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C A DOLL'S HOUSE - Henrik Ibsen Answer all of the questions - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2011
Question 1
C A DOLL'S HOUSE - Henrik Ibsen Answer all of the questions. (a) Briefly describe Nora and Helmer’s differing attitudes towards money at the beginning of the play.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:C A DOLL'S HOUSE - Henrik Ibsen Answer all of the questions - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2011
Step 1
Briefly describe Nora and Helmer’s differing attitudes towards money at the beginning of the play.
Answer
Nora and Helmer have contrasting attitudes towards money. Nora is carefree and spends money without worry, exemplifying her belief that money is accessible and can be managed later. She is willing to take risks, such as going into debt for Helmer's promotion.
In contrast, Helmer is cautious and frugal. As a banker, he values financial responsibility and looks down upon any form of extravagance. His attitude reflects a sense of security in managing finances, believing in the idea that a person should live within their means.
Step 2
Soon after Nora and Helmer’s marriage, Helmer became very ill. Do you think Nora was right to raise the money in the way she did, in order to save her sick husband? Explain your answer.
Answer
Nora's decision to raise money was driven by a deep sense of desperation and love for Helmer. She believed that saving his life justified her actions, even if it meant engaging in morally questionable behavior, such as forgery.
However, one could argue that her methods were misguided. While her intentions were noble, the consequences of her actions ultimately put their relationship at risk and threatened Helmer's reputation. Her choice illustrates the complexity of love and sacrifice, raising questions about the morality of her actions.
Step 3
What is your opinion of Dr Rank? Explain your answer.
Answer
Dr. Rank is a complex character who serves as a confidant to Nora and Helmer. He is portrayed as both compassionate and tragic, suffering from his terminal illness which symbolizes the decay of morality within society. Dr. Rank's candid nature and his feelings for Nora add depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of love, ambition, and moral dilemmas.
I believe Dr. Rank's role is crucial as it exposes the underlying tensions in Nora's life. His willingness to be honest contrasts with the deceitful circumstances surrounding Nora and Helmer, prompting readers to consider the importance of truth and the impact of societal expectations.
Step 4
Answer ONE of the following: [Each part carries 30 marks]
Answer
In responding to the prompts about Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, a critical examination of Nora's self-discovery and the play's relevance to contemporary youth could inform rich discussions.
For the first option, one could argue that as Nora evolves throughout the play, she confronts her own beliefs and values, leading to profound insights about her place in society and her roles as a wife and mother. Her journey of self-awareness resonates powerfully with audiences today, who may find themselves grappling with similar issues of identity and societal pressure.
The second prompt could explore how the themes of independence and empowerment in A Doll’s House remain relevant, particularly in contexts of gender equality and personal freedom. Young people today continue to navigate these ideas, making Ibsen’s insights both timeless and applicable.