DH3.Questions+1-5

1. What exposition is given for the past relationship of Mrs. Linde and Krogstad? Mrs. Linde calls Krogstad by his christened name, "Nils," which suggests that they are or were on very close terms. Krogstad also bitterly tells Mrs. Linde what a heartless woman she is for having left him when a more "lucrative" chance came up. These less formal interactions imply that Krogstad and Kristine had a relationship in the past.

2. What idea does Mrs. Linde broach to Krogstad? Kristina tells Krogstad how meaningless life has been for her because she no longer has anyone to look after anymore. She proposes the idea that she and Krogstad get married, so that the "two shipwrecked people could join forces" (page 209) and regain their places in the world. This way, she will have more purpose in her life and he can slowly earn back the respect of his co-workers and peers.

3. How would a marriage between Mrs. Linde and Krogstad differ from the Helmer marriage, and what literary device is suggested? Unlike Nora and Helmer's marriage, filled with secrecy and deception, Mrs. Linde and Krogstad are open and honest with each other. Krogstad and Mrs. Linde are able to openly confront one another and are well aware of each other's past. It seems that Mrs. Linde and Krogstad see each other's true identities, as Mrs. Linde says to Krogstad, " i have faith in you - the real you" (210). Additionally, Mrs. Linde would be the one earning money for the family (contrary to Torvald's previous role as the working husband), because she needs "something - and someone - to work for" (209).Their conversation is rife with similes and figurative speech.

4. Why does Mrs. Linde tell Krogstad to leave his letter in the mailbox for Helmer to read? After witnessing the lifestyle of the Helmer's, Mrs. Linde attests that the way Nora and Torvald are living is unacceptable. Nora's behavior is the most shocking to Mrs. Linde, as she is keeping secrets from the head of the household. Thus, Mrs. Linde wants Krogstad to leave his letter in the mailbox so Helmer can finally know the truth, because "this wretched secret must be brought out into the open so that there's complete understanding between them" (211).

5. What does the fancy-dress ball symbolize? The fancy dress ball symbolizes the lies and deceit that exist between Nora and Helmer and conveys the artificial nature of their marriage. Helmer only enjoys Nora's fisher girl costume because he fantasizes that she is his new bride; Helmer is in love with the fantastic concept of Nora, but has no interest in knowing the real person. While Nora and Helmer's relationship may seem ordinary to the general public (i.e. the fancy-dress ball party-goers), there are actually a myriad of underlying problems within their marriage that Nora is keeping in the dark.

DH3.Questions 6-10