Get Questions and Answers For The Excerpt 20-25
EXCERPTS FROM A DOLL’S HOUSE KCSE REVISION QUESTIONS NUMBER 26
Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that
| follow. | |
| Mrs. Linde: | Is Doctor Rank a man of means? |
| Nora: | Yes, he is. |
| Mrs. Linde: | And has no one to provide for? |
| Nora: | No, no one; but- |
| Mrs. Linde: | And comes here every day? |
| Nora: | Yes, I told you so. |
| Mrs. Linde: | But how can this well –bred man be so tactle |
| Nora: | I don’t understand you at all |
| Mrs. Linde: | Don’t prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don’t guess who lent you the two hundred and Fifty pounds? |
| Nora: | Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! A friend of ours who comes here every day! Do you realize what a horribly painful position that would be? |
| Mrs. Linde: | Then it really isn’t he? |
Nora: No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head for a moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into his money afterwards.
Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Mrs. Linde:
Nora.
| Nora: | No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank. Although I am quite sure that if I had asked him- |
| Mrs. Linde: | But of course you won’t. |
| Nora: | Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly be necessary. But I am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank- |
| Mrs. Linde: | Behind your husband’s back? |
| Nora: | I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will be behind his back too. I must make an end of it with him. |
| Mrs. Linde: 32 | Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but – |
| Nora: | (walking up and down) A man can put a thing like that straight much easier than a woman – |
| Mrs. Linde: | One’s husband, yes. |
| Nora: | Nonsense! (Standing still) When you pay off a debt you get your bond back, don’t you? |
| Mrs. Linde: | Yes, as a matter of course. |
| Nora: | And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up- the nasty dirty paper! |
Mrs. Linde: (looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly) Nora, you are concealing
something from me
Nora: Do I look as if I were?
Mrs. Linde: Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, what is it?
Questions
- What happens immediately after this excerpt? (3marks)
- Discuss any two issues brought out in this excerpt (4 marks)
- How is Mrs. Linde depicted in this extract? (4 marks)
- In which ways do the playwright use dramatic irony in this excerpt? (4 marks)
- Because you do as your husband wishes. Add a question tag
(1 mark)
- How effective is the use of humor in this extract?
2 marks)
- From this excerpt, Helmer is hardworking. How is this character trait brought out elsewhere in the play and how does it complicate the drama (3 marks)
- Give the meaning of the following (4 marks)
- A man of means ii) Prevaricate iii) Horribly iv) Concealing
EXCERPTS FROM A DOLL’S HOUSE KCSE REVISION QUESTIONS NUMBER 27
Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that
| follow. | |||
| Nora: | I don’t believe that any longer. I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are – or at all events, that I must try and became one. I know quite well, Torvald that most people would think you right, and that views of that kind are to be found in books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or with what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get to understand them | ||
| HELMER: | Can you not understand your place in your own home? Have you not a reliable guide in such matters as that? – have you no religion? | ||
| Nora: | I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. | ||
| HELMER: 33 | What are you saying? | ||
| Nora: | I know nothing but what the clergyman said, when I went to be confirmed. He told us that religion was this and that, and the other. When I am away from all this, and I am alone, I will look into that matter too. I will see if what the clergyman said is true, or at all events if it is true for me. | ||
| Helmer: | This is unheard of in a girl of your age! But if religion cannot lead you alright, let me try and awaken your conscience. I suppose you have some moral sense? Or –answer me- am I to think you have none? | ||
| Nora: | I assure you, Torvald that is not an easy question to answer. I really don’t know. The thing perplexes me all together. I only know that you and I look at it in a quite different light. I am learning, too, that the law is quite another thing from what I suppose; but I find it quite impossible to convince myself that the law is right. According to it a woman has no right to spare her old dying father, or to save her husband’s life. I can’t believe that. | ||
| Helmer: | You talk like a child. You don’t understand the conditions of the world in which you live. | ||
| Nora: | No, I don’t. But now I am going to try. I am going to see if I can make out who is right, the world or I. | ||
Questions
- Place this extract in its immediate context.
(6 marks)
- Discuss any two character traits of Helmer in this extract.
(4marks)
- Give evidence that Nora is an assertive character (4marks)
- From elsewhere in the play how is Nora portrayed in a different light? (2marks)
- I do not exactly know what religion is. (Add a question tag)
(1mark)
- In which way does Nora conflict with the law?
(3marks)
- Discuss one major issue of concern addressed in this context
(3 marks)
- What is the mood in this context? Explain.
(3marks)
- What is the meaning of the following words? (4 marks)
i) Religion ii) Clergyman iii) Conscience iv) Perplexes
EXCERPTS FROM A DOLL’S HOUSE KCSE REVISION QUESTIONS NUMBER 28
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. (A Doll’s House) Krogstad: It was your own choice. Mrs Linde: There was no other choice then Krogstad: Well, what now?
Mrs Linde: Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people could join forces?
Krogstad: What are you saying?
Mrs Linde: Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a better chance than each on their own Krogstad: Christine I
Mrs Linde: What do you suppose brought me to town? Krogstad: Do you mean that you gave me a thought?
34
Mrs Linde: I could not endure life without work. All my life, as long as I can remember. I have worked, and it has been my greatest and only pleasure. But now I am quite alone in the world — my life is so dreadfully empty and I feel so forsaken. There is not the least pleasure in working for one’s self. Nils, give me someone and something to work for.
Krogstad: I don’t trust that. It is nothing but a woman’s overstrained sense of generosity that prompts you to make such an offer of yourself.
Mrs Linde: Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me?
Krogstad: Could you really do it? Tell me — do you know all about my past life?
Mrs Linde: Yes.
Krogstad: And do you know what they think of me here?
Mrs Linde: You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite another man. Krogstad: I am certain of it.
Mrs Linde: Is it too late now?
Krogstad: Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then —?
Mrs Linde: I want to be a mother to someone. And your Children need a mother. we two need each other. Nils, I have faith in you character-i can dare anything together with you
Krogstad: (grasps her hands) Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now It shall find a way to clear Mrs Linde: (listening) Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go!
Krogstad: Why? What is it?
Mrs Linde: Do you hear them up there? When that is over we may expect them back
Krogstad: Yes, yes 1 will go. But it is all no use. Of course you are not aware what steps
Mrs Linde: Yes, I know all about that,
Krogstad: And in spite of that have you the courage to —?
Mrs Linde: I understand very well to what lengths a man like you might be driven by Krogstad: If I could only undo what I have done.
Mrs Linde: You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter box now.
Krogstad: Are you sure of that?
Questions
- What choice does Krogstad refer to? And why does Mrs Linde say there was no other choice. (4marks)
- Why did Mrs Linde come to town? (3marks)
- Identify and explain use of imagery in the excerpt (4marks)
- “Do you know all about my past life?” What does this refer to and way does Krogstad raise it? (3mks)
- “Ah but I forgot!” What has Krogstad forgotten? (2mks)
- Present the character of Mrs Linde as revealed in this excerpt.
(4mks)
- I could not endure life without work. (Rewrite in passive voice)
(1mk)
- “Are you sure?” Why does Krogstad ask this question? (2mks)
- Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the excerpt (2mks)
i) real character ii) give me a thought
EXCERPTS FROM A DOLL’S HOUSE KCSE REVISION QUESTIONS NUMBER 29
Read the following passage and answer the
questions that follow
MRS. LINDE. Good evening.
Nora. Christine!
Helmer. You here, so late, Mrs. Linde?
35
MRS. LINDE. Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora in her dress.
Nora. Have you been sitting here waiting for me?
MRS. LINDE. Yes, unfortunately I came too late, you had already gone upstairs; and I thought couldn’t go away again without having seen you.
Helmer (taking off NORA’S shawl). Yes, take good look at her. I think she is worth looking at. Isn’t she charming, Mrs. Linde? MRS. LINDE. Yes, indeed she is.
Helmer. Doesn’t she look remarkably pretty? Everyone thought so at the dance. But she is terribly self-willed, this sweet little person. What are we to do with her? You will hardly believe that I had almost to bring her away by force.
Nora. Torvalds, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it were only for half an hour. Helmer. Listen to her, Mrs. Linde! She had danced her Tarantella, and it had been a tremendous success, as it deserved–although possibly the performance was a trifle too realistic–a little more so, I mean, than was strictly compatible with the limitations of art. But never mind about that! The chief thing is, she had made a success–she had made a tremendous success. Do you think I was going? to let her remain there after that, and spoil the effect? No, indeed! I took my charming little Capri maiden–my capricious little Capri maiden,
I should say–on my arm; took one quick turn round the room; a curtsey on either side, and, as they say in novels, the beautiful apparition disappeared. An exit ought always to be effective, Mrs. Linde; but that is what I cannot make Nora understand. Pooh! This room is hot. (Throws his domino on a chair, and opens the door of his room.) Hullo! it’s all dark in here. Oh, of course–excuse me–. (He goes in, and lights some candles.) MRS. LINDE. Nora, you must tell your husband all about it.
Nora (in an expressionless voice). I knew it.
MRS. LINDE. You have nothing to be afraid of as far as Krogstad is concerned; but you must tell him.
Nora. I won’t tell him.
MRS. LINDE. Then the letter will.
Nora. Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush–
!
Helmer (coming in again). Well, Mrs. Linde, have you admired her?
MRS. LINDE. Yes, and now I will say goodnight.
Helmer. What, already? Is this yours, this knitting?
Helmer. So you knit?
MRS. LINDE. Of course.
Helmer. Do you know, you ought to embroider?
MRS. LINDE. Really? Why?
Helmer. Yes, it’s far more becoming. Let me show you. You hold the embroidery thus in your left hand, and use the needle with the right–like this–with a long, easy sweep. Do you see?
MRS. LINDE. Yes, perhaps–
Helmer. But in the case of knitting–that can never be anything but ungraceful; look here–the arms close together, the knittingneedles going up and down–it has a sort of Chinese effect–. That was really excellent champagne they gave us.
MRS. LINDE. Well, –goodnight, Nora, and don’t be self-willed any more.
Helmer. That’s right, Mrs. Linde.
MRS. LINDE. Goodnight, Mr. Helmer.
Helmer (accompanying her to the door). Goodnight, goodnight. I hope you will get home all right. I should be very happy to–but you haven’t any great distance to go. Goodnight, goodnight. (She goes
36 out; he shuts the door after her, and comes in again.) Ah! –at last we have got rid of her. She is a frightful bore, that woman.
Questions
- Is Nora surprised to see Mrs Linde? Explain your answer
4mks
- Why does Nora say Helmer would repent for not having let her stay? 3mks
- What is Helmer’s attitude towards Nora in this excerpt?
3mks
- What promise had Mrs Linde made to Nora that she does not keep? 2mks
- Explain why Nora has nothing to be afraid as far as Krogstad is concerned according to Mrs.
Linde? (3marks)
- Describe Helmer’s character as revealed in this excerpt.
4mks
- Both Helmer and Linde describe Nora as self-willed. What do they mean? (3marks)
A Doll’s House Revision Questions Excerpt 30
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Krogstad: Are you aware that is a dangerous confession?
Nora: In what way? You shall have your money soon.
Krogstad: Let me ask you a question; why did you not 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.
Krogstad: It would have been better for you if you had given up your trip abroad. No, it was impossible. That trip was to save my husband’s life; I couldn’t give that up. Nora: But did it ever occur to you that you were committing a fraud on me?
Krogstad: 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: Mrs Helmer, you did not realize 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: You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run a risk to save your wife’s life? Nora: The law cares nothing about motives.
Krogstad: Then it must be a very foolish law.
Nora: Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if I produce this paper in court. Krogstad: 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.
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, goes out through the hall.)
Nora: (appears in thought for a short time, then tosses her head.) Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like I am not so silly as he thinks. (begins to busy herself putting the children’s things in order,) that! — And yet —? No, it’s impossible! I did it for love’s sake.
Questions
- What confession had Nora made just before the events in this excerpt? (2 marks)
- Describe the dilemma that Nora faced when she went to
borrow money from Krogstad. (2 marks)
37
- Why did Nora ignore the fact that she was committing a
fraud on Krogstad? (3 marks)
- “My one false step which lost me all my reputation …” What is Krogstad referring to by these words? (3 marks)
- Describe the character of Nora as presented in this excerpt.
(4 marks)
- Identify and illustrate two devices of style which are evident
in this excerpt. (4 marks)
- Describe two themes evident in this excerpt. (4 marks)
What happens immediately after the events in this excerpt?
