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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is the Pastor hesitant about getting the orphanage insured?

2. How long does Nora plan to wait to tell Torvald about the borrowing?

3. What ultimatum does Mrs. Alving want to give Oswald?

4. Why does Torvald whisk Nora away so quickly after the dance?

5. What does Engstrand want the Pastor to do with the remainder of Alving's money?

Short Essay Questions

1. To whom does Nora feel her duty is owed?

2. Why does Mrs. Linde volunteer to approach Krogstad?

3. What is ironic about Engstrand's naming his seaman's home the Captain Alving Home?

4. What is the difference in opinion between Torvald and Nora about borrowing money?

5. Why doesn't Dr. Rank want Torvald to visit him in his illness?

6. What does Nora outwardly hope for at the end of Act 2, and what does she inwardly fear?

7. How is Nora's dance costume symbolic of her life and marriage?

8. How will Dr. Rank notify Nora that he is in the final stage of his illness?

9. Why does Krogstad agree to withdraw his letter to Torvald?

10. How does Torvald react when Krogstad returns the IOU?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the climax of HEDDA GABLER, she shoots herself in the temple with her father's pistol. What reversals in Act 4 lead her to this final act? What characters directly contribute to her decision? Is Hedda's suicide a final, courageous declaration of freedom, or has she been left no other choice because of her restrictive, stifling life? Is her suicide an admission of defeat? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Hedda Gabler considers herself a coward. Why does she have that impression? What is she afraid of? What does she truly desire? Why does her obsession with Ejlert Lovborg consume her? She encourages Ejlert Lovborg to go to the party, despite protestations from Mrs. Elvsted and Lovborg himself declining. Why is she trying to control his destiny?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Mrs. Linde of A DOLL'S HOUSE and Mrs. Elvsted of HEDDA GABLER. How are these characters similar? How are they different?Do they play similar roles in the development of the action of their respective plays? How do they each relate to the main characters of their plays, namely Nora and Hedda? What role do Mrs. Linde and Mrs. Elvsted fulfill thematically?

(see the answer keys)

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