AP Literature A Doll’s House

Prepare, at the minimum, one-page of notes (bulleted) per question to be prepared for class discussion on Monday, November 26th.

1. Discuss the symbolism and metaphor used in the play, specifically addressing these issues:  the title of the play and the metaphor of Nora as a doll.  the symbolism of the Christmas tree.  the symbolism of Nora's costume and the tarantella that she dances at the party.  Expand your discussion to include other symbols and metaphors throughout the play.

2. Discuss the play's treatment of lies and deception, particularly:  Nora lies to Torvald about macaroons, about working to pay off a loan, and about borrowing money without his consent. How does Nora view her own deception? Why does she lie?  How does Torvald view lying? How does he react to Nora's lies when he discovers them? How does he react to Krogstad's deceitful behavior?  How do the characters lie to and deceive themselves? Is the atmosphere of deceit in the Helmer household unhealthy?

3. Discuss the definition of marriage in the play.  What is Nora's idea of marriage? How does her idea of marriage change throughout the play, and what does she mean by the true wedlock she wishes for at the end of the play?  What is Mrs. Linde's idea of marriage? What did her former marriage mean to her, and how is it different from her proposed union with Krogstad?  What is Torvald's idea of marriage? How does he define his relationship with Nora?

4. Discuss propriety and social rules in the play.  How do the characters discuss Doctor Rank's syphilis? Why do they use euphemisms and not talk directly about the subject?  How are the social rules in the play different for men and women?  How does Torvald feel about being socially proper, and why?

5. Discuss religion in the play.  At the end of the play, Nora says that she does not know what religion is. How does her disillusionment with Torvald translate into a disillusionment with religion?  How are society and religion interlinked? Why is religion mentioned at the end of the play, but hardly mentioned at all during the rest of the play?  What is the relationship between religion and the characters' perception of morality?