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'Things are not always what they seem.' Using evidence from The Pearl by John Steinbeck, show the truth of this statement.

      

'Things are not always what they seem.' Using evidence from The Pearl by John Steinbeck, show the truth of this statement.

  

Answers


Martin
We live in a world of contradictions where what you see is not always what you get or what there is. Truly, all that glitters is not gold.

Di) First Nora seems like a silly, childish woman that is extravagant, hardly self-reliant and only good for housekeeping. However, her actions prove that she is wise, mature and strong willed. Her husband refers to her as a little squirrel and little spendthrift. Torvald overworks himself and falls dreadfully ill. She borrows a loan of 250 pounds when her husband falls sick in order to facilitate a year belong vacation in Italy for him to get some rest as recommended by the doctors. She does needle work and crocheting to pay off the loan herself. She also saves the money she gets from her husband so she’s not a spendthrift after all. This is great sacrifice. When her husband rebukes her for borrowing the money, she leaves him. This shows her strong will and independence. It turns out that she was never happy after all. Indeed, things are not always as they seem.

Dii) Also, Torvald seems like a loving, strong, benevolent husband. Later on, we realize that he is egocentric and cowardly. He only cares about his reputation and what others think of him. This is illustrated by the reason he gives for wanting to dismiss Krogstad. When Torvald gets to know about Krogstad’s impending blackmail, he calls Nora a criminal and a miserable creature and forbids her from raising the children. This is due to his cynicism nature. He also fears being exposed.

Diii) At first, Krogstad seems to be a bitter, vengeful extortionist. Later, we realize that he is actually merciful and sympathetic. Nora borrows a loan of 250 pounds from him and forges her father’s signature in the process. Torvald plans to dismiss Krogstad forces Krogstad to blackmail Nora in order to keep his job and as well as safeguard his reputation. He writes a letter to Torvald with the details of his secret transactions with Nora. He does all this for his two sons. When he reunites with Mrs. Linde,he recalls the letter. This reveals his merciful side.

Div) Doctor Rank is introduced as true friend to the Helmer’s. Nora says that he is Torvalds’s best friend. He visits them on a daily basis. Little did we know that he secretly admires his best friend’s wife. He even confesses this to Nora. This depicts his motive for the daily visits. He intimately loves Nora.

Dv) Helmer’s marriage appears loving. Nora’s marriage to Torvald seems like happy marriage but it turns out to be a suffocating prison for Nora.
It is full of lies, pretense, play-acting and an unequal relationship. At first, Torvald appears as an affectionate and caring husband. He uses pet names to pamper Nora. He is also fond of giving his wife money.Nora appears happy. The difference appears when we come to know of the deception. Nora borrowed a loan without her husband’s knowledge. Nora thought that her husband will stand by her if the truth prevails. This is not what happened. Torvald seems to be a selfish man who does not love Nora but only cares about public reputation. Eventually, she is forced to leave Torvald.

In conclusion, the playwright has successfully revealed that appearance can be deceptive.
marto answered the question on August 27, 2019 at 07:11


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