DH3.Questions+16-20

16. What is Nora’s emotional state while Helmer is reading the letter? Nora's speech is shortened to short single sentence or few word responses. She reacts maturely compared to Helmer by talking calmly and with certainty about the situation based on what she expects to happened and her determination to leave him, "yes, read it" (222).

17. What is Helmer’s attitude toward Nora upon reading Krogstad’s letter? Helmer is extremely furious with Nora, and quite physical. He physically holds her back and asks "Where are you going", and then continues to angrily speak with her. Big shift from previous acts, he calls her a "miserable creature" which is by far the meanest addressing. Then he continues to lecture her and lock the front door to not even give her a chance to walk out of this situation.

18. What is the significance of Helmer’s dismissal of Nora’s statement, “When I am out of the way, you will be free”? After Nora's statement, Helmer brushes it off by saying "No rhetoric, please!" (page 221), emphasizing how Helmer doesn't take Nora seriously and only perceives her as a child. Helmer doesn't believe that Nora would ever dare leave the comforts of their home, and doesn't realize that his attitude towards her is the one thing driving her away.

19. What is Helmer’s plan for the future? After reading the letter, all Helmer could think of was ways to keep the outward facade intact. First nobody shall hear about the business, and that they must carry on living just like before, at least appear to live that way in the eyes of the world. He also orders Nora to remain in his house, but she cannot bring up the children, as he no longer trust them with her.

20. What is Helmer’s reaction when a letter is hand-delivered? How does the audience know what is enclosed in the letter? Initially, Helmer is fearful and confused, as he has just opened the letter revealing Nora's secrets and believes that this new letter contains worse news. After realizing that Krogstad had returned the bond, however, Helmer immediately becomes overjoyed. The audience knows what is enclosed in the letter, as earlier Krogstad spoke to Mrs. Linde of his regrets and conveyed that he wished to take back the letter. Later, Helmer also reveals the contents of the letter to the audience when he opens it.

DH3.Questions 21-25