Act 1

44 min

[SCENE.—A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer’s study. Between the doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, arm-chairs and a small sofa. In the right-hand wall, at the farther end, another door; and on the same side, nearer the footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and a rocking-chair; between the stove and the door, a small table. Engravings on the walls; a cabinet with china and other small objects; a small book-case with well-bound books. The floors are carpeted, and a fire burns in the stove. It is winter.

[SCENE: A comfortably and tastefully furnished room, but not an extravagant one. At the back, a door on the right leads to the entrance hall. Another door on the left leads to Helmer’s study. A piano stands between the doors. In the middle of the left wall is a door, with a window beyond it. Near the window are a round table, armchairs, and a small sofa. At the far end of the right wall is another door. On the same side, closer to the front of the stage, are a stove, two easy chairs, and a rocking chair. A small table stands between the stove and the door. Engravings hang on the walls. There is a cabinet with china and other small objects, and a small bookcase with well-bound books. The floors are carpeted, and a fire burns in the stove. It is winter.

A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. Enter NORA, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in outdoor dress and carries a number of parcels; these she lays on the table to the right. She leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is seen a PORTER who is carrying a Christmas Tree and a basket, which he gives to the MAID who has opened the door.]

A bell rings in the hall. Shortly afterward, a door opens. NORA enters, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is dressed for outdoors and carries several packages, which she puts on the table to the right. She leaves the outer door open behind her. Through it, a PORTER can be seen carrying a Christmas tree and a basket. He gives them to the MAID who opened the door.]

NORA: Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. [To the PORTER, taking out her purse.] How much?

NORA: Hide the Christmas tree carefully, Helen. Make sure the children don't see it until this evening, when it's decorated. [To the PORTER, taking out her purse.] How much?

PORTER: Sixpence.

NORA: There is a shilling. No, keep the change. [The PORTER thanks her, and goes out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as she takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her pocket and eats one or two; then goes cautiously to her husband’s door and listens.] Yes, he is in. [Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.]

NORA: Here’s a shilling. No, keep the change. [The PORTER thanks her and leaves. NORA shuts the door. She laughs to herself as she takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her pocket and eats one or two. Then she goes quietly to her husband’s door and listens.] Yes, he’s in. [Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.]

HELMER: [calls out from his room]. Is that my little lark twittering out there?

HELMER: [calls out from his room]. Is that my little lark chirping out there?

NORA: [busy opening some of the parcels]. Yes, it is!

NORA: [busy opening some of the packages]. Yes, it is!

HELMER: Is it my little squirrel bustling about?

HELMER: Is that my little squirrel scurrying around?

NORA: Yes!

HELMER: When did my squirrel come home?

HELMER: When did my squirrel get home?

NORA: Just now. [Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.] Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought.

NORA: Just now. [Puts the bag of macaroons in her pocket and wipes her mouth.] Come in here, Torvald, and see what I bought.

HELMER: Don’t disturb me. [A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room, pen in hand.] Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again?

HELMER: Don’t disturb me. [A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room, holding a pen.] Did you say you bought all these things? Has my little big spender been wasting money again?

NORA: Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to economise.

NORA: Yes, but Torvald, this year we really can treat ourselves a little. This is the first Christmas we haven't had to save money.

HELMER: Still, you know, we can’t spend money recklessly.

NORA: Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn’t we? Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of money.

NORA: Yes, Torvald, we can be a little more reckless now, can't we? Just a tiny bit! You're going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of money.

HELMER: Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary is due.

HELMER: Yes, after the New Year. But then it will be a full three months before the salary is paid.

NORA: Pooh! we can borrow until then.

NORA: Oh, we can borrow until then.

HELMER: Nora! [Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.] The same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New Year’s Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and—

HELMER: Nora! [Goes up to her and playfully takes her by the ear.] You're still such a little scatterbrain! Suppose I borrowed fifty pounds today, and you spent it all during Christmas week. Then, on New Year's Eve, a roof slate fell on my head and killed me, and...

NORA: [putting her hands over his mouth]. Oh! don’t say such horrid things.

NORA: [putting her hands over his mouth]. Oh! Don’t say such awful things.

HELMER: Still, suppose that happened,—what then?

HELMER: Still, suppose that happened. What then?

NORA: If that were to happen, I don’t suppose I should care whether I owed money or not.

NORA: If that happened, I don’t think I’d care whether I owed money or not.

HELMER: Yes, but what about the people who had lent it?

HELMER: Yes, but what about the people who lent it?

NORA: They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were.

NORA: They? Who would care about them? I wouldn't know who they were.

HELMER: That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there need be any struggle.

HELMER: That's just like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about borrowing. No debt, no borrowing. A home that depends on borrowing and debt can never be free or beautiful. We have both bravely stayed on the right path so far. And we'll stay on it for the short time we still have to struggle.

NORA: [moving towards the stove]. As you please, Torvald.

NORA: [moving toward the stove]. Whatever you like, Torvald.

HELMER: [following her]. Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? [Taking out his purse.] Nora, what do you think I have got here?

HELMER: [following her]. Come on, my little skylark mustn't let her wings droop. What's this? Is my little squirrel in a bad mood? [Taking out his wallet.] Nora, what do you think I have here?

NORA: [turning round quickly]. Money!

NORA: [turning around quickly]. Money!

HELMER: There you are. [Gives her some money.] Do you think I don’t know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time?

HELMER: There you are. [Gives her some money.] Do you think I don’t know how much it costs to run a household at Christmas?

NORA: [counting]. Ten shillings—a pound—two pounds! Thank you, thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time.

NORA: [counting]. Ten shillings, one pound, two pounds! Thank you, thank you, Torvald. That will keep me going for a long time.

HELMER: Indeed it must.

HELMER: Yes, it must.

NORA: Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have bought. And all so cheap! Look, here is a new suit for Ivar, and a sword; and a horse and a trumpet for Bob; and a doll and dolly’s bedstead for Emmy,—they are very plain, but anyway she will soon break them in pieces. And here are dress-lengths and handkerchiefs for the maids; old Anne ought really to have something better.

NORA: Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I bought. And everything was so cheap! Look, here’s a new suit and a sword for Ivar, and a horse and a trumpet for Bob. And here’s a doll and a doll’s bed for Emmy. They’re very plain, but she’ll soon break them to pieces anyway. And here’s fabric for dresses and handkerchiefs for the maids. Old Anne really ought to have something better.

HELMER: And what is in this parcel?

HELMER: And what's in this package?

NORA: [crying out]. No, no! you mustn’t see that until this evening.

NORA: [crying out]. No, no! You can't see that until this evening.

HELMER: Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would you like for yourself?

HELMER: All right. But now tell me, you little spendthrift, what would you like for yourself?

NORA: For myself? Oh, I am sure I don’t want anything.

NORA: For myself? Oh, I’m sure I don’t want anything.

HELMER: Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would particularly like to have.

HELMER: Yes, but you have to. Tell me something reasonable you'd really like to have.

NORA: No, I really can’t think of anything—unless, Torvald—

NORA: No, I really can't think of anything. Unless, Torvald...

HELMER: Well?

NORA: [playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his]. If you really want to give me something, you might—you might—

NORA: [playing with his coat buttons and not looking up at him]. If you really want to give me something, you could, you could...

HELMER: Well, out with it!

HELMER: Well, say it!

NORA: [speaking quickly]. You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something with it.

NORA: [speaking quickly]. You could give me money, Torvald. Just as much as you can afford. Then, one of these days, I'll buy something with it.

HELMER: But, Nora—

HELMER: But, Nora...

NORA: Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn’t that be fun?

NORA: Oh, please do, dear Torvald! Please, please do! Then I'll wrap it in beautiful gold paper and hang it on the Christmas tree. Wouldn't that be fun?

HELMER: What are little people called that are always wasting money?

HELMER: What do you call little people who are always wasting money?

NORA: Spendthrifts—I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very sensible plan, isn’t it?

NORA: Big spenders, I know. Let’s do as you suggest, Torvald. Then I’ll have time to think about what I need most. That’s a very sensible plan, isn’t it?

HELMER: [smiling]. Indeed it is—that is to say, if you were really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again.

HELMER: [smiling]. It certainly is. That is, if you really save some of the money I give you and buy something for yourself. But if you spend it all on household expenses and any number of unnecessary things, I just have to pay again.

NORA: Oh but, Torvald—

NORA: Oh, but Torvald...

HELMER: You can’t deny it, my dear little Nora. [Puts his arm round her waist.] It’s a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are!

HELMER: You can’t deny it, my dear little Nora. [Puts his arm around her waist.] She’s a sweet little spender, but she spends a lot of money. You’d hardly believe how expensive such little people can be!

NORA: It’s a shame to say that. I do really save all I can.

NORA: That’s a hurtful thing to say. I really do save all I can.

HELMER: [laughing]. That’s very true,—all you can. But you can’t save anything!

HELMER: [laughing]. That’s very true, all you can. But you can’t save anything!

NORA: [smiling quietly and happily]. You haven’t any idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.

NORA: [smiling quietly and happily]. You have no idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.

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

HELMER: You're an odd little soul, just like your father. You always find a new way to coax money out of me. And as soon as you get it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it went. Still, one has to accept you as you are. It's in your blood. You really can inherit these things, Nora.

NORA: Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa’s qualities.

NORA: Oh, I wish I had inherited more of Dad’s qualities.

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

HELMER: And I wouldn't want you to be anything but who you are, my sweet little skylark. But you seem rather, how should I put it, uneasy today.

NORA: Do I?

HELMER: You do, really. Look straight at me.

HELMER: You really do. Look straight at me.

NORA: [looks at him]. Well?

HELMER: [wagging his finger at her]. Hasn’t Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?

HELMER: [wagging his finger at her]. Has Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking the rules in town today?

NORA: No; what makes you think that?

NORA: No. What makes you think that?

HELMER: Hasn’t she paid a visit to the confectioner’s?

HELMER: Hasn’t she been to the candy shop?

NORA: No, I assure you, Torvald—

NORA: No, I promise you, Torvald...

HELMER: Not been nibbling sweets?

HELMER: Have you been eating sweets?

NORA: No, certainly not.

NORA: No, of course not.

HELMER: Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?

HELMER: You haven't even had a bite of a macaroon or two?

NORA: No, Torvald, I assure you really—

NORA: No, Torvald, I really assure you...

HELMER: There, there, of course I was only joking.

NORA: [going to the table on the right]. I should not think of going against your wishes.

NORA: [going to the table on the right]. I would never think of going against your wishes.

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

HELMER: No, I’m sure of that. Besides, you gave me your word. [Going up to her.] Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. I’m sure they’ll all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit.

NORA: Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank?

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

HELMER: No. But there’s no need. Of course he’ll have dinner with us. Still, I’ll ask him when he comes in this morning. I’ve ordered some good wine. Nora, you can’t imagine how much I’m looking forward to this evening.

NORA: So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald!

NORA: So am I! And the children will have so much fun, Torvald!

HELMER: It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe appointment, and a big enough income. It’s delightful to think of, isn’t it?

HELMER: It feels wonderful to have a completely secure job and a big enough income. It's delightful to think about, isn't it?

NORA: It’s wonderful!

HELMER: Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks beforehand you shut yourself up every evening until long after midnight, making ornaments for the Christmas Tree, and all the other fine things that were to be a surprise to us. It was the dullest three weeks I ever spent!

HELMER: Do you remember last Christmas? For three whole weeks beforehand, you shut yourself away every evening until long after midnight. You made ornaments for the Christmas tree and all the other lovely things that were supposed to surprise us. Those were the most boring three weeks I ever spent!

NORA: I didn’t find it dull.

NORA: I didn’t find it boring.

HELMER: [smiling]. But there was precious little result, Nora.

HELMER: [smiling]. But it achieved very little, Nora.

NORA: Oh, you shouldn’t tease me about that again. How could I help the cat’s going in and tearing everything to pieces?

NORA: Oh, you shouldn’t tease me about that again. How could I stop the cat from coming in and tearing everything apart?

HELMER: Of course you couldn’t, poor little girl. You had the best of intentions to please us all, and that’s the main thing. But it is a good thing that our hard times are over.

HELMER: Of course you couldn’t, poor little girl. You meant to please us all, and that’s what matters most. But it’s a good thing our hard times are over.

NORA: Yes, it is really wonderful.

NORA: Yes, it really is wonderful.

HELMER: This time I needn’t sit here and be dull all alone, and you needn’t ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands—

HELMER: This time I won’t have to sit here bored and all alone, and you won’t have to ruin your dear eyes and pretty little hands.

NORA: [clapping her hands]. No, Torvald, I needn’t any longer, need I! It’s wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! [Taking his arm.] Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over—[A bell rings in the hall.] There’s the bell. [She tidies the room a little.] There’s some one at the door. What a nuisance!

NORA: [clapping her hands]. No, Torvald, I don’t need to anymore, do I? It’s wonderful to hear you say that! [Taking his arm.] Now I’ll tell you how I think we should arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over... [A bell rings in the hall.] There’s the bell. [She tidies the room a little.] Someone’s at the door. What a nuisance!

HELMER: If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.

HELMER: If someone is here to see me, remember, I'm not home.

MAID: [in the doorway]. A lady to see you, ma’am,—a stranger.

MAID: [in the doorway]. A woman is here to see you, ma’am. She’s a stranger.

NORA: Ask her to come in.

MAID: [to HELMER]. The doctor came at the same time, sir.

MAID: [to HELMER]. The doctor arrived at the same time, sir.

HELMER: Did he go straight into my room?

MAID: Yes, sir.

[HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs Linde, who is in travelling dress, and shuts the door.]

[HELMER goes into his room. The MAID lets Mrs Linde in and shuts the door. Mrs Linde is dressed for travel.]

MRS LINDE: [in a dejected and timid voice]. How do you do, Nora?

MRS LINDE: [in a sad and timid voice]. How are you, Nora?

NORA: [doubtfully]. How do you do—

NORA: [uncertainly]. Hello...

MRS LINDE: You don’t recognise me, I suppose.

MRS LINDE: I suppose you don’t recognize me.

NORA: No, I don’t know—yes, to be sure, I seem to—[Suddenly.] Yes! Christine! Is it really you?

NORA: No, I don’t know. Yes, I think I do. [Suddenly.] Yes! Christine! Is it really you?

MRS LINDE: Yes, it is I.

MRS LINDE: Yes, it's me.

NORA: Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could I—[In a gentle voice.] How you have altered, Christine!

NORA: Christine! I can't believe I didn't recognize you! But how could I? [In a gentle voice.] You've changed so much, Christine!

MRS LINDE: Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years—

MRS LINDE: Yes, I have. In nine, ten long years...

NORA: Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight years have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you have come into the town, and have taken this long journey in winter—that was plucky of you.

NORA: Has it been so long since we last met? I suppose it has. I can tell you, the last eight years have been happy ones for me. And now you've come to town. It was brave of you to make such a long journey in winter.

MRS LINDE: I arrived by steamer this morning.

MRS LINDE: I arrived by steamship this morning.

NORA: To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How delightful! We will have such fun together! But take off your things. You are not cold, I hope. [Helps her.] Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. [Takes her hands.] Now you look like your old self again; it was only the first moment—You are a little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little thinner.

NORA: To have some fun at Christmas, of course. How wonderful! We'll have so much fun together! But take off your things. I hope you're not cold. [Helps her.] Now let's sit by the stove and get cozy. No, take this armchair. I'll sit here in the rocking chair. [Takes her hands.] Now you look like your old self again. It was only at first that you looked different. You're a little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little thinner.

MRS LINDE: And much, much older, Nora.

NORA: Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. [Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.] What a thoughtless creature I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me.

NORA: Perhaps a little older. Very, very little. Certainly not much. [Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.] How thoughtless I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, please forgive me.

MRS LINDE: What do you mean, Nora?

NORA: [gently]. Poor Christine, you are a widow.

NORA: [gently]. Poor Christine, you're a widow.

MRS LINDE: Yes; it is three years ago now.

MRS LINDE: Yes, it was three years ago now.

NORA: Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I meant ever so often to write to you at the time, but I always put it off and something always prevented me.

NORA: Yes, I knew. I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I often meant to write to you then. But I always put it off, and something always got in the way.

MRS LINDE: I quite understand, dear.

MRS LINDE: I understand completely, dear.

NORA: It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have suffered. And he left you nothing?

NORA: That was very wrong of me, Christine. Poor thing, you must have suffered so much. And he left you nothing?

MRS LINDE: No.

NORA: And no children?

MRS LINDE: No.

NORA: Nothing at all, then.

MRS LINDE: Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon.

MRS LINDE: Not even any sorrow or grief to live on.

NORA: [looking incredulously at her]. But, Christine, is that possible?

NORA: [looking at her in disbelief]. But, Christine, is that possible?

MRS LINDE: [smiles sadly and strokes her hair]. It sometimes happens, Nora.

MRS LINDE: [smiles sadly and strokes her hair]. That happens sometimes, Nora.

NORA: So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have three lovely children. You can’t see them just now, for they are out with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it.

NORA: So you're all alone. That must be so terribly sad. I have three lovely children. You can't see them right now because they're out with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it.

MRS LINDE: No, no; I want to hear about you.

MRS LINDE: No, no. I want to hear about you.

NORA: No, you must begin. I mustn’t be selfish today; today I must only think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do you know we have just had a great piece of good luck?

NORA: No, you must start. I mustn't be selfish today. Today I must think only about your affairs. But there's one thing I have to tell you. Did you know we've just had a wonderful bit of luck?

MRS LINDE: No, what is it?

NORA: Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank!

NORA: Can you believe it? My husband has been made manager of the bank!

MRS LINDE: Your husband? What good luck!

MRS LINDE: Your husband? How lucky!

NORA: Yes, tremendous! A barrister’s profession is such an uncertain thing, especially if he won’t undertake unsavoury cases; and naturally Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him. You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lots of commissions. For the future we can live quite differently—we can do just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won’t it?

NORA: Yes, it’s wonderful! A lawyer’s work is so uncertain, especially if he won’t take on shady cases. Naturally, Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I completely agree with him. You can imagine how pleased we are! He starts work at the Bank in the New Year. He’ll have a big salary and lots of commissions. From now on, we can live quite differently. We can do just as we like. I feel so relieved and happy, Christine! It will be wonderful to have heaps of money and not have to worry, won’t it?

MRS LINDE: Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs.

MRS LINDE: Yes, anyway, I think it would be wonderful to have what you need.

NORA: No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money.

NORA: No, not just what you need, but lots and lots of money.

MRS LINDE: [smiling]. Nora, Nora, haven’t you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you were a great spendthrift.

MRS LINDE: [smiling]. Nora, Nora, haven’t you learned to be sensible yet? You spent so much money when we were in school.

NORA: [laughing]. Yes, that is what Torvald says now. [Wags her finger at her.] But “Nora, Nora” is not so silly as you think. We have not been in a position for me to waste money. We have both had to work.

NORA: [laughing]. Yes, that's what Torvald says now. [Wags her finger at her.] But “Nora, Nora” isn't as silly as you think. We haven't had enough money for me to waste it. We've both had to work.

MRS LINDE: You too?

NORA: Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing. [Dropping her voice.] And other things as well. You know Torvald left his office when we were married? There was no prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than before. But during the first year he over-worked himself dreadfully. You see, he had to make money every way he could, and he worked early and late; but he couldn’t stand it, and fell dreadfully ill, and the doctors said it was necessary for him to go south.

NORA: Yes, odds and ends, sewing, crochet, embroidery, and things like that. [Lowering her voice.] And other things too. You know Torvald left his office when we got married? There was no chance of a promotion there, and he had to try to earn more than before. But during the first year, he worked himself far too hard. You see, he had to make money any way he could, and he worked from early morning until late at night. But he couldn’t keep it up and became terribly ill. The doctors said he needed to go south.

MRS LINDE: You spent a whole year in Italy, didn’t you?

NORA: Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It was just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald’s life. But it cost a tremendous lot of money, Christine.

NORA: Yes. I can tell you, it wasn't easy to get away. It was just after Ivar was born, but of course we had to go. The trip was wonderful and beautiful, and it saved Torvald's life. But it cost a tremendous amount of money, Christine.

MRS LINDE: So I should think.

MRS LINDE: I would think so.

NORA: It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That’s a lot, isn’t it?

MRS LINDE: Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the money.

MRS LINDE: Yes, and in emergencies like that, it's lucky to have the money.

NORA: I ought to tell you that we had it from papa.

NORA: I should tell you that we got it from Papa.

MRS LINDE: Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn’t it?

MRS LINDE: Oh, I see. He died around that time, didn’t he?

NORA: Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn’t go and nurse him. I was expecting little Ivar’s birth every day and I had my poor sick Torvald to look after. My dear, kind father—I never saw him again, Christine. That was the saddest time I have known since our marriage.

NORA: Yes, and just think, I couldn’t go and care for him. I was expecting little Ivar to be born any day, and I had to look after my poor sick Torvald. My dear, kind father. I never saw him again, Christine. That was the saddest time I’ve known since we married.

MRS LINDE: I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to Italy?

MRS LINDE: I know how much you cared for him. And then you went to Italy?

NORA: Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our going, so we started a month later.

NORA: Yes, you see, we had money then, and the doctors insisted we go. So we left a month later.

MRS LINDE: And your husband came back quite well?

MRS LINDE: And did your husband come back completely well?

NORA: As sound as a bell!

NORA: Perfectly healthy!

MRS LINDE: But—the doctor?

MRS LINDE: But, the doctor?

NORA: What doctor?

MRS LINDE: I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just as I did, was the doctor?

MRS LINDE: I thought your maid said the man who arrived just as I did was the doctor?

NORA: Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn’t come here professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once every day. No, Torvald has not had an hour’s illness since then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. [Jumps up and claps her hands.] Christine! Christine! it’s good to be alive and happy!—But how horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. [Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.] You mustn’t be angry with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband? Why did you marry him?

NORA: Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn’t come here as a doctor. He’s our closest friend and visits at least once every day. No, Torvald hasn’t been ill for even an hour since then. Our children are strong and healthy, and so am I. [Jumps up and claps her hands.] Christine! Christine! It’s wonderful to be alive and happy! But how awful of me. I’m talking about nothing but myself. [Sits on a stool near her and rests her arms on her knees.] Please don’t be angry with me. Tell me, is it really true that you didn’t love your husband? Why did you marry him?

MRS LINDE: My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I was justified in refusing his offer.

MRS LINDE: My mother was alive then, but she was bedridden and helpless. I also had to support my two younger brothers. So I didn't think I could justify turning down his offer.

NORA: No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then?

NORA: No, perhaps you were right. So he was rich at the time?

MRS LINDE: I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was nothing left.

MRS LINDE: I believe he was quite wealthy. But his business was unstable. When he died, it all fell apart, and nothing was left.

NORA: And then?—

NORA: And then?

MRS LINDE: Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find—first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the boys do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift for themselves.

MRS LINDE: Well, I had to take whatever work I could find. First I ran a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have felt like one long workday, with no rest. Now it is over, Nora. My poor mother no longer needs me, because she is gone. The boys do not need me either. They have jobs and can take care of themselves.

NORA: What a relief you must feel if—

NORA: You must feel so relieved if...

MRS LINDE: No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore. [Gets up restlessly.] That was why I could not stand the life in my little backwater any longer. I hope it may be easier here to find something which will busy me and occupy my thoughts. If only I could have the good luck to get some regular work—office work of some kind—

MRS LINDE: No, not at all. I just feel that my life is unbearably empty. I have no one left to live for. [Gets up restlessly.] That's why I couldn't stand living in my little backwater any longer. I hope it may be easier here to find something to keep me busy and occupy my thoughts. If only I could be lucky enough to get some regular work, some kind of office work...

NORA: But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place.

NORA: But, Christine, that's so terribly tiring, and you look exhausted now. You'd be much better off going to a spa resort.

MRS LINDE: [walking to the window]. I have no father to give me money for a journey, Nora.

MRS LINDE: [walking to the window]. I don't have a father to give me money for a trip, Nora.

NORA: [rising]. Oh, don’t be angry with me!

NORA: [standing up]. Oh, don’t be angry with me!

MRS LINDE: [going up to her]. It is you that must not be angry with me, dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on the lookout for chances. One must live, and so one becomes selfish. When you told me of the happy turn your fortunes have taken—you will hardly believe it—I was delighted not so much on your account as on my own.

MRS LINDE: [going up to her]. Please don't be angry with me, dear. The worst thing about being in my position is that it makes you so bitter. I have no one to work for, yet I always have to look for opportunities. I have to make a living, so I become selfish. When you told me how much your fortunes had improved, I was delighted. You'll hardly believe it, but I was happier for myself than for you.

NORA: How do you mean?—Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could get you something to do.

NORA: What do you mean? Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could find you some work.

MRS LINDE: Yes, that was what I was thinking of.

MRS LINDE: Yes, that's what I was thinking.

NORA: He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject very cleverly—I will think of something that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to you.

NORA: He must, Christine. Just leave it to me. I’ll bring it up very cleverly. I’ll think of something that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be able to help you.

MRS LINDE: How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles of life.

MRS LINDE: It's so kind of you to be so eager to help me, Nora! It's doubly kind because you know so little about life's burdens and troubles.

NORA: I—? I know so little of them?

NORA: I...? I know so little about them?

MRS LINDE: [smiling]. My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!—You are a child, Nora.

MRS LINDE: [smiling]. My dear! Little household worries and things like that! You are a child, Nora.

NORA: [tosses her head and crosses the stage]. You ought not to be so superior.

NORA: [tosses her head and crosses the stage]. You shouldn't act so superior.

MRS LINDE: No?

NORA: You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable of anything really serious—

NORA: You’re just like the others. They all think I can’t do anything really serious.

MRS LINDE: Come, come—

MRS LINDE: Now, now...

NORA: —that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares.

NORA: That I have been through nothing in this troubled world.

MRS LINDE: But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles.

MRS LINDE: But, my dear Nora, you just told me all your troubles.

NORA: Pooh!—those were trifles. [Lowering her voice.] I have not told you the important thing.

NORA: Oh, those were little things. [Lowering her voice.] I haven't told you the important thing.

MRS LINDE: The important thing? What do you mean?

NORA: You look down upon me altogether, Christine—but you ought not to. You are proud, aren’t you, of having worked so hard and so long for your mother?

NORA: You look down on me completely, Christine, but you shouldn't. You're proud of working so hard for your mother for so long, aren't you?

MRS LINDE: Indeed, I don’t look down on anyone. But it is true that I am both proud and glad to think that I was privileged to make the end of my mother’s life almost free from care.

MRS LINDE: Of course, I don’t look down on anyone. But I am proud and glad that I had the chance to make the end of my mother’s life almost free from worry.

NORA: And you are proud to think of what you have done for your brothers?

NORA: And are you proud of what you have done for your brothers?

MRS LINDE: I think I have the right to be.

NORA: I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have something to be proud and glad of.

NORA: I think so, too. But listen to this. I also have something to be proud and happy about.

MRS LINDE: I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to?

MRS LINDE: I'm sure you have. But what do you mean?

NORA: Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn’t on any account—no one in the world must know, Christine, except you.

NORA: Keep your voice down. What if Torvald hears? He must not find out under any circumstances. No one in the world must know, Christine, except you.

MRS LINDE: But what is it?

NORA: Come here. [Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.] Now I will show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who saved Torvald’s life.

NORA: Come here. [Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.] Now I'll show you that I have something to be proud and happy about too. I saved Torvald’s life.

MRS LINDE: “Saved”? How?

NORA: I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have recovered if he had not gone there—

NORA: I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have recovered if he hadn't gone there.

MRS LINDE: Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds.

MRS LINDE: Yes, but your father gave you the money you needed.

NORA: [smiling]. Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, but—

NORA: [smiling]. Yes, that's what Torvald and all the others think, but...

MRS LINDE: But—

MRS LINDE: But...

NORA: Papa didn’t give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money.

NORA: Papa didn’t give us a penny. I was the one who got the money.

MRS LINDE: You? All that large sum?

MRS LINDE: You? All that money?

NORA: Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that?

MRS LINDE: But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a prize in the Lottery?

MRS LINDE: But, Nora, how could you have done it? Did you win a lottery prize?

NORA: [contemptuously]. In the Lottery? There would have been no credit in that.

NORA: [contemptuously]. In the lottery? There would have been no credit in that.

MRS LINDE: But where did you get it from, then? Nora [humming and smiling with an air of mystery]. Hm, hm! Aha!

MRS LINDE: But where did you get it, then? Nora [humming and smiling mysteriously]. Hm, hm! Aha!

MRS LINDE: Because you couldn’t have borrowed it.

NORA: Couldn’t I? Why not?

MRS LINDE: No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband’s consent.

MRS LINDE: No, a wife can't borrow without her husband's permission.

NORA: [tossing her head]. Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for business—a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever—

NORA: [tossing her head]. Oh, if a wife has a head for business, if she's clever enough to use it...

MRS LINDE: I don’t understand it at all, Nora.

NORA: There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed the money. I may have got it some other way. [Lies back on the sofa.] Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is as attractive as I am—

NORA: You don't need to. I never said I borrowed the money. I may have gotten it some other way. [Lies back on the sofa.] Perhaps I got it from another admirer. When someone is as attractive as I am...

MRS LINDE: You are a mad creature.

MRS LINDE: You are a crazy person.

NORA: Now, you know you’re full of curiosity, Christine.

NORA: Now, you know you’re very curious, Christine.

MRS LINDE: Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven’t you been a little bit imprudent?

MRS LINDE: Listen to me, dear Nora. Haven’t you been a little careless?

NORA: [sits up straight]. Is it imprudent to save your husband’s life?

NORA: [sits up straight]. Is it unwise to save your husband’s life?

MRS LINDE: It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to—

MRS LINDE: I think it's unwise to do that without him knowing...

NORA: But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My goodness, can’t you understand that? It was necessary he should have no idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctors came and said that his life was in danger, and that the only thing to save him was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn’t try, first of all, to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much I should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and entreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition I was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even hinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my husband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices—as I believe he called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved—and that was how I came to devise a way out of the difficulty—

NORA: But it was absolutely necessary that he not know! Goodness, can’t you understand that? He couldn’t have any idea how serious his condition was. The doctors came to me and said his life was in danger. They said the only way to save him was for him to live in the south. Do you think I didn’t first try to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much I would love to travel abroad like other young wives. I cried and begged him. I told him he should remember the condition I was in and be kind and indulgent with me. I even suggested he might take out a loan. That nearly made him angry, Christine. He said I was thoughtless. He said it was his duty as my husband not to give in to my whims and caprices. I believe that’s what he called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved. And that’s how I came up with a way out of the difficulty.

MRS LINDE: And did your husband never get to know from your father that the money had not come from him?

MRS LINDE: And did your father never tell your husband that the money had not come from him?

NORA: No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let him into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill then—alas, there never was any need to tell him.

NORA: No, never. Papa died just then. I had planned to tell him the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill then. Sadly, there was never any need to tell him.

MRS LINDE: And since then have you never told your secret to your husband?

MRS LINDE: And since then, have you never told your husband your secret?

NORA: Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has such strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful and humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations altogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now.

NORA: Good heavens, no! How could you think that? He has such strong opinions about these things! Besides, it would be so painful and humiliating for Torvald, with his manly independence, to know he owed me anything! It would completely change our relationship. Our beautiful, happy home would no longer be what it is now.

MRS LINDE: Do you mean never to tell him about it?

MRS LINDE: Are you never going to tell him about it?

NORA: [meditatively, and with a half smile]. Yes—someday, perhaps, after many years, when I am no longer as nice-looking as I am now. Don’t laugh at me! I mean, of course, when Torvald is no longer as devoted to me as he is now; when my dancing and dressing-up and reciting have palled on him; then it may be a good thing to have something in reserve—[Breaking off.] What nonsense! That time will never come. Now, what do you think of my great secret, Christine? Do you still think I am of no use? I can tell you, too, that this affair has caused me a lot of worry. It has been by no means easy for me to meet my engagements punctually. I may tell you that there is something that is called, in business, quarterly interest, and another thing called payment in installments, and it is always so dreadfully difficult to manage them. I have had to save a little here and there, where I could, you understand. I have not been able to put aside much from my housekeeping money, for Torvald must have a good table. I couldn’t let my children be shabbily dressed; I have felt obliged to use up all he gave me for them, the sweet little darlings!

NORA: [thoughtfully, with a half smile]. Yes, perhaps someday, many years from now, when I’m not as good-looking as I am now. Don’t laugh at me! I mean, of course, when Torvald is no longer as devoted to me as he is now. When he’s tired of my dancing, dressing up, and reciting, it may be good to have something in reserve. [Breaking off.] What nonsense! That time will never come. Now, what do you think of my great secret, Christine? Do you still think I’m no use? I can tell you, too, that this whole affair has caused me a lot of worry. It hasn’t been easy to make my payments on time. In business, there’s something called quarterly interest, and another thing called paying in installments. Both are always so terribly difficult to manage. I’ve had to save a little here and there, wherever I could, you understand. I haven’t been able to save much from my housekeeping money, because Torvald must eat well. I couldn’t let my children be poorly dressed. I’ve felt I had to spend all the money he gave me for them, the sweet little darlings!

MRS LINDE: So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries of life, poor Nora?

MRS LINDE: So it all had to come out of the money for your own basic needs, poor Nora?

NORA: Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever Torvald has given me money for new dresses and such things, I have never spent more than half of it; I have always bought the simplest and cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, and so Torvald has never noticed it. But it was often very hard on me, Christine—because it is delightful to be really well dressed, isn’t it?

NORA: Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever Torvald gave me money for new dresses and things like that, I never spent more than half. I always bought the simplest, cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look good on me, so Torvald never noticed. But it was often very hard on me, Christine, because it’s wonderful to be really well dressed, isn’t it?

MRS LINDE: Quite so.

MRS LINDE: Exactly.

NORA: Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last winter I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I locked myself up and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I was desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to sit there working and earning money. It was like being a man.

NORA: Well, I've found other ways to earn money. Last winter, I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying work. So I shut myself away and wrote until late every evening. Many times I was exhausted. But it was still a wonderful feeling to sit there working and earning money. It was like being a man.

MRS LINDE: How much have you been able to pay off in that way?

MRS LINDE: How much have you been able to pay off that way?

NORA: I can’t tell you exactly. You see, it is very difficult to keep an account of a business matter of that kind. I only know that I have paid every penny that I could scrape together. Many a time I was at my wits’ end. [Smiles.] Then I used to sit here and imagine that a rich old gentleman had fallen in love with me—

NORA: I can’t tell you exactly. You see, it’s very hard to keep track of a business matter like that. I only know I’ve paid every penny I could scrape together. Many times, I was at my wits’ end. [Smiles.] Then I would sit here and imagine that a rich old gentleman had fallen in love with me...

MRS LINDE: What! Who was it?

NORA: Be quiet!—that he had died; and that when his will was opened it contained, written in big letters, the instruction: “The lovely Mrs Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over to her at once in cash.”

NORA: Be quiet! He had died. And when his will was opened, it said in big letters: “Everything I own must be paid to the lovely Mrs Nora Helmer at once, in cash.”

MRS LINDE: But, my dear Nora—who could the man be?

MRS LINDE: But, Nora, who could the man be?

NORA: Good gracious, can’t you understand? There was no old gentleman at all; it was only something that I used to sit here and imagine, when I couldn’t think of any way of procuring money. But it’s all the same now; the tiresome old person can stay where he is, as far as I am concerned; I don’t care about him or his will either, for I am free from care now. [Jumps up.] My goodness, it’s delightful to think of, Christine! Free from care! To be able to be free from care, quite free from care; to be able to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it! And, think of it, soon the spring will come and the big blue sky! Perhaps we shall be able to take a little trip—perhaps I shall see the sea again! Oh, it’s a wonderful thing to be alive and be happy. [A bell is heard in the hall.]

NORA: Good grief, can’t you understand? There was no old gentleman at all. I just used to sit here and imagine him when I couldn’t think of any way to get money. But it doesn’t matter now. As far as I’m concerned, that tiresome old man can stay where he is. I don’t care about him or his will, because I have no worries now. [Jumps up.] My goodness, it’s wonderful to think about, Christine! No worries! To be able to live without worries, without any worries at all. To be able to play and romp with the children. To be able to keep the house beautiful and have everything just the way Torvald likes it! And just think, spring will soon be here, with its big blue sky! Perhaps we can take a little trip. Perhaps I’ll see the sea again! Oh, it’s wonderful to be alive and happy. [A bell is heard in the hall.]

MRS LINDE: [rising]. There is the bell; perhaps I had better go.

MRS LINDE: [rising]. There is the bell. Perhaps I should go.

NORA: No, don’t go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be for Torvald.

NORA: No, don’t go. No one will come in here. It’s sure to be for Torvald.

SERVANT: [at the hall door]. Excuse me, ma’am—there is a gentleman to see the master, and as the doctor is with him—

SERVANT: [at the hall door]. Excuse me, ma’am, a gentleman is here to see the master. And since the doctor is with him...

NORA: Who is it?

KROGSTAD: [at the door]. It is I, Mrs Helmer. [Mrs LINDE starts, trembles, and turns to the window.]

KROGSTAD: [at the door]. It's me, Mrs Helmer. [Mrs LINDE starts, trembles, and turns to the window.]

NORA: [takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low voice]. You? What is it? What do you want to see my husband about?

NORA: [takes a step toward him and speaks in a low, strained voice]. You? What is it? Why do you want to see my husband?

KROGSTAD: Bank business—in a way. I have a small post in the Bank, and I hear your husband is to be our chief now—

KROGSTAD: Bank business, in a way. I have a small job at the bank, and I hear your husband is going to be our boss now.

NORA: Then it is—

NORA: Then it is...

KROGSTAD: Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs Helmer; absolutely nothing else.

KROGSTAD: Just dull business matters, Mrs Helmer. Absolutely nothing else.

NORA: Be so good as to go into the study, then. [She bows indifferently to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes back and makes up the fire in the stove.]

NORA: Please go into the study, then. [She bows to him without interest and closes the door to the hall. Then she comes back and tends the fire in the stove.]

MRS LINDE: Nora—who was that man?

MRS LINDE: Nora, who was that man?

NORA: A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad.

NORA: A lawyer named Krogstad.

MRS LINDE: Then it really was he.

MRS LINDE: So it really was him.

NORA: Do you know the man?

MRS LINDE: I used to—many years ago. At one time he was a solicitor’s clerk in our town.

MRS LINDE: I used to, many years ago. He once worked as a lawyer’s clerk in our town.

NORA: Yes, he was.

MRS LINDE: He is greatly altered.

MRS LINDE: He has changed a lot.

NORA: He made a very unhappy marriage.

NORA: His marriage was very unhappy.

MRS LINDE: He is a widower now, isn’t he?

NORA: With several children. There now, it is burning up. [Shuts the door of the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.]

NORA: With several children. There, it's burning now. [Closes the stove door and moves the rocking chair aside.]

MRS LINDE: They say he carries on various kinds of business.

MRS LINDE: They say he’s involved in various kinds of business.

NORA: Really! Perhaps he does; I don’t know anything about it. But don’t let us think of business; it is so tiresome.

NORA: Really! Perhaps he does. I don’t know anything about it. But let’s not think about business. It’s so tiresome.

DOCTOR RANK: [comes out of HELMER’S study. Before he shuts the door he calls to him]. No, my dear fellow, I won’t disturb you; I would rather go in to your wife for a little while. [Shuts the door and sees Mrs LINDE.] I beg your pardon; I am afraid I am disturbing you too.

DOCTOR RANK: [comes out of HELMER’S study. Before he shuts the door, he calls to him]. No, my friend, I won’t disturb you. I’d rather visit your wife for a little while. [Shuts the door and sees Mrs LINDE.] Excuse me. I’m afraid I’m disturbing you too.

NORA: No, not at all. [Introducing him]. Doctor Rank, Mrs Linde.

RANK: I have often heard Mrs Linde’s name mentioned here. I think I passed you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs Linde?

RANK: I’ve often heard your name mentioned here, Mrs Linde. I think I passed you on the stairs when I arrived, didn’t I?

MRS LINDE: Yes, I go up very slowly; I can’t manage stairs well.

MRS LINDE: Yes, I go up very slowly. I have trouble with stairs.

RANK: Ah! some slight internal weakness?

RANK: Ah! A slight internal weakness?

MRS LINDE: No, the fact is I have been overworking myself.

MRS LINDE: No, the truth is I've been working too hard.

RANK: Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to town to amuse yourself with our entertainments?

RANK: Nothing else? Then I suppose you've come to town to enjoy our entertainment?

MRS LINDE: I have come to look for work.

MRS LINDE: I've come to look for work.

RANK: Is that a good cure for overwork?

MRS LINDE: One must live, Doctor Rank.

MRS LINDE: We all have to live, Doctor Rank.

RANK: Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary.

RANK: Yes, most people seem to think it's necessary.

NORA: Look here, Doctor Rank—you know you want to live.

NORA: Look, Doctor Rank, you know you want to live.

RANK: Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong the agony as long as possible. All my patients are like that. And so are those who are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad case too, is at this very moment with Helmer—

RANK: Of course. However miserable I may feel, I want to drag out the agony as long as possible. All my patients feel that way. So do people who are morally diseased. One of them is with Helmer right now, and he's a bad case too.

MRS LINDE: [sadly]. Ah!

NORA: Whom do you mean?

NORA: Who do you mean?

RANK: A lawyer of the name of Krogstad, a fellow you don’t know at all. He suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs Helmer; but even he began talking of its being highly important that he should live.

RANK: A lawyer named Krogstad, someone you don't know at all. He has a diseased moral character, Mrs Helmer. But even he began talking about how important it was for him to live.

NORA: Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about?

NORA: Did he? What did he want to talk to Torvald about?

RANK: I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about the Bank.

RANK: I have no idea. I only heard that it was something about the Bank.

NORA: I didn’t know this—what’s his name—Krogstad had anything to do with the Bank.

NORA: I didn’t know this man, what’s his name, Krogstad, had anything to do with the Bank.

RANK: Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. [To Mrs Linde.] I don’t know whether you find also in your part of the world that there are certain people who go zealously snuffing about to smell out moral corruption, and, as soon as they have found some, put the person concerned into some lucrative position where they can keep their eye on him. Healthy natures are left out in the cold.

RANK: Yes, he has some kind of job there. [To Mrs Linde.] I wonder if you have the same kind of people where you live. They eagerly sniff around for moral corruption. As soon as they find some, they give the person involved a well-paid job where they can keep an eye on him. People with healthy natures are left out in the cold.

MRS LINDE: Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care of.

MRS LINDE: Still, I think sick people need the most care.

RANK: [shrugging his shoulders]. Yes, there you are. That is the sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house.

RANK: [shrugging his shoulders]. Yes, there you have it. That attitude is turning society into a sickroom.

[NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into smothered laughter and claps her hands.]

[NORA, lost in thought, suddenly laughs quietly and claps her hands.]

RANK: Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society really is?

RANK: Why are you laughing at that? Do you have any idea what society really is?

NORA: What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at something quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, Doctor Rank, are all the people who are employed in the Bank dependent on Torvald now?

NORA: Why should I care about tiresome society? I'm laughing at something else entirely, something very funny. Tell me, Doctor Rank, does everyone who works at the Bank depend on Torvald now?

RANK: Is that what you find so extremely amusing?

RANK: Is that what you find so extremely funny?

NORA: [smiling and humming]. That’s my affair! [Walking about the room.] It’s perfectly glorious to think that we have—that Torvald has so much power over so many people. [Takes the packet from her pocket.] Doctor Rank, what do you say to a macaroon?

NORA: [smiling and humming]. That’s my business! [Walking around the room.] It’s wonderful to think that we have, that Torvald has so much power over so many people. [Takes the packet from her pocket.] Doctor Rank, would you like a macaroon?

RANK: What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here.

RANK: What, macaroons? I thought they weren't allowed here.

NORA: Yes, but these are some Christine gave me.

NORA: Yes, but Christine gave me some of these.

MRS LINDE: What! I?—

MRS LINDE: What! Me?

NORA: Oh, well, don’t be alarmed! You couldn’t know that Torvald had forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil my teeth. But, bah!—once in a way—That’s so, isn’t it, Doctor Rank? By your leave! [Puts a macaroon into his mouth.] You must have one too, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one—or at most two. [Walking about.] I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in the world now that I should dearly love to do.

NORA: Oh, well, don’t worry! You couldn’t have known that Torvald had forbidden them. He’s afraid they’ll ruin my teeth. But, oh, once in a while is all right. Isn’t that right, Doctor Rank? If you don’t mind! [Puts a macaroon into his mouth.] You must have one too, Christine. And I’ll have one, just a little one, or two at most. [Walking about.] I’m so happy. There’s just one thing in the world I’d really love to do right now.

RANK: Well, what is that?

NORA: It’s something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald could hear me.

NORA: It’s something I’d really love to say if Torvald could hear me.

RANK: Well, why can’t you say it?

NORA: No, I daren’t; it’s so shocking.

NORA: No, I don't dare. It's so shocking.

MRS LINDE: Shocking?

RANK: Well, I should not advise you to say it. Still, with us you might. What is it you would so much like to say if Torvald could hear you?

RANK: Well, I wouldn't advise you to say it. But you could say it to us. What would you so much like to say if Torvald could hear you?

NORA: I should just love to say—Well, I’m damned!

NORA: I’d just love to say, well, I’m damned!

RANK: Are you mad?

RANK: Are you crazy?

MRS LINDE: Nora, dear—!

MRS LINDE: Nora, dear!

RANK: Say it, here he is!

RANK: Say it. Here he is!

NORA: [hiding the packet]. Hush! Hush! Hush! [HELMER comes out of his room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.]

NORA: Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him?

NORA: Well, Torvald dear, is he gone?

HELMER: Yes, he has just gone.

HELMER: Yes, he just left.

NORA: Let me introduce you—this is Christine, who has come to town.

NORA: Let me introduce you. This is Christine, who has come to town.

HELMER: Christine—? Excuse me, but I don’t know—

HELMER: Christine? Sorry, but I don't know...

NORA: Mrs Linde, dear; Christine Linde.

NORA: Mrs Linde, dear. Christine Linde.

HELMER: Of course. A school friend of my wife’s, I presume?

HELMER: Of course. I assume you're a friend of my wife's from school?

MRS LINDE: Yes, we have known each other since then.

MRS LINDE: Yes, we've known each other since then.

NORA: And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you.

NORA: And just think, she traveled a long way to see you.

HELMER: What do you mean?

MRS LINDE: No, really, I—

MRS LINDE: No, really, I...

NORA: Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect herself—

NORA: Christine is extremely good at bookkeeping. She’s very eager to work under a skilled man so she can improve her skills.

HELMER: Very sensible, Mrs Linde.

HELMER: Very sensible, Mrs. Linde.

NORA: And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank—the news was telegraphed, you know—she travelled here as quick as she could. Torvald, I am sure you will be able to do something for Christine, for my sake, won’t you?

NORA: And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank, she came here as fast as she could. You know, the news was sent by telegram. Torvald, I’m sure you can do something for Christine, for my sake, can’t you?

HELMER: Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a widow, Mrs Linde?

HELMER: Well, it’s not entirely impossible. I assume you’re a widow, Mrs Linde?

MRS LINDE: Yes.

HELMER: And have had some experience of book-keeping?

HELMER: And have you had some experience with bookkeeping?

MRS LINDE: Yes, a fair amount.

MRS LINDE: Yes, quite a bit.

HELMER: Ah! well, it’s very likely I may be able to find something for you—

HELMER: Ah! Well, I can probably find something for you...

NORA: [clapping her hands]. What did I tell you? What did I tell you?

HELMER: You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs Linde.

HELMER: You've arrived at just the right time, Mrs Linde.

MRS LINDE: How am I to thank you?

MRS LINDE: How can I thank you?

HELMER: There is no need. [Puts on his coat.] But today you must excuse me—

HELMER: There’s no need. [Puts on his coat.] But you’ll have to excuse me today...

RANK: Wait a minute; I will come with you. [Brings his fur coat from the hall and warms it at the fire.]

RANK: Wait a minute. I'll come with you. [Brings his fur coat from the hall and warms it by the fire.]

NORA: Don’t be long away, Torvald dear.

NORA: Don’t be gone long, dear Torvald.

HELMER: About an hour, not more.

HELMER: About an hour, no more.

NORA: Are you going too, Christine?

MRS LINDE: [putting on her cloak]. Yes, I must go and look for a room.

MRS LINDE: [putting on her cloak]. Yes, I need to go look for a room.

HELMER: Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together.

NORA: [helping her]. What a pity it is we are so short of space here; I am afraid it is impossible for us—

NORA: [helping her]. It's a shame we have so little space here. I'm afraid it's impossible for us...

MRS LINDE: Please don’t think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and many thanks.

MRS LINDE: Please don't worry about it! Goodbye, dear Nora, and thank you so much.

NORA: Goodbye for the present. Of course you will come back this evening. And you too, Dr. Rank. What do you say? If you are well enough? Oh, you must be! Wrap yourself up well. [They go to the door all talking together. Children’s voices are heard on the staircase.]

NORA: Goodbye for now. Of course you'll come back this evening. And you too, Dr. Rank. What do you say? If you're well enough? Oh, you must be! Wrap up warmly. [They all go to the door, talking together. Children’s voices can be heard on the stairs.]

NORA: There they are! There they are! [She runs to open the door. The NURSE comes in with the children.] Come in! Come in! [Stoops and kisses them.] Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren’t they darlings?

NORA: There they are! There they are! [She runs to open the door. The NURSE comes in with the children.] Come in! Come in! [She bends down and kisses them.] Oh, you sweet little blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren’t they adorable?

RANK: Don’t let us stand here in the draught.

RANK: Let’s not stand here in the draft.

HELMER: Come along, Mrs Linde; the place will only be bearable for a mother now!

HELMER: Come on, Mrs Linde. Only a mother could stand this place now!

[RANK, HELMER, and Mrs Linde go downstairs. The NURSE comes forward with the children; NORA shuts the hall door.]

[RANK, HELMER, and Mrs Linde go downstairs. The NURSE comes forward with the children. NORA closes the hall door.]

NORA: How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples and roses. [The children all talk at once while she speaks to them.] Have you had great fun? That’s splendid! What, you pulled both Emmy and Bob along on the sledge? —both at once?—that was good. You are a clever boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, Anne. My sweet little baby doll! [Takes the baby from the MAID and dances it up and down.] Yes, yes, mother will dance with Bob too. What! Have you been snowballing? I wish I had been there too! No, no, I will take their things off, Anne; please let me do it, it is such fun. Go in now, you look half frozen. There is some hot coffee for you on the stove.

NORA: How fresh and healthy you look! Your cheeks are as red as apples and roses. [The children all talk at once while she speaks to them.] Did you have lots of fun? That’s wonderful! What, you pulled both Emmy and Bob on the sled? Both at once? Well done. You’re a clever boy, Ivar. Let me hold her for a little while, Anne. My sweet little baby doll! [Takes the baby from the MAID and dances her up and down.] Yes, yes, Mommy will dance with Bob too. What! Have you been throwing snowballs? I wish I had been there too! No, no, I’ll take their things off, Anne. Please let me do it. It’s so much fun. Go inside now. You look half frozen. There’s some hot coffee for you on the stove.

[The NURSE goes into the room on the left. NORA takes off the children’s things and throws them about, while they all talk to her at once.]

[The NURSE goes into the room on the left. NORA takes off the children’s clothes and tosses them around, while the children all talk to her at once.]

NORA: Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn’t bite you? No, dogs don’t bite nice little dolly children. You mustn’t look at the parcels, Ivar. What are they? Ah, I daresay you would like to know. No, no—it’s something nasty! Come, let us have a game! What shall we play at? Hide and Seek? Yes, we’ll play Hide and Seek. Bob shall hide first. Must I hide? Very well, I’ll hide first. [She and the children laugh and shout, and romp in and out of the room; at last NORA hides under the table, the children rush in and out for her, but do not see her; they hear her smothered laughter, run to the table, lift up the cloth and find her. Shouts of laughter. She crawls forward and pretends to frighten them. Fresh laughter. Meanwhile there has been a knock at the hall door, but none of them has noticed it. The door is half opened, and KROGSTAD appears, he waits a little; the game goes on.]

NORA: Really! Did a big dog chase you? But it didn’t bite you? No, dogs don’t bite sweet little doll children. You mustn’t look at the packages, Ivar. What are they? Oh, I bet you’d like to know. No, no, it’s something nasty! Come on, let’s play a game! What shall we play? Hide and Seek? Yes, let’s play Hide and Seek. Bob shall hide first. Should I hide? All right, I’ll hide first. [She and the children laugh and shout and play, running in and out of the room. At last NORA hides under the table. The children rush in and out, looking for her, but don’t see her. They hear her muffled laughter, run to the table, lift the cloth, and find her. They shout with laughter. She crawls forward and pretends to frighten them. They laugh again. Meanwhile, someone has knocked at the hall door, but none of them has noticed. The door opens halfway, and KROGSTAD appears. He waits a little while the game goes on.]

KROGSTAD: Excuse me, Mrs Helmer.

KROGSTAD: Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer.

NORA: [with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her knees]. Ah! what do you want?

NORA: [with a muffled cry, turns around and gets up on her knees]. Ah! What do you want?

KROGSTAD: Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone forgot to shut it.

KROGSTAD: Excuse me, the front door was partly open. I suppose someone forgot to close it.

NORA: [rising]. My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad.

NORA: [standing up]. My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad.

KROGSTAD: I know that.

NORA: What do you want here, then?

KROGSTAD: A word with you.

KROGSTAD: I need a word with you.

NORA: With me?—[To the children, gently.] Go in to nurse. What? No, the strange man won’t do mother any harm. When he has gone we will have another game. [She takes the children into the room on the left, and shuts the door after them.] You want to speak to me?

NORA: With me? [To the children, gently.] Go to the nurse. What? No, the strange man won’t hurt me. When he’s gone, we’ll play another game. [She takes the children into the room on the left and closes the door behind them.] You want to talk to me?

KROGSTAD: Yes, I do.

NORA: Today? It is not the first of the month yet.

NORA: Today? It isn't the first of the month yet.

KROGSTAD: No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself what sort of a Christmas you will spend.

KROGSTAD: No, it is Christmas Eve, and the kind of Christmas you have depends on you.

NORA: What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me—

NORA: What do you mean? I absolutely can't today...

KROGSTAD: We won’t talk about that until later on. This is something different. I presume you can give me a moment?

KROGSTAD: We’ll talk about that later. This is something else. I assume you have a moment?

NORA: Yes—yes, I can—although—

NORA: Yes, yes, I can, although...

KROGSTAD: Good. I was in Olsen’s Restaurant and saw your husband going down the street—

KROGSTAD: Good. I was at Olsen’s Restaurant and saw your husband walking down the street.

NORA: Yes?

KROGSTAD: With a lady.

KROGSTAD: With a woman.

NORA: What then?

NORA: What happens then?

KROGSTAD: May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs Linde?

KROGSTAD: May I ask if it was a Mrs Linde?

NORA: It was.

KROGSTAD: Just arrived in town?

NORA: Yes, today.

KROGSTAD: She is a great friend of yours, isn’t she?

KROGSTAD: She’s a great friend of yours, isn’t she?

NORA: She is. But I don’t see—

NORA: She is. But I don’t see...

KROGSTAD: I knew her too, once upon a time.

KROGSTAD: I knew her too, a long time ago.

NORA: I am aware of that.

NORA: I know that.

KROGSTAD: Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. Then I can ask you, without beating about the bush—is Mrs Linde to have an appointment in the Bank?

KROGSTAD: Are you? So you know all about it. I thought so. Then I can ask you directly: Is Mrs Linde going to get a job at the Bank?

NORA: What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?—You, one of my husband’s subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that.

NORA: What right do you have to question me, Mr. Krogstad? You work for my husband! But since you ask, I’ll tell you. Yes, Mrs Linde is getting a job. And let me tell you, Mr. Krogstad, I’m the one who spoke up for her.

KROGSTAD: I was right in what I thought, then.

KROGSTAD: So I was right about what I thought.

NORA: [walking up and down the stage]. Sometimes one has a tiny little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not necessarily follow that—. When anyone is in a subordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone who—who—

NORA: [walking up and down the stage]. I should hope a person has a tiny bit of influence sometimes. Just because someone is a woman, that doesn't necessarily mean. . . . When someone is in a lower position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful not to offend anyone who, who. . . .

KROGSTAD: Who has influence?

NORA: Exactly.

KROGSTAD: [changing his tone]. Mrs Helmer, you will be so good as to use your influence on my behalf.

KROGSTAD: [changing his tone]. Mrs Helmer, please use your influence to help me.

NORA: What? What do you mean?

KROGSTAD: You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position in the Bank.

KROGSTAD: Please see to it that I can keep my lower-level position at the Bank.

NORA: What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you?

NORA: What do you mean by that? Who is planning to take your job away?

KROGSTAD: Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off.

KROGSTAD: Oh, there’s no need to pretend you don’t know. I can understand why your friend doesn’t want to risk running into me. And I know who I have to thank for getting me fired.

NORA: But I assure you—

NORA: But I promise you...

KROGSTAD: Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that.

KROGSTAD: Very likely. But to get to the point, I think it's time you used your influence to prevent that.

NORA: But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence.

NORA: But, Mr. Krogstad, I don't have any influence.

KROGSTAD: Haven’t you? I thought you said yourself just now—

KROGSTAD: Haven't you? I thought you just said yourself...

NORA: Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I! What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my husband?

NORA: Of course I didn't mean for you to take it that way. Me! Why would you think I have that kind of influence over my husband?

KROGSTAD: Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don’t suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands.

KROGSTAD: Oh, I’ve known your husband since we were students. I don’t suppose he’s any less vulnerable than other husbands.

NORA: If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house.

NORA: If you disrespect my husband, I'll throw you out of the house.

KROGSTAD: You are bold, Mrs Helmer.

KROGSTAD: You're bold, Mrs Helmer.

NORA: I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing.

NORA: I'm not afraid of you anymore. Soon after the New Year begins, I'll be free of the whole thing.

KROGSTAD: [controlling himself]. Listen to me, Mrs Helmer. If necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were fighting for my life.

KROGSTAD: [controlling himself]. Listen to me, Mrs Helmer. If necessary, I'll fight for my small job at the Bank as if my life depended on it.

NORA: So it seems.

NORA: It seems so.

KROGSTAD: It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason—well, I may as well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion.

KROGSTAD: It’s not just about the money. In fact, the money matters least to me. There’s another reason. Well, I might as well tell you. Here’s my situation. I expect you know, like everyone else, that many years ago I made a mistake.

NORA: I think I have heard something of the kind.

NORA: I think I've heard something like that.

KROGSTAD: The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I had to do something; and, honestly, I don’t think I’ve been one of the worst. But now I must cut myself free from all that. My sons are growing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in the town. This post in the Bank was like the first step up for me—and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud.

KROGSTAD: The matter never went to court, but after that, every door seemed closed to me. So I went into the business you know about. I had to do something, and honestly, I don't think I've been one of the worst. But now I must break free from all that. My sons are growing up. For their sake, I must try to regain as much respect as I can in town. The job at the Bank was like a first step up for me. And now your husband is going to kick me back down into the mud.

NORA: But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.

NORA: But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad. I can't help you at all.

KROGSTAD: Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel you.

KROGSTAD: Then it’s because you don’t want to. But I have ways to make you.

NORA: You don’t mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money?

NORA: You don’t mean you’ll tell my husband I owe you money?

KROGSTAD: Hm!—suppose I were to tell him?

KROGSTAD: Hmm! What if I told him?

NORA: It would be perfectly infamous of you. [Sobbing.] To think of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, clumsy way—that he should learn it from you! And it would put me in a horribly disagreeable position—

NORA: That would be absolutely shameful of you. [Sobbing.] To think of him finding out my secret in such an ugly, clumsy way. It has been my joy and pride, and he would learn it from you! And it would put me in a horribly uncomfortable position.

KROGSTAD: Only disagreeable?

KROGSTAD: Just unpleasant?

NORA: [impetuously]. Well, do it, then!—and it will be the worse for you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you are, and you certainly won’t keep your post then.

NORA: [impulsively]. Well, do it, then! It will be worse for you. My husband will see for himself what a scoundrel you are, and you certainly won’t keep your job then.

KROGSTAD: I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid of?

KROGSTAD: I asked if you were only afraid of an unpleasant scene at home?

NORA: If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to do with you.

NORA: If my husband finds out about it, of course he will pay you what we still owe you right away. Then we will have nothing more to do with you.

KROGSTAD: [coming a step nearer]. Listen to me, Mrs Helmer. Either you have a very bad memory or you know very little of business. I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details.

KROGSTAD: [taking a step closer]. Listen to me, Mrs Helmer. Either you have a very bad memory or you know very little about business. I'll have to remind you of a few details.

NORA: What do you mean?

KROGSTAD: When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two hundred and fifty pounds.

KROGSTAD: When your husband was sick, you came to me to borrow two hundred and fifty pounds.

NORA: I didn’t know anyone else to go to.

NORA: I didn’t know anyone else I could turn to.

KROGSTAD: I promised to get you that amount—

KROGSTAD: I promised to get you that amount...

NORA: Yes, and you did so.

NORA: Yes, and you did.

KROGSTAD: I promised to get you that amount, on certain conditions. Your mind was so taken up with your husband’s illness, and you were so anxious to get the money for your journey, that you seem to have paid no attention to the conditions of our bargain. Therefore it will not be amiss if I remind you of them. Now, I promised to get the money on the security of a bond which I drew up.

KROGSTAD: I promised to get you that amount under certain conditions. You were so focused on your husband’s illness and so eager to get the money for your journey. So you seem to have paid no attention to the conditions of our agreement. It would be worth reminding you of them. I promised to get the money using a bond I drew up as security.

NORA: Yes, and which I signed.

NORA: Yes, and I signed it.

KROGSTAD: Good. But below your signature there were a few lines constituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your father should have signed.

KROGSTAD: Good. But below your signature were a few lines making your father responsible for the money. Your father should have signed those lines.

NORA: Should? He did sign them.

KROGSTAD: I had left the date blank; that is to say, your father should himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. Do you remember that?

KROGSTAD: I had left the date blank. Your father was supposed to fill in the date he signed the paper himself. Do you remember that?

NORA: Yes, I think I remember—

NORA: Yes, I think I remember...

KROGSTAD: Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is that not so?

KROGSTAD: Then I gave you the bond to mail to your father. Isn't that right?

NORA: Yes.

KROGSTAD: And you naturally did so at once, because five or six days afterwards you brought me the bond with your father’s signature. And then I gave you the money.

KROGSTAD: And of course you did so at once. Five or six days later, you brought me the bond with your father’s signature. Then I gave you the money.

NORA: Well, haven’t I been paying it off regularly?

KROGSTAD: Fairly so, yes. But—to come back to the matter in hand—that must have been a very trying time for you, Mrs Helmer?

KROGSTAD: Fairly so, yes. But to return to the matter at hand, that must have been a very difficult time for you, Mrs Helmer?

NORA: It was, indeed.

NORA: It certainly was.

KROGSTAD: Your father was very ill, wasn’t he?

KROGSTAD: Your father was very sick, wasn’t he?

NORA: He was very near his end.

NORA: He was close to death.

KROGSTAD: And died soon afterwards?

KROGSTAD: And died soon after?

NORA: Yes.

KROGSTAD: Tell me, Mrs Helmer, can you by any chance remember what day your father died?—on what day of the month, I mean.

KROGSTAD: Tell me, Mrs Helmer, do you happen to remember what day your father died? I mean, what day of the month?

NORA: Papa died on the 29th of September.

NORA: Papa died on September 29.

KROGSTAD: That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as that is so, there is a discrepancy [taking a paper from his pocket] which I cannot account for.

KROGSTAD: That's correct. I've checked it myself. And since that's true, there's a discrepancy [taking a paper from his pocket] that I can't explain.

NORA: What discrepancy? I don’t know—

NORA: What difference? I don’t know...

KROGSTAD: The discrepancy consists, Mrs Helmer, in the fact that your father signed this bond three days after his death.

KROGSTAD: The problem, Mrs Helmer, is that your father signed this bond three days after he died.

NORA: What do you mean? I don’t understand—

NORA: What do you mean? I don’t understand...

KROGSTAD: Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look here; your father has dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is a discrepancy, isn’t it? [NORA is silent.] Can you explain it to me? [NORA is still silent.] It is a remarkable thing, too, that the words “2nd of October,” as well as the year, are not written in your father’s handwriting but in one that I think I know. Well, of course it can be explained; your father may have forgotten to date his signature, and someone else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of his death. There is no harm in that. It all depends on the signature of the name; and that is genuine, I suppose, Mrs Helmer? It was your father himself who signed his name here?

KROGSTAD: Your father died on September 29th. But look here. Your father dated his signature October 2nd. That’s a discrepancy, isn’t it? [NORA is silent.] Can you explain it to me? [NORA is still silent.] There’s something else remarkable. The words “2nd of October” and the year aren’t in your father’s handwriting. They’re in handwriting I think I recognize. Well, of course, there may be an explanation. Your father may have forgotten to date his signature. Someone else may have added a date at random before they knew he had died. There’s no harm in that. It all depends on the signature itself. And that’s genuine, I suppose, Mrs Helmer? Your father signed his name here himself?

NORA: [after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly at him]. No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa’s name.

NORA: [after a short pause, lifts her head and looks at him defiantly]. No, it wasn't. I wrote papa's name.

KROGSTAD: Are you aware that is a dangerous confession?

KROGSTAD: Do you realize that's a dangerous thing to admit?

NORA: In what way? You shall have your money soon.

NORA: How? You'll have your money soon.

KROGSTAD: Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to your father?

KROGSTAD: Let me ask you a question. Why didn't you send the paper to your father?

NORA: It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him for his signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was to be used for; and when he was so ill himself I couldn’t tell him that my husband’s life was in danger—it was impossible.

NORA: It was impossible. Papa was so ill. If I had asked him to sign, I would have had to tell him what the money was for. And when he was so ill himself, I couldn’t tell him that my husband’s life was in danger. It was impossible.

KROGSTAD: It would have been better for you if you had given up your trip abroad.

KROGSTAD: It would have been better for you if you had canceled your trip abroad.

NORA: No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband’s life; I couldn’t give that up.

NORA: No, that was impossible. The trip was meant to save my husband’s life. I couldn’t give it up.

KROGSTAD: But did it never occur to you that you were committing a fraud on me?

KROGSTAD: But did it never occur to you that you were defrauding me?

NORA: I couldn’t take that into account; I didn’t trouble myself about you at all. I couldn’t bear you, because you put so many heartless difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous condition my husband was in.

NORA: I couldn’t take that into account. I didn’t think about you at all. I couldn’t stand you because you put so many cruel obstacles in my way, even though you knew how dangerous my husband’s condition was.

KROGSTAD: Mrs Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly what it is that you have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my one false step, which lost me all my reputation, was nothing more or nothing worse than what you have done.

KROGSTAD: Mrs Helmer, you clearly don't realize what you have done. But I can assure you that my one mistake was no different and no worse than what you have done. It cost me my entire reputation.

NORA: You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run a risk to save your wife’s life?

NORA: You? Do you expect me to believe you were brave enough to take a risk to save your wife’s life?

KROGSTAD: The law cares nothing about motives.

KROGSTAD: The law doesn't care about motives.

NORA: Then it must be a very foolish law.

KROGSTAD: Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if I produce this paper in court.

KROGSTAD: Foolish or not, that is the law you will be judged by if I bring this paper to court.

NORA: I don’t believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to spare her dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be allowed to save her husband’s life? I don’t know much about law; but I am certain that there must be laws permitting such things as that. Have you no knowledge of such laws—you who are a lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. Krogstad.

NORA: I don’t believe it. Isn’t a daughter allowed to spare her dying father worry and stress? Isn’t a wife allowed to save her husband’s life? I don’t know much about the law. But I’m certain there must be laws that allow such things. Don’t you know of any such laws? You’re a lawyer, after all. You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. Krogstad.

KROGSTAD: Maybe. But matters of business—such business as you and I have had together—do you think I don’t understand that? Very well. Do as you please. But let me tell you this—if I lose my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me. [He bows, and goes out through the hall.]

KROGSTAD: Maybe. But you and I have done business together. Do you think I don’t understand how that works? All right. Do as you please. But let me tell you this. If I lose my job a second time, you’ll lose yours too. [He bows and leaves through the hall.]

NORA: [appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her head]. Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!—I am not so silly as he thinks. [Begins to busy herself putting the children’s things in order.] And yet—? No, it’s impossible! I did it for love’s sake.

NORA: [thinks for a moment, then tosses her head]. Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that! I’m not as foolish as he thinks. [Starts tidying the children’s things.] But what if? No, it’s impossible! I did it for love.

THE CHILDREN: [in the doorway on the left]. Mother, the stranger man has gone out through the gate.

THE CHILDREN: [in the doorway on the left]. Mother, the stranger went out through the gate.

NORA: Yes, dears, I know. But, don’t tell anyone about the stranger man. Do you hear? Not even papa.

NORA: Yes, dears, I know. But don't tell anyone about the strange man. Do you hear? Not even Papa.

CHILDREN: No, mother; but will you come and play again?

CHILDREN: No, Mom, but will you come and play again?

NORA: No, no,—not now.

NORA: No, no, not now.

CHILDREN: But, mother, you promised us.

CHILDREN: But, Mom, you promised us.

NORA: Yes, but I can’t now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run away in, my sweet little darlings. [She gets them into the room by degrees and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes up a piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops.] No! [Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.] Helen! bring the Tree in. [Goes to the table on the left, opens a drawer, and stops again.] No, no! it is quite impossible!

NORA: Yes, but I can’t now. Go inside. I have so much to do. Go inside, my sweet little darlings. [She gradually gets them into the room and shuts the door. Then she sits on the sofa, picks up some sewing, and sews a few stitches, but soon stops.] No! [She throws down the sewing, gets up, goes to the hall door, and calls out.] Helen! Bring the Tree in. [She goes to the table on the left, opens a drawer, and stops again.] No, no! It’s completely impossible!

MAID: [coming in with the Tree]. Where shall I put it, ma’am?

MAID: [coming in with the Tree]. Where should I put it, ma’am?

NORA: Here, in the middle of the floor.

MAID: Shall I get you anything else?

MAID: Can I get you anything else?

NORA: No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit MAID.]

NORA: No, thank you. I have all I want. [MAID exits.]

NORA: [begins dressing the tree]. A candle here-and flowers here—The horrible man! It’s all nonsense—there’s nothing wrong. The tree shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to please you, Torvald!—I will sing for you, dance for you—[HELMER comes in with some papers under his arm.] Oh! are you back already?

NORA: [begins decorating the tree]. A candle here, and flowers here. That horrible man! It’s all nonsense. There’s nothing wrong. The tree will be beautiful! I’ll do everything I can think of to please you, Torvald! I’ll sing for you and dance for you. [HELMER comes in with some papers under his arm.] Oh! Are you back already?

HELMER: Yes. Has anyone been here?

NORA: Here? No.

HELMER: That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate.

HELMER: That's strange. I saw Krogstad leaving through the gate.

NORA: Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment.

NORA: Did you? Oh yes, I forgot. Krogstad was here for a moment.

HELMER: Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging you to say a good word for him.

HELMER: Nora, I can tell from how you're acting that he came here begging you to put in a good word for him.

NORA: Yes.

HELMER: And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn’t he beg that of you too?

HELMER: And you were supposed to make it look as if you were doing it on your own. You were supposed to hide from me that he had been here. Didn’t he beg you to do that too?

NORA: Yes, Torvald, but—

NORA: Yes, Torvald, but...

HELMER: Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain?

HELMER: Nora, Nora, would you be involved in something like that? Talk to a man like that and make him any kind of promise? And lie to me on top of it all?

NORA: A lie—?

NORA: A lie?

HELMER: Didn’t you tell me no one had been here? [Shakes his finger at her.] My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with—no false notes! [Puts his arm round her waist.] That is so, isn’t it? Yes, I am sure it is. [Lets her go.] We will say no more about it. [Sits down by the stove.] How warm and snug it is here! [Turns over his papers.]

HELMER: Didn’t you tell me no one had been here? [Shakes his finger at her.] My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with. No false notes! [Puts his arm around her waist.] That’s right, isn’t it? Yes, I’m sure it is. [Lets her go.] We won’t say any more about it. [Sits down by the stove.] It’s so warm and cozy here! [Looks through his papers.]

NORA: [after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the Christmas Tree.] Torvald!

NORA: [after a short pause, during which she tends to the Christmas Tree.] Torvald!

HELMER: Yes.

NORA: I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs’ the day after tomorrow.

NORA: I'm really looking forward to the costume ball at the Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow.

HELMER: And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with.

HELMER: And I'm very curious to see what surprise you have for me.

NORA: It was very silly of me to want to do that.

HELMER: What do you mean?

NORA: I can’t hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of seems so silly and insignificant.

NORA: I can’t think of anything that will work. Everything I think of seems so silly and insignificant.

HELMER: Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last?

HELMER: Does my little Nora finally admit that?

NORA: [standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it]. Are you very busy, Torvald?

HELMER: Well—

HELMER: Well...

NORA: What are all those papers?

HELMER: Bank business.

NORA: Already?

HELMER: I have got authority from the retiring manager to undertake the necessary changes in the staff and in the rearrangement of the work; and I must make use of the Christmas week for that, so as to have everything in order for the new year.

HELMER: The retiring manager has given me the authority to make the necessary changes to the staff and reorganize the work. So I must use Christmas week to do that, so everything is in order for the new year.

NORA: Then that was why this poor Krogstad—

NORA: So that's why poor Krogstad...

HELMER: Hm!

NORA: [leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair]. If you hadn’t been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, Torvald.

NORA: [leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair]. If you hadn’t been so busy, I would have asked you a really big favor, Torvald.

HELMER: What is that? Tell me.

NORA: There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so want to look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn’t you take me in hand and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shall wear?

NORA: No one has such good taste as you. And I really want to look nice at the costume ball. Torvald, couldn’t you help me decide what to go as and what kind of dress to wear?

HELMER: Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to her rescue?

HELMER: Aha! So my stubborn little woman needs someone to come to her rescue?

NORA: Yes, Torvald, I can’t get along a bit without your help.

NORA: Yes, Torvald, I can't manage at all without your help.

HELMER: Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon something.

HELMER: All right, I'll think it over. We'll come up with something.

NORA: That is nice of you. [Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short pause.] How pretty the red flowers look—. But, tell me, was it really something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of?

NORA: That’s nice of you. [Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short pause.] The red flowers look so pretty. But tell me, did Krogstad really do something very bad?

HELMER: He forged someone’s name. Have you any idea what that means?

HELMER: He forged someone’s name. Do you have any idea what that means?

NORA: Isn’t it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity?

NORA: Isn’t it possible he had to do it?

HELMER: Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so heartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false step of that kind.

HELMER: Yes, or, as in so many cases, through carelessness. I’m not so heartless that I’d condemn a man entirely for one mistake like that.

NORA: No, you wouldn’t, would you, Torvald?

HELMER: Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment.

HELMER: Many men have restored their good name by openly admitting their wrongdoing and accepting their punishment.

NORA: Punishment—?

NORA: Punishment?

HELMER: But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out of it by a cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether.

HELMER: But Krogstad did nothing like that. He got himself out of trouble with a clever trick, and that's why he has completely ruined himself.

NORA: But do you think it would—?

NORA: But do you think it would...?

HELMER: Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the hypocrite with every one, how he has to wear a mask in the presence of those near and dear to him, even before his own wife and children. And about the children—that is the most terrible part of it all, Nora.

HELMER: Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and pretend with everyone. He has to wear a mask around those closest to him, even his own wife and children. And the children, Nora, are the most terrible part of it all.

NORA: How?

HELMER: Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a house is full of the germs of evil.

HELMER: Because an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons every part of family life. Every breath the children take in such a home is full of the germs of evil.

NORA: [coming nearer him]. Are you sure of that?

NORA: [moving closer to him]. Are you sure of that?

HELMER: My dear, I have often seen it in the course of my life as a lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has had a deceitful mother.

HELMER: My dear, I have often seen it in my work as a lawyer. Almost everyone who goes bad early in life has had a dishonest mother.

NORA: Why do you only say—mother?

NORA: Why do you only say mother?

HELMER: It seems most commonly to be the mother’s influence, though naturally a bad father’s would have the same result. Every lawyer is familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been persistently poisoning his own children with lies and dissimulation; that is why I say he has lost all moral character. [Holds out his hands to her.] That is why my sweet little Nora must promise me not to plead his cause. Give me your hand on it. Come, come, what is this? Give me your hand. There now, that’s settled. I assure you it would be quite impossible for me to work with him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the company of such people.

HELMER: It seems to be the mother’s influence most often, though of course a bad father’s influence would have the same result. Every lawyer knows that. Krogstad has been constantly poisoning his own children with lies and deceit. That is why I say he has lost all moral character. [Holds out his hands to her.] That is why my sweet little Nora must promise me not to plead for him. Give me your hand to seal the promise. Come, come, what’s this? Give me your hand. There now, that’s settled. I assure you, I couldn’t possibly work with him. I literally feel physically ill when I’m around such people.

NORA: [takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of the Christmas Tree]. How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot to do.

NORA: [takes her hand out of his and goes to the other side of the Christmas Tree]. It's so hot in here, and I have so much to do.

HELMER: [getting up and putting his papers in order]. Yes, and I must try and read through some of these before dinner; and I must think about your costume, too. And it is just possible I may have something ready in gold paper to hang up on the Tree. [Puts his hand on her head.] My precious little singing-bird! [He goes into his room and shuts the door after him.]

HELMER: [getting up and putting his papers in order]. Yes, and I must try to read through some of these papers before dinner. I must think about your costume, too. And I might even have something wrapped in gold paper to hang on the tree. [Puts his hand on her head.] My precious little singing bird! [He goes into his room and closes the door behind him.]

NORA: [after a pause, whispers]. No, no—it isn’t true. It’s impossible; it must be impossible.

NORA: [after a pause, whispers]. No, no, it isn't true. It's impossible. It must be impossible.

[The NURSE opens the door on the left.]

NURSE: The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come in to mamma.

NURSE: The little ones are begging to be allowed to come in and see Mama.

NORA: No, no, no! Don’t let them come in to me! You stay with them, Anne.

NORA: No, no, no! Don’t let them come in here! Stay with them, Anne.

NURSE: Very well, ma’am. [Shuts the door.]

NURSE: All right, ma’am. [Shuts the door.]

NORA: [pale with terror]. Deprave my little children? Poison my home? [A short pause. Then she tosses her head.] It’s not true. It can’t possibly be true.

NORA: [pale with terror]. Corrupt my little children? Poison my home? [A short pause. Then she tosses her head.] It’s not true. It can’t possibly be true.