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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. To what animal does Torvald often compare Nora?

3. Why did Kristine end her relationship with Krogstad?

4. What is Oswald's plan once his illness incapacitates him?

5. When they were younger, what was the relationship between Torvald and Krogstad?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Mrs. Alving keep Captain Alving's life of debauchery a secret?

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

3. What did Johanna tell Engstrand about her "situation"?

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

5. Who goaded Mrs. Alving into her free-thinking ways?

6. How is Nora's transformation symbolized in her costume?

7. What problems does Pastor Manders have with Oswald's perception of marriage?

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

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

10. What has Torvald refused to sacrifice for Nora?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare Dr. Rank of A DOLL'S HOUSE and Mr. Brack in 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? Do these characters echo the intentions and situations of Nora and Hedda? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In A DOLL'S HOUSE, Ibsen makes ample use of foreshadowing. Cite at least three of these examples and explain the significance to the plot, characters, and play. Be sure to include correctly cited quotations to enhance your points.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 695 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample