Lesson 5 | A Doll's House | 12th Grade English

Objective

Analyze and explain how Ibsen develops the central conflict in the opening scene of Act 2.

Readings and Materials

Play: A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen — pp. 29-42

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Target Task

Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved

Multiple Choice

Helmer’s decision to send the letter on p. 36 primarily serves to

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Dr. Rank’s statement on p. 38, “To have to pay…inexorable retribution is being exacted,” makes use of all of the following EXCEPT

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Writing Prompt

The appearance of Krogstad in Act 1 has set in motion a set of events that will ultimately lead to the climax of the play. How does Ibsen show the impact of Krogstad’s threat on the character of Nora in the opening scene of Act 2? Explain using relevant and specific evidence from throughout the scene.

Key Questions

Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding

Describe the tree at the beginning of Act 2. What is the significance of this change in the tree? Track how else Ibsen indicates Nora’s changing mental state in Act 2.
“I see; you are going to keep up the character.” (p. 31) What does Christine literally mean here? What deeper meaning could her words also carry?
How does Christine react to Nora’s relationship with Dr. Rank? Why? (p. 31)
Track Ibsen’s development of Dr. Rank’s character and the relationship between Nora and Dr. Rank. How does her relationship with Dr. Rank help to further characterize Nora and her relationship with Helmer? (p. 31 on)
Describe the interaction between Nora and Helmer on pp. 33–36. Which words or phrases most help to further explain their characters? Their relationship? Why?
Who does Helmer refer to as a “starving quill driver” on p. 36?
What is the significance of Helmer’s words on p. 36, “Come what will, you may be sure I shall have both courage and strength if need be”? How does Ibsen use dramatic irony to heighten the impact here? (p. 36)
Why does Nora seem relieved when she realizes Dr. Rank is talking about himself? (p. 37)
What does the phrase “internal economy” mean on p. 37?
Track the development of the motif of disease, particularly inherited disease and sexually transmitted disease in this scene. Why is it important?
What is the tone of the dialogue between Dr. Rank and Nora? (The teacher could introduce the term “double entendre” here.) Given what you know about Victorian values, how might this have been perceived by Victorian audiences? Why might Ibsen have decided to include this dialogue?
What does Dr. Rank reveal to Nora? What motivates him to do so and how does she respond? (pp. 40–41)
How does Dr. Rank’s revelation help to develop Nora’s character? The themes of the play?
To whom is Helmer compared at the end of this scene? What is the implication? (p. 42)

Notes

Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson

The tree helps to set both the mood of the scene and the change in Nora’s character. As her naiveté gives way to a more complex view of the world, her former life of keeping up appearances begins to give way.
In addition, the stage directions reveal Nora’s emotions, and her frequent discussions with herself show a Nora who is much less content and becoming increasingly crazed by her circumstances.

Lesson 4

Lesson 6

Lesson Map

A Doll's House — Note (p. iii), Act 1 pp. 1-6
“Gender Roles in the 19th Century”

Analyze and interpret the relationship between Helmer and Nora in the opening scene of the play.

A Doll's House — pp. 6-18
Peer Gynt

Analyze how Ibsen further characterizes Nora.

Track the development of the motif of disease.

A Doll's House — pp. 18-28

Analyze how Ibsen uses dramatic irony to develop the conflict of the play.

Writing – 2 days

Inside the Victorian Home — Chapter 6

Create and defend an argument on Ibsen’s stance on women based on Act 1 of the play.

A Doll's House — pp. 29-42

Analyze and explain how Ibsen develops the central conflict in the opening scene of Act 2.

A Doll's House — pp. 42-50

Analyze and explain the symbolic significance of the tarantella dance.

Analyze the power dynamics between female and male characters in this scene. Explain how their roles reflect the roles available to women in Victorian society.

A Doll's House — pp. 51-63

Analyze the climax of the play and explain how it creates theme and develops Nora’s character.

A Doll's House — pp. 63-72

Create and defend an argument about Nora’s decision at the end of the play.

“Henrik Ibsen Biography”

Analyze Ibsen’s impact as a playwright.

Assessment – 2 days

Debate and defend your answer to the unit test question.

A Doll's House

Objective

Readings and Materials

Target Task

Multiple Choice

Writing Prompt

Key Questions

Notes

Lesson Map

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