ; but, Anna, I can't have them so much
with me in future.
Anna. Well, little children get used to anything.
Nora. Do you think they do ? Do you believe they
would forget their mother if she went quite away ?
Anna. Gracious me ! Quite away ?
Nora. Tell me, Anna — I've so often wondered about
it — how could you bring yourself to give your child up
to strangers ?
Anna. I had to when I came to nurse my little
Miss Nora.
Nora. But how could you make up your mind to it ?
Anna. When I had the chance of such a good place ?
A poor girl who's been in trouble must take what comes.
That wicked man did nothing for me.
Nora. But 3^our daughter must have forgotten you.
Anna. Oh no, ma'am, that she hasn't. She wrote
to me both when she was confirmed and when she was
married.
Nora [embracing her). Dear old Anna — you were a
good mother to me when 1 was httle.
Anna. My poor little Nora had no mother but me.
Nora. And if my Uttle ones had nobody else, I'm sure
you would Nonsense, nonsense ! {Opens the box.)
Go in to the children. Now I must You'll see
how lovely I shall be to-morrow.
Anna. I'm sure there will be no one at the ball so
lovely as my Miss Nora.
[She goes into the room on the left.^
Nora {takes the costume out of the box, but soon throws it
down again). Oh, if I dared go out. If only nobody
would come. If only nothing would happen here in
the meantime. Rubbish ; nobody is coming. Only not
to think. What a dehcious muff ! Beautiful gloves,
beautiful gloves ! To forget — to forget ! One, two,
41
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
three, four, five, six {With a scream.) Ah, there
they come.
[Goes towards the door, then stands irresolute. Mrs.
Linden enters from the hall, where she has taken off
her things.^
Nora. Oh, it's you, Christina. There's nobody else
there ? I'm so glad you have come.
Mrs. Linden. I hear you called at my lodgings.
Nora. Yes, I was just passing. There's something
you must help me with. Let us sit here on the sofa —
so. To-morrow evening there's to be a fancy ball at
Consul Stenborg's overhead, and Torvald wants me
to appear as a Neapolitan fisher-girl, and dance the
tarantella ; I learned it at Capri.
Mrs. Linden. I see — quite a performance.
Nora. Yes, Torvald wishes it. Look, this is the
costume ; Torvald had it made for me in Italy. But
now it's all so torn, I don't know
Mrs. Linden. Oh, we shall soon set that to rights. It's
only the trimming that has come loose here and there.
Have you a needle and thread ? Ah, here's the very
thing.
Nora. Oh, how kind of you.
Mrs. Linden [sewing). So you'rQ to be in costume
to-morrow, Nora ? I'll tell you what — I shall come in
for a moment to see you in all your glory. But I've
quite forgotten to thank you for the pleasant evening
yesterday.
Nora (rises and walks across the room). Oh, yesterday;
it didn't seem so pleasant as usual. — You should have
come to town a little sooner, Christina. — ^Torvald has
certainly the art of making home bright and beautiful.
Mrs. Linden. You too, I should think, or you wouldn't
be your father's daughter. But tell me — is Doctor
Rank always so depressed as he was last evening ?
Nora. No, yesterday it was particularly noticeable.
You see, he suffers from a dreadful illness. He has spinal
consumption, poor fellow. They say his father was a
42
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
Jiorrible man, so the son has been sickly from his child-
hood, you understand.
Mrs. Linden [lets her sewing fall into her lap). Why,
my darling Nora, how do you come to know such
things ?
Nora {moving about the room). Oh, when one has three
children, one sometimes has visits from women who are
half — half doctors — and they talk of one thing and
another.
Mrs. Linden (goes on sewing ; a short pause). Does
Doctor Rank come here every day ?
Nora. Every day of his Hfe. He has been Torvald's
most intimate friend from boyhood, and he's a good
friend of mine too. Doctor Rank is quite one of the
family.
Mrs. Linden. But tell me — is he quite sincere ? I
mean, isn't he rather given to flattering people ?
Nora. No, quite the contrary. Why should you
think so ?
Mrs. Linden. When you introduced us yesterday he
said he had often heard my name ; but I noticed after- i
wards that your husband had no notion who I was.)
How could Doctor Rank ?
Nora. He was quite right, Christina. You see, Tor- 1
vald loves me so indescribably, he wants to have me all »
to himself, as he says. When we were first married he I ^^^
was almost jealous if I even mentioned any of my old / ' '
friends at home ; so naturally I gave up doing it. But
I often talk of the old times to Doctor Rank, for he likes
to hear about them.
Mrs. Linden. Listen to me, Nora ! You are still a
child in many ways. I am older than you, and have
had more experience. I'll tell you something. You
ought to get clear of all this with Doctor Rank.
Nora. Get clear of what ?
Mrs. Linden. The whole affair, I should say. You j
were talking yesterday of a rich admirer who was to find |
you money
43
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. Yes, one who never existed, worse luck I What
then?
Mrs. Linden. Has Doctor Rank money ?
Nora. Yes, he has.
Mrs. Linden. And nobody to provide for ?
Nora. Nobody. But ?
Mrs. Linden. And he comes here every day ?
Nora. Yes, I told you so.
Mrs. Linden. I should have thought he would have
had better taste.
Nora. I don't understand you a bit.
Mrs. Linden. Don't pretend, Nora. Do you sup-
i pose I can't guess who lent you the twelve hundred
\ dollars ?
Nora. Are you out of your senses ? How can you
think such a thing ? A friend who comes here every
day ! Why, the position would be unbearable !
Mrs. Linden. Then it really is not he ?
Nora. No, I assure you. It never for a moment
occurred to me Besides, at that time he had
nothing to lend ; he came into his property afterwards.
Mrs. Linden. Well, I believe that was lucky for you,
p v^ Nora dear.
^'^'y^/^ Nora. No, really, it would never have struck me to
•i^ -1-^^ ask Doctor Rank And yet, I'm certain that if I
■' /v-^ did
r*^ Mrs. Linden. But of course you never would.
Nora. Of course not. It's inconceivable that it
should ever be necessary. But I'm quite sure that if I
spoke to Doctor Rank
Mrs. Linden. Behind your husband's back ?
Nora. I must get clear of the other thing ; that's
behind his back too. I m u s t get clear of that.
Mrs. Linden. Yes, yes, I told you so yesterday ;
but
Nora {walking up and down). A man can manage these
things much better than a woman.
Mrs. Linden. One's own husband, yes.
44
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
Nora. Nonsense. (Stands still.) When everything is
paid, one gets back the paper.
Mrs. Linden. Of course.
Nora. And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces,
and bum it up, the nasty, filthy thing !
Mrs. Linden (looks at her fixedly, lays down her
work, and rises slowly). Nora, you are hiding something
from me.
Nora, Can you see it in my face ?
Mrs. Linden. Something has happened since yesterday
morning. Nora, what is it ?
Nora (going towards her). Christina ! (Listens.)
Hush ! There's Torvald coming home. Do you mind
going into the nursery for the present ? Torvald
can't bear to see dressmaking going on. Get Anna to
help you.
Mrs. Linden (gathers some of the things together). Very
well ; but I shan't go away until you have told me all
about it.
[She goes out to the left, as Helmer enters from the hall.]
Nora (runs to meet him). Oh, how I've been longing
for you to come, Torvald dear !
Helmer. Was that the dressmaker ?
Nora. No, Christina. She's helping me with my
costume. You'll see how nice I shall look.
Helmer. Yes, wasn't that a happy thought of mine ?
Nora. Splendid ! But isn't it good of me too, to have
given in to you about the tarantella ?
Helmer (takes her under the chin). Good of you ! To
give in to your own husband? Well, well, you Httle
madcap, I know you don't mean it. But I won't dis-
turb you. I daresay you want to be " trying on."
Nora. And you are going to work, I suppose ?
Helmer. Yes. (Shows her a bundle of papers.) Look
here. I've just come from the Bank
[Goes towards his room.]
Nora. Torvald.
Helmer (stopping). Yes ?
45
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. If your little squirrel were to beg you for some-
thing so prettily
Helmer. Well?
Nora. Would you do it ?
Helmer. I must know first what it is.
Nora. The squirrel would skip about and play all sorts
of tricks if you would only be nice and kind.
Helmer. Come, then, out with it.
Nora. Your lark would twitter from morning till
night
Helmer. Oh, that she does in any case.
Nora. I'll be an elf and dance in the moonlight for
you, Torvald.
Helmer. Nora — you can't mean what you were hinting
at this morning ?
Nora {coming nearer). Yes, Torvald, I beg and implore
you !
Helmer. Have you really the courage to begin that
again ?
Nora. Yes, yes; for my sake, you must let Krog-
stad keep his place in the Bank.
Helmer. My dear Nora, it's his place I intend for
Mrs. Linden.
Nora. Yes, that's so good of you. But instead of
Krogstad, you could dismiss some other clerk.
Helmer. Why, this is incredible obstinacy ! Because
you have thoughtlessly promised to put in a word for
him, I am to !
Nora. It's not that, Torvald. It's for your own sake.
This man writes for the most scurrilous newspapers ;
you said so yourself. He can do you no end of harm.
I'm so terribly afraid of him
Helmer. Ah, I understand ; it's old recollections that
are frightening you.
Nora. What do you mean ?
Helmer. Of course you're thinking of your father.
Nora. Yes — yes, of course. Only think of the shame-
ful slanders wicked people used to write about father.
46
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
I believe they would have got him dismissed if you
hadn't been sent to look into the thing, and been kind
to him, and helped him.
Helmer. My little Nora, between your father and me
there is all the difference in the world. Your father P"""^^
was not altogether unimpeachable. I am ; and I hope
to remain so.
Nora. Oh, no one knows what wicked men may hit
upon. We could live so quietly and happily now, in
our cosy, peaceful home, you and I and the children,
Torvald ! That's why I beg and implore you
Helmer. And it is just by pleading his cause that you
make it impossible for me to keep him. It's already
known at the Bank that I intend to dismiss Krogstad.
If it were now reported that the new manager let himself
be turned round his wife's little finger
Nora. What then ?
Helmer. Oh, nothing, so long as a wilful woman can
have her way ! I am to make myself a laughing-
stock to the whole staff, and set people saying that I am
open to all sorts of outside influence ? Take my word
for it, I should soon feel the consequences. And besides
— there is one thing that makes Krogstad impossible for
me to work with , .;,
Nora. What thing ? , '*^
Helmer. I could perhaps have overlooked his moral
failings at a pinch
Nora. Yes, couldn't you, Torvald ?
Helmer. And I hear he is good at his work. But the
fact is, he was a college chum of mine — there was one of
those rash friendships between us that one so often ., .
repents of later. I may as well confess it at once — he
caUs me by my Christian name ; * and he is tactless ^^
enough to do it even when others are present. He ^ ,
deUghts in putting on airs of familiarity — Torvald here,
Torvald there ! I assure you it's most painful to me.
♦ In the original, " We say ' thou ' to each other."
47 3
Act ii]
A DOLL'S HOUSE
k{^
ro
{'
He would make my position at the Bank perfectly
unendurable.
'Nora. Torvald, surely you're not serious ?
Helmer. No ? Why not ?
Nora. That's such a petty reason.
Helmer. What ! Pettyl Do you consider me petty ?
Nora. No, on the contrary, Torvald dear ; and that's
just why
. Helmer. Never mind ; you call my motives petty ;
\ then I must be petty too. Petty ! Very well ! — Now
i we'll put an end to this, once for all. (Goes to the door
' into the hall and calls.) Ellen !
Nora. What do you want ?
Helmer {searching among his papers). To settle the
thing. (Ellen enters.) Here, take this letter ; give it
to a messenger. See that he takes it at once. The
address is on it. Here's the money.
Ellen. Very well, sir. [Goes with the letter. 1
Helmer (putting his papers together). There, Madam
Obstinacy.
Nora (breathless). Torvald — what was in the letter ?
Helmer. Krogstad's dismissal.
Nora. Call it back again, Torvald ! There's still time.
Oh, Torvald, call it back again ! For my sake, for your
own, for the children's sake ! Do you hear, Torvald ?
Do it ! You don't know what that letter may bring
upon us all.
Helmer. Too late.
Nora. Yes, too late.
Helmer. My dear Nora, I forgive your anxiety, though
it's anything but flattering to me. Why should you
suppose that / would be afraid of a wretched scribbler's
spite ? But I forgive you all the same, for it's a proof of
your great love for me. (Takes her in his arms.) That's
as it should be, my own dear Nora. Let what will
happen — when it comes to the pinch, I shall have
strength and Courage enough. You shall see : my
shoulders are broad enough to bear the whole burden.
48
/;.
'D.
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
Nora (terror-struck). What do you mean by that ?
Helnker. The whole burden, I say
Nora (with decision). That you shall never, never do!
Helmer. Very well ; then we'll share it, Nora, as man
and wife. That is how it should be. (Petting her.) Are
you satisfied now ? Come, come, come, don't look like
a scared dove. It's all nothing — foolish fancies. — Now
you ought to play the tarantella through and practise
with the tambourine. I shall sit in my inner room and
shut both doors, so that I shall hear nothing. You can
make as much noise as you please. (Turns round in
doorway.) And when Rank comes, just tell him where
I'm to be found.
[He nods to her, and goes with his papers into his room,
closing the door.]
Nora (bewildered with terror, stands as though rooted to
the ground, and whispers). He would do it. Yes, he ,
woiild do it. He would do it, in spite of all the world. — j
fw- ' No, never that, never, never ! Anything rather than j
^ that ! Oh, for some way of escape ! What shall I
do ! (Hall hell rings.) Doctor Rank ! Any-
thing, anything, rather than !
[Nora draws her hands over her face, pulls herself together,
goes to the door and opens it. Rank stands outside
hanging up his fur coat. During what follows it
begins to grow dark.]
Nora. Good afternoon, Doctor Rank. I knew you by
your ring. But you mustn't go to Torvald now. I
believe he's busy.
Rank. And you ? [Enters and closes the door.]
Nora. Oh, you know very well, I have always time
for you.
Rank. Thank you. I shall avail myself of your kind-
ness as long as I can.
Nora. What do you mean ? As long as you can ?
Rank. Yes. Does that frighten you ?
Nora. I think it's an odd expression. Do you expect
anything to happen ?
49
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
I Rank. Something I have long been prepared for ; but
* I didn't think it would come so soon.
Nora (catching at his arm). What have you discovered ?
Doctor Rank, you must tell me !
Rank (sitting down by the stove). I am running down
hill. There's no help for it.
Nora (draws a long breath of relief). It's you ?
Rank. Who else should it be ? — Why He to one's self ?
I am the most wretched of all my patients, Mrs. Helmer.
In these last days I have been auditing my life-account —
bankrupt ! Perhaps before a month is over I shall lie
rotting in the churchyard.
Nora. Oh ! What an ugly way to talk.
Rank. The thing itself is so confoundedly ugly, you
see. But the worst of it is, so many other ugly things
have to be gone through first. There is only one last
investigation to be made, and when that is over I shall
know pretty certainly when the break-up will begin.
j There's one thing I want to say to you : Helmer's
! delicate nature shrinks so from all that is horrible : I
' will not have him in my sick-room
Nora. But, Doctor Rank
Rank. I won't have him, I say — not on any account !
I shall lock my door against him. — As soon as I am quite
certain of the worst, I shall send you my visiting-card
with a black cross on it ; and then you wiU know that
the final horror has begun.
Nora. Why, you're perfectly unreasonable to-day;
, and I did so want you to be in a really good humour.
Jf ^ Rank. With death staring me in the face ? — And to
"^ ** ■ suffer thus for another's sin ! Where's the justice of it ?
*' And in one way or another you can trace in every family
some such inexorable retribution
Nora (stopping her ears). Nonsense, nonsense ! Now
cheer up !
Rank. WeU, after all, the whole thing's only worth
laughing at. My poor innocent spine must do penance
for my father's wild oats.
50
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
Nora {at table, left). I suppose he was too fond of
asparagus and Strasbourg pate, wasn't he ?
Rank. Yes ; and truffles.
Nora. Yes, truffles, to be sure. And oysters, I
beUeve ?
Rank. Yes, oysters ; oysters, of course.
Nora. And then all the port and champagne ! It's
sad that all these good things should attack the spine.
Rank. Especially when the luckless spine attacked
never had any good of them.
Nora. Ah yes, that's the worst of it.
Rank (looks at her searchingly) . H'm
Nora (a moment later). Why did you smile ?
Rank. No ; it was you that laughed.
Nora. No ; it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank.
Rank (standing up). I see you're deeper than I thought.
Nora. I'm in such a crazy mood to-day.
Rank. So it seems.
Nora (with her hands on his shoulders). Dear, dear
Doctor Rank, death shall not take you away from
Torvald and me.
Rank. Oh, you'll easily get over the loss. The absent
are soon forgotten.
Nora (looks at him anxiously). Do you think so ?
Rank. People make fresh ties, and then
Nora. Who make fresh ties ?
Rank. You and Helmer will, when I am gone. You
yourself are taking time by the forelock, it seems to me.
What was that Mrs. Linden doing here yesterday ?
Nora. Oh ! — you're surely not jealous of poor Chris-
tina ?
Rank. Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this
house. When I am out of the way, this woman will
perhaps-
Nora. Hush ! Not so loud ! She's in there.
Rank. To-day as well ? You see !
Nora. Only to put my costume in order — dear me,
how unreasonable you are ! (Sits on sofa. Now do be
51
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
good, Doctor Rank ! To-morrow you shall see how
beautifully I shall dance ; and then you may fancy that
I'm doing it all to please you — and of course Torvald
as well. {Takes various things -out of box.) Doctor
Rank, sit down here, and I'll show you something.
Rank {sitting). What is it ?
Nora. Look here. Look !
Rank. Silk stockings.
Nora. Flesh-coloured. Aren't they lovely? It's so
dark here now ; but to-morrow No, no, no ; you
must only look at the feet. Oh, well, I suppose you
may look at the rest too.
Rank. H'm
Nora. What are you looking so critical about ? Do
you think they won't fit me ?
Rank. I can't possibly give any competent opinion on
that point.
Nora {looking at him a moment). For shame ! {Hits
him lightly on the ear with the stockings.) Take that.
[Rolls them up again.]
Rank. And what other wonders am I to see ?
Nora. You shan't see any more ; for you don't behave
nicely. [She hums a little, and searches among the things.]
Rank {after a short silence). When I sit here gossiping
with you, I can't imagine — I simply cannot conceive —
what would have become of me if I had never entered
this house.
Nora {smiling). Yes, I think you do feel at home
with us.
Rank {more softly — looking straight before him). And
now to have to leave it all
Nora. Nonsense. You shan't leave us.
Rank {in the same tone). And not to be able to leave
behind the slightest token of gratitude ; scarcely even a
passing regret — nothing but an empty place, that can
be filled by the first comer.
Nora. And if I were to ask you for ? No
Rank. For what ?
52
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
Nora. For a great proof of your friendship.
Rank. Yes — yes ?
Nora. I mean — for a very, very great service
Rank. Would you really, for once, make me so
happy ?
Nora. Oh, you don't know what it is.
Rank. Then tell me.
Nora. No, I really can't. Doctor Rank. It's far, far
too much — not only a service, but help and advice
besides
Rank. So much the better. I can't think what you
can mean. But go on. Don't you trust me ?
Nora. As I trust no one else. I know you are my
best and truest friend. So I will tell you. Well then.
Doctor Rank, there is something you must help me
to prevent. You know how deeply, how wonderfully \ /f*^ •
Torvald loves me ; he wouldn't hesitate a moment to ( ''-^^-^^"^^Jw
give his very life for my sake. , ^^^^T
Rank (bending towards her). Nora — do you think he ^ ' '
is the only one who ?
Nora (with a slight start). Who ?
Rank. Who would gladly give his life for you ?
Nora (sadly). Oh !
Rank. I have sworn that you shall know it before I —
go. I shall never find a better opportunity. — Yes, Nora,
now I have told you ; and now you know that you can
trust me as you can no one else.
Nora (standing up ; simply and calmly). Let me pass,
please.
Rank (makes way for her, but remains sitting).
Nora
Nora (in the doorway). Ellen, bring the lamp. (Crosses
to the stove.) Oh dear. Doctor Rank, that was too bad
of you.
Rank (rising). That I have loved you as deeply as —
any one else ? Was that too bad of me ?
Nora. No, but that you should have told me so. It
was so unnecessary
53
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Rank. What do you mean ? Did you know ?
[Ellen enters with the lamp ; sets it on the table and goes out
again."]
Rank. Nora — Mrs. Helmer — I ask you, did you
know ?
Nora. Oh, how can I tell what I knew or didn't know ?
I really can't say How could you be so clumsy,
Doctor Rank ? It was all so nice !
Rank. Well, at any rate, you know now that I am at
your service, body and soul. And now, go on.
Nora (looking at him). Go on — now ?
Rank. I beg you to tell me what you want.
Nora. I can tell you nothing now.
Rank. Yes, yes ! You mustn't punish me in that
way. Let me do for you whatever a man can.
Nora. You can do nothing for me now. — Besides, I
really want no help. You shall see it was only my fancy.
Yes, it must be so. Of course ! (Sits in the rocking-
chair, looks at him and smiles.) You are a nice person,
Doctor Rank ! Aren't you ashamed of yourself, now
that the lamp is on the table ?
Rank. No ; not exactly. But perhaps I ought to go —
for ever.
Nora. No, indeed you mustn't. Of course you must
come and go as you've always done. You know very
well that Torvald can't do without you.
Rank. Yes, but you ?
Nora. Oh, you know I always like to have you here.
Rank. That is just what led me astray. You are a
riddle to me. It has often seemed to me as if you hked
being with me almost as much"asT)eing"wrffi'lTelmer.'
Nora. Yes ; don't you see ? There are people one
loves, and others one likes to talk to.
Rank. Yes — there's something in that.
Nora. When I was a girl, of course I loved papa best.
But it always delighted me to steal into the servants'
room. In the first place, they never lectured me, and, in
the second, it was such fun to hear them talk.
54
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
Rank. Ah, I see ; then it's their place I have taken ?
Nora (jumps up and hurries towards him). Oh, my
dear Doctor Rank, I don't mean that. But you under- /<^ ^^^
stand, with Torvald it's the same as with papa ^^*-^-c ^^*ni*
[Ellen enters from the hall.] -^"^^j^iiT^
Ellen. Please, ma'am «> c^^H^.
[Whispers to Nora, and gives her a card.^
Nora (glancing at card) . Ah ! [Puts it in her pocket.]
Rank. Anything wrong ?
Nora. No, no, not in the least. It's only — it's my
new costume
Rank. Your costume ? Why, it's there.
Nora. Oh, that one, yes. But this is another that — I
have ordered it — Torvald mustn't know
Rank. Aha ! So that's the great secret.
Nora. Yes, of course. Please go to him ; he's in the
inner room. Do keep him while I
Rank. Don't be alarmed ; he shan't escape.
[Goes into Helmer's room.]
Nora (to Ellen). Is he waiting in the kitchen ?
Ellen. Yes, he came up the back stair
Nora. Didn't you tell him I was engaged ?
Ellen. Yes, but it was no use.
Nora. He won't go away ?
Ellen. No, ma'am, not until he has spoken to you.
Nora. Then let him come in ; but quietly. And,
Ellen — say nothing about it ; it's a surprise for my
husband.
Ellen. Oh, yes, ma'am, I understand. [She goes out.]
Nora. It is coming ! The dreadful thing is coming,
after all. No, no, no, it can never be ; it shall not !
[She goes to Helmer's door and slips the holt. Ellen opens
the hall door for Krogstad, and shuts it after him. He
wears a travelling-coat, high boots, and a fur cap.]
Nora (goes towards him). Speak softly; my husband
is at home.
Krogstad. AH right. That's nothing to me.
Nora. What do you want ?
55 3a
Act ii]
A DOLL'S HOUSE
Krogstad. A little information.
Nora. Be quick, then. What is it ?
Krogstad. You know I have got my dismissal ?
Nora. I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought
for you to the last, but it was of no use.
Krogstad. Does your husband care for you so little ?
- He knows what I can bring upon you, and yet he
dares
Nora. How could you think I should tell him ?
^, Krogstad. Well, as a matter of fact, I didn't think it.
^ It wasn'^Jike^mv friend Toryald„Helmer to show so
IT>^ much courage
^ Nora. Mr. Krogstad, be good enough to speak respect-
fully of my husband.
Krogstad. Certainly, with all due respect. But since
you are so anxious to keep the matter secret, I suppose
you are a little clearer than yesterday as to what you
have done.
Nora. Clearer than you could ever make me.
Krogstad. Yes, such a bad lawyer as I
Nora. What is it you want ?
Krogstad. Only to see how you are getting on, Mrs.
Helmer. I've been thinking about you all day. Even
a mere money-lender, a gutter-journaUst. a — in short, a
creature like me — has a little bit of what people call
feehng.
Nora. Then show it ; think of my little children.
Krogstad. Did you and your husband think of mine ?
But enough of that. I only wanted to tell you that you
needn't take this matter too seriously. I shall not
lodge any information, for the present.
Nora. No, surely not. I knew you wouldn't.
Krogstad. The whole thing can be settled quite
amicably. Nobody need know. It can remain among
us three.
Nora. My husband must never know.
Krogstad. How can you prevent it ? Can you pay
off the balance ?
66
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
Nora. No, not at once.
Krogstad. Or have you any means of raising the
money in the next few days ?
Nora. None — that I will make use of.
Krogstad. And if you had, it would not help you now. \
If you offered me ever so much money down, you should I
not get back your I 0 U.
Nora. Tell me what you want to do with it.
Krogstad. I only want to keep it — to have it in my
possession. No outsider shall hear anything of if r^o,
if you have any desperate scheme in your head
Nora. What if I have ?
Krogstad. If you should think of leaving your husband
and children
Nora. What if I do ?
Krogstad. Or if you should think of — something
worse
Nora. How do you know that ?
Krogstad. Put aU that out of your head.
Nora. How did you know what I had in my mind ?
Krogstad. Most of us think of that at first. I thought )
of it, too ; but I hadn't the courage
Nora (tonelessly) . Nor I.
Krogstad (relieved). No, one hasn't. You haven't the
courage either, have you ?
Nora. I haven't, I haven't.
Krogstad. Besides, it would be very fooHsh. — Just one
domestic storm, and it's all over. I have a letter in my
pocket for your husband
Nora. TeUing him everything ?
Krogstad. Sparing you as much as possible.
Nora (quickly). He must never read that letter. Tear
it up. I will manage to get the money somehow
Krogstad. Pardon me, Mrs. Helmer, but I believe
told you
Nora. Oh, I am not talking about the money I owe
you. Tell me how much you demand from my husband
— I wiU get it.
57
:)
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Krogstad. I demand no money from your husband.
Nora. What do you demand then ?
Krogstad. I will tell you. I want to regain my footing
in the world. I want to rise ; and your husband shall
T^elp me to do it. For the last eighteen months my
record has been spotless ; I have been in bitter need all
the time ; but I was content to fight my way up, step
by step. Now, I've been thrust down again, and I will
not be satisfied with merely being reinstated as a matter
of grace. I want to rise, I tell you. I miist get into
( the Bank again, in a higher position than before. Your
husband shall create a place on purpose for me
Nora. He will never do that !
Krogstad. He will do it ; I know him — he won't dare
! to show fight ! And when he and I are together there,
j you shall soon see ! Before a year is out I shall be the
manager's' right hand. It won't be Torvald Helmer,
but Nils Krogstad, that manages the Joint Stock Bank.
Nora. That shall never be. •
jl^^" Krogstad. Perhaps you will ?
A.***' W'" ^^ora. Now I have the courage for it.
^r^> \f^ Krogstad. Oh, you don't frighten me ! A sensitive,
^f^j^^ petted creature like you
' % , y^'Nora. You shall see, you shall see !
\y^ v/^' Krogstad. Under the ice, perhaps ? Down into the
•"V, T' I coM, black water ? And next spring to come up again,
/\^/~ ugly, hairless, unrecognizable
fer
. Nora. You can't terrify me.
-X^ Krogstad. Nor you me. People don't do that sort of
^ thing, Mrs. Helmer. And after all, what would be the
use of it ? I have your husband in my pocket all the
same.
Nora. Afterwards ? When I am no longer ?
Krogstad. You forget, your reputation remains in my
hands ! (Nora stands speechless and looks at him.) Well,
now you are prepared. Do nothing foolisn. As soon as
Helmer has received my letter, I shall expect to hear
from him. And remember that it is your husband him-
58
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
self who has forced me back again into such paths.
That I will never forgive him. Good-bye, Mrs. Helmer.
[Goes out through the hall. Nora hurries to the door, opens
it a little, and listens.']
Nora. He's going. He's not putting the letter into
the box. No, no, it would be impossible ! (Opens the
door farther and farther.) What's that ? He's standing
still ; not going downstairs. Has he changed his mind ?
Is he ? (A letter falls into the box. Krogstad's foot-
steps are heard gradually receding down the stair. Nora
utters a suppressed shriek, and rushes forward towards the
sofa-table ; pause.) In the letter-box ! (Slips shrink-
ingly up to the hall door.) There it Hes. — ^Torvald,
Torvald — now we are lost !
[Mrs. Linden enters from the left with the costume.']
Mrs. Linden. There, I think it's all right now. Shall
we just try it on ?
Nora (hoarsely and softly). Christina, come here.
Mrs. Linden (throws down the dress on the sofa). What's
the matter ? You look quite distracted.
Nora. Come here. Do you see that letter ? There,
see — through the glass of the letter-box.
Mrs. Linden. Yes, yes, I see it.
Nora. That letter is from Krogstad
Mrs. Linden. Nora — it was Krogstad who lent you
the money ?
Nora. Yes ; and now Torvald will know everything.
Mrs. Linden. Believe me, Nora, it's the best thing for
both of you.
Nora. You don't know all yet. I have forged a
name
Mrs. Linden. Good heavens !
Nora. Now, listen to me, Christina ; you shaU bear
me witness
Mrs. Linden. How " witness " ? What am I to ?
Nora. If I should go out of my mind — it might easily
happen
Mrs. Linden. Nora !
59
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. Or if anything else should happen to me — so
that I couldn't be here !
Mrs. Linden. Nora, Nora, you're quite beside yourself !
Nora. In case any one wanted to take it all upon
hmiself — the wh^e "blame— you understand
Mrs. Linden. Yes, yes ; but how can you think ?
Nora. You shall bear witness that it's not true,
Christina. I'm not out of my mind at all ; I know
quite well what I'm saying ; and I tell you nobody else
knew anything about it ; I did the whole thing, I myself.
Remember that.
Mrs. Linden. I shall remember. But I don't under-
stand what you mean
Nora. Oh, how should you ? It's the miracle comings
to pass.
Mrs. Linden. The miracle ? ,
Nora. Yes, the miracle. But it's so terrible, Chris- \
tina ; it mustn't happen for all the world.
Mrs. Linden. I shall go straight to Krogstad and talk
to him.
Nora. Don't ; he'll do you some harm.
Mrs. Linden. Once he would have done anything
for me.
Nora. He ?
MrS: Linden. Where does he live ?
Nora. Oh, how can I tell — ^? Yes {Feels in
her pocket.) Here's his card. But the letter, the
letter !
Helmer (knocking outside). Nora !
Nora (shrieks in terror). Oh, what is it ? What do
you want ?
Helmer. Well, well, don't be frightened. We're not
coming in ; you've bolted the door. Are you trying on
your dress ?
Nora. Yes, yes, I'm trying it on. It suits me so well,
Torvald.
Mrs. Linden (who has read the card). Wliy, he lives
close by here.
60
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
Nora. Yes, but it's no use now. We are lost. The
letter is there in the box.
Mrs. Linden. And your husband has the key ?
Nora. Always.
Mrs. Linden. Krogstad must demand his letter back,
unread. He must find some pretext
Nora. But this is the very time when Torvald gen-
erally
Mrs. Linden. Prevent him. Keep him occupied. I
shall come back as quickly as I can.
[She goes out hastily by the hall door.]
Nora {opens Helmer's door and peeps in). Torvald !
Helmer. Well, may one come into one's own room
again at last ? Come, Rank, we'll have a look
(In the doorway.) But how's this ?
Nora. What, Torvald dear ?
Helmer. Rank led me to expect a grand transfor-
mation.
Rank (in the doorway). So I understood. I suppose I
was mistaken.
Nora. No, no one shall see me in my glory till to-
morrow evening.
Helmer. Why, Nora dear, you look so tired. Have
you been practising too hard ?
Nora. No, I haven't practised at all yet.
Helmer. But you'll have to
Nora. Oh yes, I must, I must ! But, Torvald, I
can't get on at all without your help. I've forgotten
everything.
Helmer. Oh, we shall soon freshen it up again.
Nora. Yes, do help me, Torvald. You must promise
me Oh, I'm so nervous about it. Before so many
people This evening you must give yourself up
entirely to me. You mustn't do a stroke of work ; you
mustn't even touch a pen. Do promise, Torvald dear !
Helmer. I promise. All this evening I shall be your
slave. Little helpless thing ! But, by the bye, I
must just [Going to hall door.]
61
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. What do you want there ?
Helmer. Only to see if there are any letters.
Nora. No, no, don't do that, Torvald.
Helmer. Why not ?
Nora. Torvald, I beg you not to. There are none
there.
Helmer. Let me just see.
[Is going. Nora, at the piano, plays the first bars of the
tarantella.']
Helmer {at the door, stops). Aha !
Nora. I can't dance to-morrow if I don't rehearse
with you first.
Helmer (going to her). Are you really so nervous, dear
Nora ?
Nora. Yes, dreadfully ! Let me rehearse at once.
We have time before dinner. Oh, do sit down and play
for me, Torvald dear ; direct me and put me right, as
you used to do.
Helmer. With all the pleasure in life, since you wish it.
[Sits at the piano. Nora snatches the tambourine out of
the box, and hurriedly drapes herself in a long parti-
coloured shawl ; then, with a bound, stands in the
middle of the floor.]
Nora. Now play for me ! Now Til dance !
[Helmer plays and Nora dances. Rank stands at the piano
behind Helmer and looks on.]
Helmer (playing). Slower ! Slower 1
Nora. Can't do it slower !
Helmer. Not so violently, Nora.
Nora. I must ! I must !
Helmer (stops). No, no, Nora — that will never do.
Nora (laughs and swings her tambourine). Didn't I tell
you so !
Rank. Let me play for her.
Helmer (rising). Yes, do — then I can direct her better.
[Rank sits down to the piano and plays ; Nora dances more
and more wildly. Helmer stands by the stove and
addresses frequent directions to her ; she seems not ta
62
^ ^ nzx^
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act ii
hear. Her hair breaks loose, and falls over her
shoulders. She does not notice it, hut goes on danc-
ing. Mrs. Linden enters, and stands spellbound in
the doorway.']
Mrs. Linden. Ah !
Nora [dancing). We're having such fun here, Chris-
tina !
Helmer. Why, Noradear, you're dancingjas if it were^
a matter of hfe and death.
Nora. So it is.
Helmer. Rank, stop ! This is the merest madness.
Stop, I say !
[Rank stops playing, and Nora comes to a sudden stand-
still.]
Helmer (going towards her). I couldn't have beUeved
it. You've positively forgotten all I taught you.
Nora {throws the tambourine away). You see for your-
self.
Helmer. You really do want teaching.
Nora. Yes, you see how much I need it. You must
practise with me up to the last moment. Will you
promise me, Torvald ?
Helmer. Certainly, certainly.
Nora. Neither to-day nor to-morrow must you think
of anything but me. You mustn't open a single letter —
mustn't look at the letter-box.
Helmer. Ah, you're still afraid of that man
Nora. Oh yes, yes, I am.
Helmer. Nora, I can see it in your face — there's a
letter from him in the box.
Nora. I don't know, I believe so. But you're not to
read anything now ; nothing ugly must come between
us until all is over.
Rank (softly, to Helmer). You mustn't contradict her.
Helmer (putting his arm around her). The child shall
have her own way. But to-morrow night, when the
dance is over
Nora. Then you shall be free.
63
Act II] A DOLL'S HOUSE
[Ellen appears in the doorway, right!]
Ellen. Dinner is on the table, ma'am.
Nora. We'll have some champagne, Ellen.
Ellen. Yes, ma'am. [Goes out.]
Helmer. Dear me ! Quite a banquet.
Nora. Yes, and we'll keep it up tiU morning. (Calling
otd.) And macaroons, Ellen — plenty — just this once.
Helmer {seizing her hand). Come, come, don't let us
have this wild excitement ! Be my own little lark again.
Nora. Oh yes, I will. But now go into the dining-
room ; and you too. Doctor Rank. Christina, you
must help me to do up my hair.
Rank [softly, as they go). There's nothing in the wind ?
Nothing — I mean ?
Helmer. Oh no, nothing of the kind. It's merely this
babyish anxiety I was telling you about.
[They go out to the right.]
Nora. Well?
Mrs. Linden. He's gone out of town.
Nora. I saw it in your face.
Mrs. Linden. He comes back to-morrow evening. I
left a note for him.
Nora. You shouldn't have done that. Things must
take their course. After all, there's something glorious
in waiting for the miracle.
Mrs. Linden. What is it you're waiting for ?
Nora. Oh, you can't understand. Go to them in the
dining-room ; I shall come in a moment.
[Mrs. Linden goes into the dining-room. Nora stands for
a moment as though collecting her thoughts ; then looks
at her watch.]
Nora. Five. Seven hours till midnight. Then
twenty-four hours till the next midnight. Then the
tarantella will be over. Twenty-four and seven ?
Thirty-one hours to live.
[Helmer appears at the door, right.]
Helmer. What has become of my little lark ?
Nora (runs to him with open arms). Here she is I
64
ACT III
The same room. The table, with the chairs around it, in
the middle. A lighted lamp on the table. The door to the
hall stands open. Dance music is heard from the floor above.
Mrs. Linden sitfs by the table and absently turns the
pages of a book. She tries to read, but seems unable to fix
her attention ; she frequently listens, and looks anxiously
towards the hall door.
Mrs. Linden (looks at her watch). Not here yet ; and
the time is nearly up. If only he hasn't [Listens
again.) Ah, there he is. {She goes into the hall and
cautiously opens the outer door ; soft footsteps are heard on
the stairs ; she whispers.) Come in ; there is no one here.
Krogstad (in the doorway). I found a note from you at
my house. What does it mean ?
Mrs. Linden. I m u s t speak to you.
Krogstad. Indeed ? And in this house ?
Mrs. Linden. I could not see you at my rooms. .
They have no separate entrance. Come in ; we are •
quite alone. The servants are asleep, and the Helmers
are at the ball upstairs.
Krogstad (coming into the room). Ah ! So the Helmers
axe dancing this evening ? Really ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes. Why not ?
Krogstad. Quite right. Why not ?
Mrs. Linden. And now let us talk a little.
Krogstad. Have we two anything to say to each other ?
Mrs. Linden. A great deal.
Krogstad. I should not have thought so.
Mrs. Linden. Because you have never really under-
stood me.
65
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Krogstad. What was there to understand ? The most
natural thing in the world — a heartless woman throws a
man over when a better match offers.
Mrs. Linden. Do you really think me so heartless ?
Do you think I broke with you lightly ?
Krogstad. Did you not ?
Mrs. Linden. Do you really think so ?
Krogstad. If not, why did you write me that lettei: ?
Mrs. Linden. Was it not best ? Since I had to break
with you, was it not right that I should try to put an
end to all that you felt for me ?
Krogstad {clenching his hands together). So that was it ?
And all this — for the sake of money !
Mrs. Linden. You ought not to forget that I had a
helpless mother and two little brothers. We could not
wait for you, Nils, as your prospects then stood.
Krogstad. Perhaps not ; but you had no right to
cast me off for the sake of others, whoever the others
might be.
Mrs. Linden. I don't know. I have often asked
myself whether I had the right.
Krogstad (more softly). When I had lost you, I seemed
to have no firm ground left imder my feet. Look at me
now. I am a shipwrecked man, clinging to a spar.
Mrs. Linden. Rescue may be at hand.
Krogstad. It was at hand; but then you came and
stood in the way.
Mrs. Linden. Without my knowledge. Nils. I did not
know till to-day that it was you I was to replace in the
Bank.
Krogstad. Well, I take your word for it. But now
that you do know, do you mean to give way ?
Mrs. Linden. No, for that would not help you in
the least.
Krogsiad. Oh, help, help ! I should do it whether
or no.
Mrs. Linden. I have learnt prudence. Life and bitter
necessity have schooled me.
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
Krogstad. And life has taught me not to trust fine
speeches.
Mrs. Linden. Then Hfe has taught you a very sensible
thing. But deeds you will trust ?
Krogstad. What do you mean ?
Mrs. Linden. You said you were a shipwrecked man,
cUnging to a spar.
Krogstad. I have good reason to say so.
Mrs. Linden. I too am shipwrecked, and clinging to
a spar. I have no one to mourn for, no one to care for.
Krogstad. You made your own choice.
Mrs. Linden. No choice was left me.
Krogstad. Well, what then ?
Mrs. Linden. Nils, how if we two shipwrecked people
could join hands ?
Krogstad. What !
Mrs. Linden. Twq on a raft have a better chance than
if each clings to a separate spar.
Krogstad. Christina !
Mrs. Linden. What do you think brought me to town ?
Krogstad. Had you any thought of me ?
Mrs. Linden. I must have work or I can't bear to live.
All my life, as long as I can remember, I have worked ;
work has been my one great joy. Now I stand quite
alone in the world, aimless and forlorn. There is no
happiness in working for one's self. Nils, give me some-,
body and something to work for.
Krogstad. I cannot believe in all this. It is simply a
woman's romantic craving for self-sacrifice.
Mrs. Linden. Have you ever found me romantic ?
Krogstad. Would you really ? Tell me : do you
know all my past ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes.
Krogstad. And do you know what people say of me ?
Mrs. Linden. Did you not say just now that with me
you could have been another man ?
Krogstad. I am sure of it.
Mrs. Linden. Is it too late ?
67
Act hi] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Krogstad. Christina, do you know what you are
doing ? Yes, you do ; I see it in your face. Have you
the courage then ?
Mrs. Linden. I need some one to be a mother to, and
your children need a mother. You need me, and I — I
need you. Nils, I believe in your better self. With you
I fear nothing.
Krogstad {seizing her hands). Thank you — thank you,
Christina. Now I shall make others see me as you do. —
Ah, I forgot
Mrs. Linden (listening) . Hush ! The tarantella ! Go !
go!
Krogstad. Why ? What is it ?
Mrs. Linden. Don't you hear the dancing overhead ?
As soon as that is over they will be here.
Krogstad. Oh yes, I shall go. Nothing will come of
this, after all. Of course, you don't know' the step I
have taken against the Helmers.
Mrs. Linden. Yes, Nils, I do know.
Krogstad. And yet you have the courage to ?
Mrs. Linden. I know to what lengths despair can
drive a man.
Krogstad. Oh, if I could only undo it !
Mrs. Linden. You could. Your letter is still in the
box.
Krogstad. Are you sure ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes ; but •
Krogstad {looking at her searchingly) . Is that what it
all means ? You want to save your friend at any price.
Say it out — is that your idea ?
Mrs. Linden. Nils, a woman who has once sold herself
for the sake of others, does not do so again.
Krogstad. I shall demand my letter back again.
Mrs. Linden. No, no.
Krogstad. Yes, of course. I shall wait till Helmer
comes ; I shall tdl him to give it back to me — that it's
only about my dismissal — that I don't want it read
Mrs. Linden. No, Nils, you must not recall the letter.
68
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
Krogstad. But tell me, wasn't that just why you got
me to come here ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes, in my first alarm. But a day has
passed since then, and in that day I have seen incredible
things in this house. g|^]rT.^t- t^^cf Vr^r^^^r ^.^j^^^^Wi^'^r ',
thej[;gjaus^ig^jy;^fld,Jj3aiyiJSJU^^
two must come to a full understanding. XheizL-miist
,tikVar.r.s,rjlViMilillKaiTg5fgPWAJJH.M-4H
^( Krogstad. Very well, if you like to risk it. But one
\y ' .^"t''*^^ thing I can do, and at once
P^^r^^/ Mrs. Linden (listening). Make haste ! Go, go ! The
^*^j^ dance is over ; we're not safe another moment.
^^ Krogstad. I shall wait for you in the street.
Mrs. Linden, Yes, do ; you must see me home.
Krogstad. I never was so happy in all my Ufe !
[Krogstad goes out by the outer door. The door between the
room and the hall remains open.]
Mrs. Linden {arranging the room and getting her outdoor
things together). What a change ! What a change ! To
have some one to w6rk for, to live for ; a home to make
happy ! Well, it shall not be my fault if I fail. — I wish
they would come. — (Listens.) Ah, here^ they are ! I
must get my things on.
[Takes bonnet and cloak. Helmer's and Nora's voices are
heard outside, a key is iurned in the lock, and Helmer
drags Nora almost by force into the hall. She wears the
Italian costume with a large black shawl over it. He
is in evening dress, and wears a black domino, open.]
Nora (struggling with him in the doorway). No, no, no !
I won't go in ! I want to go upstairs again ; I don't
want to leave so early !
Helmer. But, my dearest girl !
Nora. Oh, please, please, Torvald, I beseech you —
only one hour more ! ,
Helmer. Not one minute more, Nora dear ; you know
what we agreed. Come, come in ; you're catching cold
here.
[He leads her gently into the room in spite of her resistance.^
69
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Mrs. Linden. Good-evening.
Nora. Christina !
Helmer. What, Mrs. Linden ! You here so late ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes, I ought to apologize. I did so
want to see Nora in her costume.
Nora. Have you been sitting here waiting for me ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes ; unfortunately I came too late.
You had gone upstairs already, and I felt I couldn't go
away without seeing you.
Helmer (taking Noras shawl off). Well then, just look
at her ! I assure you she's worth it. Isn't she lovely,
Mrs. Linden ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes, I must say
Helmer. Isn't she exquisite ? Every one said so.
But she's dreadfully obstinate, dear little creature.
What's to be done with her ? Just think, I had almost
to force her away.
Nora. Oh, Torvald, you'll be sorry some day that
you didn't let me stay, if only for one half-hour more.
Helmer. There ! You hear her, Mrs. Linden ? She
dances her tarantella with wild applause, and well she
deserved it, I must say — though there was, perhaps, a
little too much nature in her rendering of the idea —
more than was, strictly speaking, artistic. But never
mind — the point is, she made a great success, a tre-
mendous success. Was I to let her remain after that —
to weaken the impression ? Not if I know it. I took
my sweet Mttle Capri girl — my capricious little Capri
girl, I might say — under my arm ; a rapid turn round
the room, a curtsey to all sides, and — as they say in
novels — the lovely apparition vanished ! An exit should
always be effective, Mrs. Linden ; but I can't get Nora
to see it. By Jove ! it's warm here. (Throws his
domino on a chair and opens the door to his room.) What !
No light there ? Oh, of course. Excuse me
[Goes in and lights candles.]
Nora (whispers breathlessly). Well ?
Mrs, Linden (softly). I've spoken to him.
70
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
Nora. And ?
Mrs. Linden. Nora — you must tell your husband
everything
Nora {tonelessly) . 1 knew it !
Mrs. Linden. You have nothing to fear from Krogstad ;
but you must speak out.
Nora. I shall not speak.
Mrs. Linden. Then the letter will.
Nora. Thank you, Christina. ^(^"^ T kno\Y what I
]^^vp to An Hush !
Helmer (coming hack). Well, Mrs. Linden, have you
admired her ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes ; and now I must say good-night.
Helmer. What, already ? Does this knitting belong
to you ?
Mrs. Linden [takes it). Yes, thanks; I was nearly
forgetting it.
Helmer. Then you do knit ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes.
Helmer. Do you know, you ought to embroider in-
stead ?
Mrs. Linden. Indeed ! Why ?
Helmer. Because it's so much prettier. Look now !
You hold the embroidery in the left hand so, and then
work the needle with the right hand, in a long, graceful
curve — don't you ?
Mrs. Linden. Yes, I suppose so.
Helmer. But knitting is always ugly. Just look —
your arms close to your sides, and the needles going up
and down — there's something Chinese about it. — They
really gave us splendid champagne to-night.
Mrs. Linden. Well, good-night, Nora, and don't be
obstinate any more.
Helmer. Well said, Mrs. Linden !
Mrs. Linden. Good-night, Mr. Helmer.
Helmer {accompanying her to the door). Good-night,
good-night ; I hope you'll get safely home. I should
be glad to — but you have such a short way to go.
71
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Good-night, good-night. {She goes ; Helmer shuts the
door after her, and comes forward again.) At last we've
got rid of her : she's a terrible bore.
Nora. Aren't you very tired, Torvald ?
Helmer. No, not in the least.
Nora. Nor sleepy ?
Helmer. Not a bit, I feel particularly lively. But
you ? You do look tired and sleepy.
Nora. Yes, very tired. I shall soon sleep now.
Helmer. There, you see. I was right after all not to
let you stay longer.
Nora. Oh, everything you do is right.
Helmer {M'sstngJier forehead). Now my lark is speaking
like a reasonable being. Did you notice how jolly Rank
was this evening ?
Nora. Indeed ? Was he ? i had no chance of speak-
ing to him.
Helmer. Nor I, much ; but I haven't seen him in such
good spirits for a long time. (Looks at Nora a little, then
comes nearer her.) It's splendid to be back in our own
home, to be quite alone together ! — Oh, you enchanting
creature !
Nora. Don't look at me in that way, Torvald.
Helmer. I am not to look at my dearest treasure ? — at
all the loveliness that is mine, mine only, wholly and
'entirely mine ?
Nora (goes to the other side of the table). You mustn't
say these things to me this evening.
Helmer (following). I see you have the tarantella still
in your blood — and that makes you all the more en-
ticing. Listen ! the other people are going now. (More
softly.) Nora — soon the whole house will be still.
Nora. Yes, I hope so.
Helmer. Yes, don't you, Nora darling ! When we are
among strangers, do you know why I speak so little to
you, and keep so far away, and only steal a glance at
you now and then — do you know why I do it ? Because
I am fancying that we love each other in secret, that I
72
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
am secretly betrothed to you, and that no one dreams
that there is anything between us.
Nora. Yes, yes, yes. I know all your thoughts are
with me.
Helmer. And then, when the time comes to go, and I
put the shawl about your smooth, soft shoulders, and
this glorious neck of yours, I imagine you are my bride,
that our marriage is just over, that I am bringing you
for the first time to my home — that I am alone with you
for the first time — quite alone with you, in your trem-
bling loveliness ! All this evening I have been longing
for you, and you only. When I watched you swajdng
and whirling in the tarantella — my blood boiled — ^I
could endure it no longer ; and that's why I made you
come home with me so early
Nora. Go now, Torvald ! Go away from me, I
won't have all this.
Helmer. What do you mean ? Ah, I see you're
teasing me, little Nora ! Won't — won't ! Am I not
your husband ? [A knock at the outer door.]
Nora {starts). Did you hear ?
Helmer {going towards the hall). Who's there ?
Rank {outside). It is I ; may I come in for a moment ?
Helmer {in a low tone, annoyed). Oh ! what can he
want just now ? {Aloud.) Wait a moment. {Opens
door.) Come, it's nice of you to look in.
Rank. I thought I heard your voice, and that put it
into my head. {Looks round.) Ah, this dear old place !
How cosy you two are here !
Helmer. You seemed to find it pleasant enough up-
stairs, too.
Rank. Exceedingly. Why not ? Why shouldn't one
take one's share of everything in this world ? All one
can, at least, and as long as one can. The wine was
splendid
Helmer. Especially the champagne.
Rank. Did you notice it ? It's incredible the quan-
tity I contrived to get down.
73
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. Torvald drank plenty of champagne, too.
Rank. Did he?
Nora. Yes, and it always puts him in such spirits.
Rank. Well, why shouldn't one have a jolly evening
after a well-spent day ?
Helmer. Well spent ! Well, I haven't much to boast
of in that respect.
Rank (slapping him on the shoulder). But I have,
don't you see ?
Nora. I suppose you have been engaged in a scientific
investigation, Doctor Rank ?
Rank. Quite right.
^ Helmer. Bless me! Little Nora talking about scientific
• J ' investigations i
^' ' Nora. Am I to congratulate you on the result ?
Rank. By all means.
Nora. It was good, then ?
Rank. The best possible, both for doctor and patient
— certainty.
Nora {quickly and searchingly) . Certainty ?
Rank. Absolute certainty. Wasn't I right to enjoy
myself after that ?
Nora. Yes, quite right, Doctor Rank.
Helmer. And so say I, provided you don't have to pay
for it to-morrow.
Rank. Well, in this life nothing is to be had for nothing.
Nora. Doctor Rank — I'm sure you are very fond of
masquerades ?
Rank. Yes, when there are plenty of amusing dis-
guises
Nora. Tell me, what shall we two be at our next
masquerade ?
Helmer. Little featherbrain ! Thinking of your next
already !
Rank. We two ? I'll tell you. You must go as a
good fairy.
Helmer. Ah, but what costume would indicate that?
Rank. She has simply to wear her everyday dress.
74
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
Helmer. Capital ! But don't you know what you will
be yourself ?
Rank. Yes, my dear friend, I am perfectly clear upon
that point.
Helmer. Well?
Rank. At the next masquerade I shall be invisible.
Helmer. What a comical idea !
Rank. There's a big black hat — haven't you heard of
the invisible hat ? It comes down all over you, and
then no one can see you.
Helmer (with a suppressed smile). No, you're right there.
Rank. But I'm quite forgetting what I came for.
Helmer, give me a cigar — one of the dark Havanas.
Helmer. With the greatest pleasure.
[Hands cigar-case.']
Rank (takes one and cuts the end off). Thank you.
Nora (striking a wax match). Let me give you a light.
Rank. A thousand thanks.
[She holds the match. He lights his cigar at it.l
Rank. And now, good-bye !
Helmer. Good-bye, good-bye, my dear fellow.
Nora. Sleep well, Doctor Rank.
Rank. Thanks for the wish.
Nora. Wish me the same.
Rank. You ? Very well, since you ask me — Sleep
well. And thanks for the hght.
[He nods to them both and goes out.]
Helmer (in an undertone). He's been drinking a good
deal.
Nora (absently). I daresay. (Helmer takes his bunch
of keys from his pocket and goes into the hall.) Torvald,
what are you doing there ?
Helmer. I must empty the letter-box ; it's quite full ;
there will be no room for the newspapers to-morrow
morning.
Nora. Are you going to work to-night ?
Helmer. You know very well I am not. — Why, how
is this ? Some one has been at the lock.
75
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. The lock ?
Helmer. I'm sure of it. What does it mean ? I
can't think that the servants ? Heme's a broken
hairpin. Nora, it's one of yours.
Nora {quickly). It must have been the children
Helmer. Then you must break them of such tricks.
— ^There ! At last I've got it open. (Takes contents out
and calls into the kitchen.) Ellen ! — Ellen, just put the
hall door lamp out.
[He returns with letters in his hand, and shuts the inner
door.]
Helmer. Just see how they've accumulated. {Turning
them over.) Why, what's this ?
Nora {at the window). The letter ! Oh no, no, Tor-
vald!
Helmer. Two visiting-cards — from Rank.
Nora. From Doctor Rank ?
Helmer {looking at them). Doctor Rank. They were
on the top. He must just have put them in.
Nora. Is there anything on them ?
Helmer. There's a black cross over the name. Look
at it. What an unpleasant idea ! It looks just as if he
were announcing his own death.
Nora. So he is.
Helmer. What ! Do you know anything ? Has he
told you anything ?
Nora. Yes. These cards mean that he has taken his
last leave of us. He is going to shut himself up and die.
Helmer. Poor fellow ! Of course I knew we couldn't
hope to keep him long. But so soon ! And to go
and creep into his lair Hke a wounded animal
Nora. When we must go, it is best to go silently.
Don't you think so, Torvald ?
Helmer {walking up and down). He had so grown into
our lives, I can't reahze that he is gone. He and his
sufferings and his loneliness formed a sort of cloudy
background to the sunshine of our happiness. — Well,
perhaps it's best as it is — at any rate for him. {Stands
76
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
still.) And perhaps for us too, Nora. Now we two are
thrown entirely upon each other. ( Takes her in his arms.)
My darhng wife ! I feel as if I could never hold you close
enough. Do you know, Nora, I often wish some danger
might threaten you, that I might risk body and soul, axui
everything, everything, for your dear sake.
'Nora (tears herself from him, and says firmly). Now
you shall read your letters, Torvald. A*
Helmer. No, no ; not to-night. I want to be with
you, my sweet wife.
Nora. With the thought of your dying friend ?
Helmer. You are right. This has shaken us both.
Unloveliness has come between us — thoughts of death
and decay. We must seek to cast them off. Till then —
we will remain apart.
Nora {her arms round his neck). Torvald! Good-
night ! good-night !
Helmer (kissing her forehead). Good-night, my little
song-bird. Sleep well, Nora. Now I shall go and read
my letters.
[He goes with the letters in his hand into his room and shuts
the door.]
Nora (with wild eyes, gropes about her, seizes Helmer's
domino, throws it round her, and whispers quickly,
hoarsely, and brokenly). Never to see him again. Never,
never, never. (Throws her shawl over her head.) Never
to see the children again. Never, never. — Oh, that
black, icy water ! Oh, that bottomless ! If it were
only over ! Now he has it ; he's reading it. Oh, no,
no, no, not yet. Torvald, good-bye- ! Good-bye,
my little ones— — !
[She is rushing out by the hall ; at the same moment Helmer
flings his door open, and stands there with an open
letter in his hand.]
Helmer. Nora !
Nora (shrieks). Ah !
Helmer. What is this ? Do you know what is in this
letter ?
77
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. Yes, I know. Let me go ! Let me pass !
Helmer (holds her hack). Where do you want to go ?
ISIora (tries to break away from him). You shall not
save me, Torvald.
Helmer (falling hack). True ! Is what he writes true ?
No, no, it is impossible that this can be true.
Nora. It is true. I have loved you beyond all else in
the world.
Helmer. Pshaw — no siUy evasions !
Nora (a step nearer him). Torvald !
Helmer. Wretched woman — what have you done !
Nora. Let me go — you shall not save me ! You shall
not take my guilt upon yourself !
Helmer. I don't want any melodramatic airs. (Locks
the outer door.) Here you shall stay and give an account
of yourself. Do you understand what you have done ?
Answer ! Do you understand it ?
Nora (looks at him fixedly, and says with a stiffening
expression). Yes ; now I begin fully to understand it.
Helmer (walking up and down). Oh ! what an awful
awakening ! During aU these eight years — she who was
my pride and my joy — a hypocrite, a liar — worse, worse
— ^a criminal. Oh, the unfathomable hideousness of it
aUl Ugh! Ugh!
^\Nora says nothing, and continues to look fixedly at
him.]
Helmer. I ought to have known how it would be. I
ought to have foreseen it. All your father's want of
principle— be silent ! — all your father's want of principle
you have inherited — no religion, no morality, no sense
ofduty. How I arn punlshfed lor screening him ! I
diH It lor your sake ; and you reward me Uke this.
Nora. Yes — like this !
Helmer. You have destroyed my whole happiness.
You have ruined my future. Oh, it's frightful to think
of ! I am in the power of a scoundrel ; he can do what-
ever he pleases with me, demand whatever he chooses ;
he can domineer over me as much as he hkes, and I must
78
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
submit. And all this disaster and ruin is brought upon
me by an unprincipled woman !
Nora. When I am out of the world you will be free.
Helmer. Oh, no fine phrases. Your father, too, was
always ready with them. What good would it do me,
if you were " out of the world," as you say ? No good
whatever ! He can publish the story all the same ; I
might even be suspected of collusion. People will think
I was at the bottom of it all and egged you on. And
for all this I have you to thank — you whom I have done
nothing but pet and spoil during our whole married hfe.
Do you understand now what you have done to me ?
Nora {with cold calmness). Yes.
Helmer. The thing is so incredible, I can't grasp it.
But we must come to an understanding. Take that
shawl off. Take it off, I say ! I must try to pacify him
in one way or another — the matter must be hushed up,
cost what it may. — As for you and me, we must make
no outward change in our way of hfe — no outward
change, you understand. Of course, you will continue
to hve here. But the children cannot be left in your
care. I dare not trust them to you. — Oh, to have
to say this to one I have loved so tenderly — whom
I stiU ! But that must be a thing of the past.
Henceforward there can be no question of happiness,
but merely of saving the ruins, the shreds, the show
[A ring ; Helmer starts.) What's that ? So late ! Can
it be the worst? Can he ? Hide yourself, Nora;
say you are ill.
[A^ora stands motionless. Helmer goes to the door and
opens it.']
Ellen {half dressed, in the hall). Here is a letter for you,
ma'am.
Helmer. Give it to me. (Seises the letter and shuts the
door.) Yes, from him. You shall not have it. I shall
read it.
Nora. Read it !
Helmer {by the lamp). I have hardly the courage to.
79 4
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
We may both be lost, both you and L Ah! I must
know. {Hastily tears the letter open ; reads a few lines,
looks at an enclosure ; with a cry of joy.) Mora !
[Nora looks inquiringly at him.]
Helmer. Nora ! — Oh ! I must read it again. — Yes, yes,
it is so. I am saved ! Nora, I am saved !
Nora. 'And I ?
Helmer. You too, of course ; we are both saved, both
of us. Look here — he sends you back your promissory
note. He writes that he regrets and apologizes, that a
happy turn in his life Oh, what matter what he
writes. We are saved, Nora ! No one can harm you.
Oh, Nora, Nora ; but first to get rid of this hateful
thing. I'll just see {Glances at the lOU.) No,
I wiUjnO-L look at it i_the_whole thinc^ shall be nothing
but_a dream t<7 Vf\? (fears thTTTTU and both letters in
'piecesT^Throws them into the fire and watches them hum.)
There ! it's gone ! — He said that ever since Christmas
Eve Oh, Nora, they must have been three terrible
days for you !
Nora. I have fought a hard fight for the last three
days.
Helmer. And in your agony you saw no other outlet
but No ; we won't think of that horror. We will
only rejoice and repeat — it's over, all over ! Don't you
hear, Nora ? You don't seem able to grasp it. Yes,
it's over. What is this set look on your face ? Oh, my
poor Nora, I understand ; you cannot believe that I
have forgiven you. But I have, Nora ; I swear it. I-
have forgiven everything. I know that what you did
was all for love of me.
Nora. That is true.
Helmer. You loved me as a wife should love her
husband. It was only the means that, in your inex-
perience, you misjudged. But do you think I love you
the less because you cannot do without guidance ? No,
no. Only lean on me ; I will counsel you, and guide
you. I should be no true man if this very womanly
80
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
helplessness did not make you doubly dear in my eyes.
You mustn't dwell upon the hard things I said in my
first moment of terror, when the world seemed to be
tumbling about my ears. I have forgiven you, Nora —
I swear I have forgiven you.
Nora. I thank you for your forgiveness.
[Goes out, to the right.']
Helmer. No, stay ! (Looking through the doorway.)
What are you going to do ?
Nora (inside). To take off my masquerade dress.
Helmer (in the doorway). Yes, do, dear. Try to calm
down, and recover your balance, my scared little song-
bird. You may rest secure. L have broad wings to
shield you. (Walking up and down near the door.) Oh,
how lovely — how cosy our home is, Nora ! Here you
are safe ; here J can shelter you like a hunted dove
whom I have saved from the claws of the hawk. JLshall
soon bnng your poor beating heart to rest ; believe me,
Nora, very soon. To-morrow all this will seem quite
different — everything will be as before. JLshall not need
to tell you again that J forgive you ; you will feel for
yourself that it is true. How could you think I could
find it in my heart to drive you away, or even so much
as to reproach you ? Oh, you don't know a true man's
heart, Nora. There is^^sornething indescribably sweet
and soothing to a man in having^ forgiven his _ wife —
honestly forgiven " her, ffonnHe bottom of his heart.
She become'This property in a double sense. She is as
though born again ; she has become, so to speak, at
once his wife and his child. That is what you shall
henceforth be to me, my bewildered, helpless darling.
Don't be troubled about anything, Nora ; only open
your heact to me, and I will be both will and conscience
to you. (Nora enters in everyday dress.) Why, what's
this ? Not gone to bed ? You have changed your
dress ?
Nora. Yes, Torvald ; now I have changed my dress.
Helmer, But why now, so late ?
81
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. I shall not sleep to-night.
Helmer. But, Nora dear
Nora {looking at her watch). It's not so late yet. Sit
down, Torvald ; you and I have much to say to each
other. [She sits at one side of the table.]
Helmer. Nora — what does this mean ? Your cold, set
face
Nora. Sit down. It will take some time. I have
much to talk over with you.
[Helmer sits at the other side of the table.']
Helmer. You alarm me, Nora. I don't understand you.
Nora. No, that is just it. You don't understand me ;
and I have never understood you — till to-night. No,
don't interrupt. Only listen to what I say. — We must
come to a final settlement, Torvald.
Helmer. How do you mean ?
Nora {after a short silence). Does not one thing strike
you as we sit here ?
Helmer. What should strike me ?
Nora. We have been married eight years. Does it
not strike you that this is the first time we two, you
and I, man and wife, have talked together seriously ?
Helmer. Seriously ! What do you call seriously ?
Nora. During eight whole years, and more — ever since
the day we first met — we have never exchanged one
serious word about serious things.
Helpter. Was I always to trouble you with the cares
you could not help me to bear ?
Nora. I am not talking of cares. I say that we have
never yet set ourselves seriously to get to the bottom of
anything.
Helmer. Why, my dearest Nora, what have you to do
with serious things ?
Nora. There we have it ! You have never understood
me. — I have_had_great injustice done me, Torvald ; first
by father, and then by you. '
Helmer. What ! By your father and me ? — By us,
who have loved you more than all the world ?
82
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
Nora [shaking her head). You have never loved me._
You_only J^honght it amusing to be in love wi^h me.
' Helmer. AYEy, Nbra, what a thing to say !
Nora. Yes, it is so, Torvald. While I was at home
with father, he used to tell me all his opinions, and I \
held the same opinions. If I had others I said nothing I
about them, because he wouldn't have liked it. He .
used to call me his doll-child, and played with me as I j
played with my dolls. Then I came to hve in your '
house
Helmer. What an expression to use about our mar-
riage !
Nora {undisturbed). I mean I passed from father's ^
hands into yours. You arranged everything according
to your taste ; and I got the same tastes as you ; or I
pretended to — I don't know which — both ways, perhaps ;
sometimes one and sometimes the other. When I look
back on it now, I seem to have been living here like a
beggar, from hand to mouth. I lived by performing
tricks for you, Torvald. But you would have it so.
You and father have done me a great wrong. It is your
fault that my life has come to nothing.
Helmer. Why, Nora, how unreasonable and ungrateful
you are ! Have you not been happy here ?
Nora. No, never. I thought I was ; but I never was. ^
Helmer. Not — not happy ! / H'^^^.^j^
Nora. No ; only merry. And you have always been -^ft
so kind to me. But our house has been nothing but a
playroom. Here I have been your doll- wife, just as at
home I used to be papa's doll-child. And the children,
in their turn, have been my dolls. I thought it fun
when you played with me, just as the children did when
I played with them. That has been our marriage,
Torvald.
Helmer. There is some truth in what yousay^. exa^
gerated and overstramed~ though It be. But henceforth
it shall be different. Playtime is over ; now comes the
time for education.
83
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
Nora. Whose education ? Mine, or the children's ?
Helmer. Both, my dear Nora.
Nora. Oh, Torvald, you are not the man tO_,tgaclumfc
to be a fit wife for you.
"Helmer. And you can say that ?
Nora. And I — how have I prepared myself to educate
the children ?
Helmer. Nora !
Nora. Did you not say yourself, a few minutes ago,
you dared not trust them to me ?
Helmer. In the excitement of the moment ! Why
should you dwell upon that ?
Nora. No — you were perfectly right. That problem
is beyond me. There is another to be solved first — I
must try to educate myself. You are not the man to
help me m that. I must set about it alone. And that
is why I am leaving you.
Helmer {jumping up) . What — do you mean to say ?
Nora. I must stand quite alone if I am ever to
know myself and my surroundings; so I cannot stay
with you.
Helmer. Nora ! Nora !
Nora. I am going at once. 1 daresay Christina will
take me in for to-night
Helmer. You are mad ! I shall not allow it ! I
forbid it !
Nora. It is of no use your forbidding me anything
now. I shall take with me what belongs to me. From
you I will accept nothing, either now or afterwards.
Helmer. What madness is this !
Nora. To-morrow I shall go home — I mean to what
was my home. It will be easier for me to find some
opening there.
Helmer. Oh, in your blind inexperience
Nora. I must try to g a i n experience, Torvald.
Helmer. To forsake your home, your husband, and
your children 1 And you don't consider what the world
will say !
84
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
Nora. I can pay no heed to that. I only know that I
must do it.
Helmer. This is monstrous ! Can you forsake your
hoUest duties in this way ?
Nora. What do you consider my hoUest duties ?
Helmer. Do I need to tell you that ? Your duties to
your husband and your children.
Nora. I have other duties equally sacred.
Helmer. Impossible ! What duties do you mean ?
Nora. My duties towards myself.
Helmer. Before all else you are a wife and a mother.
Nora. That I no longer believe. I believe that before
all else I am a human being, just as much as you are —
or at least that I should try to become one. I know
that most people agree with you, Torvald, and that they
say so in books. But henceforth I can't be satisfied
with what most people say, and v/hat is in books. I
must think things out for myself, and try to get clear
about them.
Helmer. Are you not clear about your place in your
own home ? Have you not an infallible guide in ques-
tions like these ? Have you not rehgion ?
Nora. Oh, Torvald, I don't really know what reli-
gion is.
Helmer. What do you mean ?
Nora. I know nothing but what Pastor Hansen told
me when I was confirmed. He explained that religion
was this and that. When I get away from all this and
stand alone, I will look into that matter too. I will see
whether what he taught me is right, or, at any rate,
whether it is right for me.
Helmer. Oh, this is unheard of ! And from so young
a woman ! But if religion cannot keep you right, let
me appeal to your conscience — for I suppose you have
some moral feeling ? Or, answer me : perhaps you
have none ?
Nora. Well, Torvald, it's not easy to say. I really
don't know — I am all at sea about these things. I only
85
Act III] A DOLL'S HOUSE
know that I think quite differently from you about
them. I hear, too, that the laws are different from
what I thought ; but I can't believe that they can be
right. It appears that a woman has no right to spare
her dying father, or to save her husband's life ! I don't
believe that.
Helmer. You talk like a child. You don't understand
the society in which you hve.
Nora. No, I do not. But now I shall try to learn.
I Qiust make up my..mind,which_jsxight:rrrsaci£ity-.Qr.X
Helmer. Nora, you are ill ; you are feverish ; I almost
think you are out of your senses.
Nora. I have never felt so much clearness and cer-
tainty as to-night
Helmer, You are clear and certain enough to forsake
husband and children ?
Nora. Yes, I am.
Helmer. Then there is onlv one explanation possible.
Nora. What is that ?
Helmer. You no longer love me.
Nora. No ; that is just it.
Helmer. Nora ! — Can you say so !
Nora. Oh, I'm so sorry, Torvald ; for you've always
been so kind to me. But I can't help it. I do not love
you any longer.
Helmer {mastering himself with difficulty). Are you
clear and certain on this point too ?
Nora. Yes, quite. That is why I will not stay here
any longer.
Helmer. And can you also make clear to me how I
have forfeited your love ?
Nora. Yes, I can. It was this evening, when the
miracle did not happen ; for then I saw you were not
the man I had imagined.
Helmer. Explain yourself more clearly ; I don't
understand.
Nora. I have waited so patiently all these eight years ;
for of course I saw clearly enough that miracles don't
86
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
happen every day. \\^en this crushing blow threatened
me, I said to myself so confidently, *' Now comes _the
miracle ! " When Krogstad's letter lay in the box, it >
never for a moment occurred to me that you would
think of submitting to that man's conditions. I was
convinced that you would say to him, " Make it known
to all the world ; " and that then
Helmer. Well ? When I had given my own wife's
name up to disgrace and shame -}
Nora. Then I firmly beheved that you would come
forward, take everything upon yourself, and say, " I am
the guilty one."
Helmer. Nora !
Nora. You mean I would never have accepted such
a sacrifice? No, certainly not. But what would my
assertions have been worth in opposition to yours ? — '
That was the miracle that I hoped for and dreaded?
And it was to hinder that that I wanted to die.
Helmer. I would gladly work for you day and night,
Nora — bear sorrow and want for your sake. But no_|/ .
man sacrifices his honour, even for one he loves. y-r^
'~Nora. Millions of women have done so. *^^
Helmer. Oh, you think and talk like a silly child.
Nora. Very likely. But you neither think nor talk;!
Hke the man I can share my life with. When your.i
terror was over — not for what threatened me, but for
yourself — when there was nothing more to fear — then it
seemed to you as though nothing had happened. I was
your lark again, your doll, just as before — whom you
would take twice as much care of in future, because
she was so weak and fragile. {Stands up.) Torvald — in
that moment it burst upon me that I had been Hving
here these eight years with a strange man, and had
borne him three children. — Oh, I can't bear to think of
it ! I could tear myself to pieces !
Helmer {sadly). I see it, I see it ; an abyss has opened
between us. — But, Nora, can it never be filled up ?
Nora. As I now anCi, I am no wife for you.
87 4«
Act III]
A DOLL'S HOUSE
Helmer. I have strength to become another man.
Nora. Perhaps— when your doll is taken away from you.
Helmer. To part — to part from you ! No, Nora, no ;
I can't grasp the thought.
Nora {going into the room on the right). The more
reason for the thing to happen.
[She comes back with outdoor things and a small travelling-
hag, which she places on a chair.']
Helmer. Nora, Nora, not now ! Wait till to-morrow.
Nora (putting on cloak). I can't spend the night in a
strange man's house.
Helmer. But can we not live here, as brother and
sister ?
Nora (fastening her hat). You know very well that
wouldn't last long. (Puts on the shawl.) Good-bye,
Torvald. No, I won't go to the children. I know they
are in better hands than mine. As I now am, I can be
nothing to them.
Helmer. But some time, Nora — some time ?
Nora. How can I tell ? I have no idea what will
become of me.
Helmer. But you are my wife, now and always !
Nora. Listen, Torvald — when a wife leaves her hus-
band's house, as I am doing, I have heard that in the
' eyes of the law he is free from all duties towards her.
At any rate I release you from all duties. You must
not feel yourself bound, any more than I shall. There
must be perfect freedom on both sides. There, I give
you back your ring. Give me mine.
Helmer. That too ?
Nora. That too.
Helmer. Here it is.
Nora. Very well. Now it is all over. I lay the keys
here. The servants know about everything in the
house — better than I do. To-morrow, when I have
started, Christina will come to pack up the things I
brought with me from home. I will have them sent
after me.
88
A DOLL'S HOUSE [Act hi
Helmer. All over ! all over ! Nora^wilL_3H)u never
think of me again ?
Nora. Oh, I shall often think of you, and the children,
and this house.
Helmer. May I write to you, Nora ?
Nora. No — never. You must not.
Helmer. But I must send you
Nora. Nothing, nothing.
Helmer. I must help you if you need it.
Nora. No, I say. I take nothing from strangers.
Helmer. Nora — can I never be more than a stranger
to you ?
Nora (taking her travelling-hag). Oh, Torvald, then
the miracle of miracles would have to happen
Helmer. What is the miracle of miracles ?
Nora. Both of us would have to change so that
Oh, Torvald, I no longer believe in miracles.
Helmer. But / will believe. Tell me ! We must so
change that ?
Nora. That communion between us shall be a mar-
riage. Good-bye. [She goes out by the hall door.]
Helmer {sinks into a chair by the door with his face in
his hands). Nora ! Nora ! {He looks round and rises.)
Empty. She is gone. {A hope springs up in him.)
Ah ! The miracle of miracles ?
[From below is heard the reverberation of a heavy door
closing.]
CURTAIN
89
CAST
Helmer
Krogstad
Rank
Porter
Nora
Mrs. Linden
Anna
Ellen
The Three Children.
In a small reading circle the small parts of Anna, Ellen, and the
Children may very well be taken by one reader ; the Porter's one
speech may be given to either Krogstad or Rank, and if necessary these
two important parts can be " doubled."
A very useful notebook for producer, stage-manager, or actor can
be made by cutting the leaves out of two copies of the play and pasting
them on alternate pages of an exercise book.
PRINTED AND BOUND IN CANADA
90
Edited by John Hampden^ M.A,
A Graduated Course in Drama
1. BALLADS AND BALLAD-PLAYS
A unique book which can be used as an anthology of
ballads and an introduction to drama, mime, and choral-
speaking. It includes ballads, folk-rhymes, and modem
ballad-poems suitable for acting and miming, mimes
with detailed instructions, a section on miming, ballad-
plays, full notes on dramatization, staging, etc.
2. SIX MODERN PLAYS FOR LITTLE PLAYERS
Plays by John Drinkwater, A. P. Herbert, Naomi
MiTCHisoN, etc., suitable for reading and acting by
boys and girls of 10-12. The Christmas Mumming
Play of St. George and another folk-play are given in
an appendix. Full commentary and acting notes.
3. EIGHT MODERN PLAYS
Plays written for adults by A. A. Milne, Miles
Malleson, J. A. Ferguson, Alfred No yes, etc.,
but suitable for boys and girls of 12-14. Full com-
mentary, acting notes, procedure for a mock trial,
A Christmas Epilogue, etc.
4. NINE MODERN PLAYS
Plays by John Galsworthy, J. M. Synge, Harold
Brighouse, Clifford Bax, etc. Full commentary,
notes on play-writing, acting notes, procedure for a
mock trial, etc.
5. FOUR MODERN PLAYS
In " The Nelson Playbooks." See page 92.
6. TEN MODERN PLAYS
Plays by Mary Pakington, Laurence Housman,
Beatrice Mayor, John Drinkwater, etc. Com-
mentary, acting notes, and two stories for dramatiza-
tion.
THOMAS NELSON AND SONS, Ltd.
91
THE NELSON PLAYBOOKS
L ENGLISH DRAMA (WITHOUT ACTING FEES)
loo. SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER. Oliver Goldsmith.
loi. THE GOOD-NATURED MAN. Oliver Goldsmith.
103. THE RIVALS. R. B. Sheridan.
104. THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL. R. B. Sheridan.
105. THE CRITIC. R. B. Sheridan.
114. DOCTOR FAUSTUS. Christopher Marlowe.
115. EVERY MAN IN HIS HUMOUR. Ben Jonson.
116. THE KNIGHT OF THE BURNING PESTLE.
Beaumont and Fletcher.
117. THE SHOEMAKER'S HOLIDAY. Thomas Dekker.
118. STRAFFORD. Robert Browning.
119. MISS IN HER TEENS. David Garrick. Adapted
by W. Graham Robertson.
120. EVERYMAN; THE INTERLUDE OF YOUTH;
THE WORLD AND THE CHILD.
121. THE MOCK DOCTOR. Henry Fielding.
122. THE DEUCE IS IN HIM. George Colman.
Adapted by W. Graham Robertson.
123. CASTE. T. W. Robertson.
II. ENGLISH DRAMA (WITH ACTING FEES)
200. MRS. ADIS and THE MOCKBEGGAR. Two one-
act plays. Sheila Kaye-Smith and John Hamp-
den.
201. PILGRIMS. Rosalind Vallance.
ENCHANTMENT. Elsie Hayes.
202. FOUR MODERN PLAYS. Edit. John Hampden.
THOMAS NELSON AND SONS, Ltd.
92
THE NELSON PLAYBOOKS
II. ENGLISH DRAMA (WITH ACTING FEES)
203. THREE BIBLICAL DRAMAS. Clarissa Graves.
204. THREE MODERN PLAYS AND A MIME. Edit.
John Hampden.
205. FIVE ROBIN HOOD PLAYS. Ronald Gow.
206. FOUR NEW PLAYS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS.
Edit. John Hampden.
III. CLASSICAL AND FOREIGN DRAMA
300. ANTIGONE. Sophocles. Translated by Lewis
Campbell.
301. THE WAY OF HONOUR {Minna von Barnhelm).
Lessing. a new translation by E. U. Ouless.
(Three Acts.)
303. THE WOULD-BE NOBLEMAN [Le Bourgeois Gen-
tilhommt). MoLii:RE. A new translation by T.
Wait. (Five Acts.)
304. THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES OF ^ESCHYLUS.
Translated by Edwyn Bevan.
305. A DOLL'S HOUSE. Henrik Ibsen. Translated
by William Archer.
306. THE THRICE-PROMISED BRIDE. Cheng-Chin
HSIUNG.
THOMAS NELSON AND SONS, Ltd.
93
NELSON'S
NINEPENNY SHAKESPEARE
LIST OF TITLES
AS YOU LIKE IT
CORIOLANUS
HAMLET
HENRY . IV— PART I
HENRY IV— PART II
HENRY V
HENRY VIII
JULIUS C^SAR
KING JOHN
KING LEAR
MACBETH
MERCHANT OF VENICE
MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
OTHELLO
RICHARD II
RICHARD III
ROMEO AND JULIET
THE TEMPEST
TWELFTH NIGHT
SOUND TEXT : SHORT NOTES
COMMENTARIES
94
\
NEL S O N'S
PLAY SELECTION SERVICE
FOR SCHOOLS
&
PLAY ADVISORY BUREAU
FOR AMATEURS
These services entitle you to free advice on
the; choice of plays and also enable you to
make a personal inspection of plays selected
from our lists.
NELSON^S LISTS OF PLAYS
AND DRAMA BOOKS
Give full details of cast, acting time, setting
and costume, acting fees, etc.
Part I. For Children from 5 to ii years.
Part II. For Players from 12 to 17 years.
Part III. For Adult Players.
Send a postcard to Drama Department
PARKSIDE WORKS, EDINBURGH, 9
95
PLAYS FROM LITERATURE
By Evelyn Smith, B.A.
Junior Book
Contents : — The Nightingale (from the story by Hans
Andersen) ; Clever Catherine (from two stories by the
Brothers Grimm) ; The Ugly Duckling (from the story
by Hans Andersen) ; Daisy's Ball (from Little Men, by
Louisa M. Alcott) ; Three Ballad Plays (from Old
Ballads) ; The Friendly Waiter (from David Copperfield.
by Charles Dickens) ; The Copper Merchant (from T.
Fatal Boots, by W. M. Thackeray) ; Mr. Poulter's Sword
(from The Mill on the Floss, by George Eliot) ; A Lonely
Little Girl (from Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte) ; The
Fortunate Youth (from Kenilworth, by Sir Walter Scott) ;
A Luckless Quest (from The Life and Achievements of
Don Quixote, by Cervantes) ; The Chateau d'lf (from
Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas).
PLAYS FROM LITERATURE
Senior Book
Contents : — The Plot at Castlewood (from Esmond,
by W. M. Thackeray) ; The Supplication to the King
(from The Fortunes of Nigel, by Sir Walter Scott" (
Midas (from Midas, by John Lyly) ; The Cricket on^v
the Hearth (from the story by Charles Dickens) ; Eve-
lina (from the novel by Fanny Burney) ; The Rivals
(abridged from the drama by R. B. Sheridan) ; The
Two Nations (from Sybil, by Lord Beaconsfield).
THOMAS NELSON AND SONS, Ltd.
3 Henrietta Street, London, and Parkside Works, Edinburgh.
96
PT
8861
.A4
A7
Ibsen. Henrik,
1828-1906
A doll ' s house
■%%*
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11