“There are both similarities and differences in the characters of Nora and Mrs. Linde in light of the challenges that they face in their lives.”...

      

This questions enables learners to distinguish the character of Nora and Mrs Linde. It allows the form 3 and 4 students to internalize characteristics of characters in Ibsen's A Doll's House

  

Answers


Mageto
Both Nora and Mrs. Linde are selfless. Nora does everything she can to save Torvald who was dreadfully ill. She goes out of his way to procure a loan for the vacation that saves Torvald’s life. Mrs. Linde on the other hand sacrifices her love for her fiancé and gets married to another man who could provide for her bedridden mother and her two young brothers. Both women are proud of the sacrifices they make for the sake of their loved ones.

Both Nora and Mrs. Linde are hard-working when faced with challenging situations. Nora gets copying work and this enables her to raise the money that she uses to pay the instalments of the loan she procured for their vacation. She does this because she did not want the payment of the loan to be a burden to her family. Mrs. Linde does everything she can to generate income after her husband’s death. She tries to open a school, run a shop and when all these fail she still approach the Helmers for a job.

Both of them have also led empty lives. Mrs. Linde tells Krogstad that she was like a shipwrecked woman because there was no one to live for. It is for this reason that she suggests to Krogstad that they be married. Nora also tells Torvald that she was never given a chance to know herself as her life have always revolved around her father and her husband. This is why she has decided to walk out on her family so that she can discover the world by her own.

While Nora is conscious Mrs. Linde is portrayed as judgemental. Mrs. Linde is quick to judge Nora as a spendthrift; a habit she claims Nora had during their schooldays. Nora informs Mrs. Linde that she is aware that she is regarded as a spendthrift but she knows well that that is not an accurate representation of her as the Helmers have not been in a position to waste money. He also claims they have had to work hard to make ends meet.

Nora is secretive while Mrs. Linde is open-minded. Nora fears revealing to Torvald that she procured a loan for their vacation as this would break their family. Mrs. Linde on the other hand is open-minded as she encourages Nora to face her husband and tell her the truth. Even though she had convinced Krogstad to recall his letter unread, she retracts tells Krogstad to wait and let the Helmer’s solve their issues instead of living in secrecy.

Real Educator answered the question on October 9, 2020 at 14:17


Next: “Doctor Rank is not a noble character after all.” Write an essay to support this statement showing the various flaws in Doctor Rank’s actions. Use...
Previous: “It is through Mrs. Linde that Nora’s true character is revealed.” Write an essay to support this statement using illustrations from Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s...

View More English Literature Questions and Answers | Return to Questions Index


Exams With Marking Schemes

Related Questions


  • “Doctor Rank is not a noble character after all.” Write an essay to support this statement showing the various flaws in Doctor Rank’s actions. Use...(Solved)

    This questions allows secondary students learn and grasp the concept in Ibsen's A Doll's House. The form threes and form fours can benefit.

    Date posted: October 9, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow. Helmer: (Standing at the door) Yes, do .Try and calm yourself, make your mind easy again(Solved)

    Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.

    Helmer: (Standing at the door) Yes, do .Try and calm yourself, make your mind easy again , my frightened little singing bird.Be at rest, and feel secure; I have broad wings to shelter you under.(walks up and down by the door) How warm and cozy our home is , Nora.Here is shelter for you ; here I will protect you like a hunted dove that I have saved from a hawk's clawas;I will bring peace to your poor beating heart.It will come , little by little, Nora, believe me.Tommorrow morning you will look upon it all quite differently; soon everything will be just as it was before.Very soon you wont need me to assure you that I have forgiven you; you will yourself feel the certainty that I have done so.Can you suppose I should ever think of such a thing as repudilating you, or even reproaching you? You have no idea what a true man's heart is like,Nora.There is something so indescribably sweet and satisfying, to a man , in knowledge that he has forgiven his wife - forgiven her freely, and with all his heart.It seems as if that had amde her , as it were , doubly his own; and she has in a way become both wife and child to him.s so you shall be for me after this, my little scared , helpless darling.Have no anxiety about anything, Nora; only be frank and open with me, and I will serve as will and conscience both to you. What is this? Not gone to bed? Have you changed your things?

    Nora: (In everyday dress) Yes, tORVOLD, i HAVE CHANGED MY THINGS NOW.

    Helmer: But what for? - So late as this.

    Nora :I shall not sleep tonight.

    Helmer: But , my dear Nora-

    Nora( looking at her watch) it is not so very late.Sit down here, Torvold.You and I have much to say to one another.

    (sits down at one side of the table)

    Helmer: Nora- what is this? This cold, set face?

    Nora: Sit down.It will take some time; I have a lot to talk over with you.

    Helmer:(Sits down at the opposite side of the table) You alarm me,Nora! - and I don't understand you.

    Nora:No , that is just it.You don't understand me, and I have never understood you either- before tonight.No, you mustn't interrupt me.You must simply listen to what I say. Torvold, this is a settling of accounts.

    Helmer: What do you mean by that?

    1.Place this excerpt in its immediate context.

    2.How is the character of Helmer brought out in this excerpt?

    3.Comment on the use of imagery in this excerpt?

    4.What are the two main issues of concern that are addressed in this execerpt?

    5.I shall not sleep tonight.(Rewrite as an interrogative)

    6.What is the attitude of Helmer towards Nora in this excerpt.Explain

    7.Explain the meaning of the following vocabulary.

    i)Repudiating
    ii)Reproaching
    iii)Indescribably
    iv)Anxiety

    Date posted: March 16, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow. 1.Nora is contemplating suicide because she knows that her husband...(Solved)

    Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.

    Helmer: Miserable creature what have you done?

    Nora: Let me go.You shall not suffer for my sake.You shall not take it upon yourself.

    Helmer:No tragic airs, please .(Locks the hall door).Here you shall stay and give me explanation.Do you understand what you have done? Answer me! Do you understand what you have done?

    Nora: (looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of coldness in her face) Yes, now I am beggining to understand thoroughly.

    Helmer:(walking about the room) what a horrible awakening! All these years she who was my joy and pride a hypocrite , a liar, worse a criminal! The unutterable ugliness of it all! For shame! (Nora is silent and looks steadily at him.He stops in front of her) I ought to have suspected that something of the sort would happen.I ought to have suspected that something of the sort would happen.I ought to have seen it.All your father's want of principle has come out in you.No religion , no morality, no sense of duty.How I am punished for having winked at what he did! I did it for your sake, and this is how you repay me.

    Nora: Yes, that's just it.

    Helmer: Now you have destroyed all my happiness.You have ruined all my future.It is horrible to think of! I am in the power of an unscrupulous man; he can do what he likes with me ,ask anything he likes of me, give me any orders he pleases - I dare not refuse.And I must sink to such miserable depths because of a thoughtless woman.

    Nora: When I am out of the way, you will be free.

    1.Explain what has happened before this extract.

    2.What does Nora mean by saying " You shall not suffer fro my sake?" Explain

    3.How is Helmer's attitude towards Nora in this extract different from earlier in the plain.Briefly explain.

    4.Discuss two themes raised in this extract.

    5."Now you have destroyed all my happiness.You have ruined all my future." Discuss the style evident in the statement.

    6.Isolate and explain the mood prevalent in this extract.

    7."Here you shall stay and give me an explanation.' Rewrite beginning: You ........

    8."When I am out of the way, you will be free."Give two possible meanings of Nora's words from the rest of the play.

    9.Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the excerpt.
    i)Take it upon yourself
    ii)No tragic airs
    iii)Your fathers's want of principle
    iv)Unscrupulous man

    Date posted: March 16, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow. Mrs. Linde: Nora it was Krogstad who lent you the money!(Solved)

    Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.

    Mrs. Linde: Nora it was Krogstad who lent you the money!

    Nora:Yes, and now Torvold will know all about it.

    Mrs.Linde: Believe me, Nora,that's the best thing for both of you.

    Nora: You dont know all.I forged a name'

    Mrs.Linde: Good heaves-!

    Nora: I only want to say this to you,Christine - you must be my witness

    Mrs.Linde: Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to- ?

    Nora: If I should go out of my mind - and it might easily happen -

    Mrs.Linde: Nora!

    Nora:Or anything else should happen to me anything, for instance, that might prevent my being here-

    Mrs.Linde : Nora! Nora! You are quite out of your mind.

    Nora: And if it should happen that there were someone who wanted to take all the responsibility, all the blame , you understand-

    Mrs.Linde : Yes , yes - but how can you suppose - ?

    Nora: Then you must be my witness,that it is not true Christine.I am in my right senses now and I tell you no one else has known any thing about it; I and I alone, did the whole thing.Remember that.

    Mrs Linde: I will, indeed .But I don't understand all this.

    Nora: How should you understand it ? A wonderful thing is going to happen!

    1.Briefly explain what has just happened before this extract.

    2."Nora - it was Krogstad who lent you the money!" Explain the tone in Christine's words.

    3."Believe me, Nora, thats the best thing for both of you." From later in the play, which reasons does Mrs.Linde give to support what she says now.

    4.Discuss one character trait of Nora evident in this extract.

    5.What would be the appropriate tone to use in reading Nora's parts in this extract?
    Explain your answer.

    6.Discuss one social theme raised in this extract.

    7."Nora ! Nora! You are quite out of my mind." Add a question tag.

    8.Nora says that a wonderful thing is going to happen.From the rest of the play, explain what she means by that.

    9.Discuss one aspect of style in this extract.

    10.Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in the extract.
    i)Forged
    ii)Go out of my mind
    iii)Prevent my being here
    iv) Right senses

    Date posted: March 16, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow. But you must believe me, Mr.Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.(Solved)

    Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.

    Nora: But you must believe me, Mr.Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.

    Krogstad: Then it is because you haven't the will; but I have means to compel you.

    Nora: You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money?

    Krogstad: Hm! - suppose I were to tell him?

    Nora:It would be perfectly infamous of you.(sobbing) To think of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly , clumsy way - that he should learned it from you! And it would put me in a horribly disagreeable position.

    Krogstad: Only disagreeable?

    Nora: (impetuously) Well , do it then! - and it will be the worse for you.My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you ar, and you certainly won't keep your post then.

    Krogstad: I asked you if it was only disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid of.
    Nora: If my husband does get to know it it, of course he will at once pay you what is still owing you, and we shall have nothing more to do with you.

    Krogstad: (coming a step nearer) Listen to me,Mrs Helmer. Either you have a very bad memory or you know very liitle of business.I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details.

    Nora:What do you mean?

    1.Explain why Krogstad wants Nora to help him.

    2.Nora says it is not in her power to help Krogstad. Do you agree with Nora that she cannot help him? Explain your answer.

    3."To think of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly , clumsy way - that he should learn it from you!" make notes on the events that led to the secret that Nora is talking about here.

    4."I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid of? Rewrite in direct speech.

    5.From the rest of the play , briefly discuss the major aspect of style in this extract.


    Date posted: March 13, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the extract below and then answer the questions that follow. Nora: I don't believe that any longer.I believe that(Solved)

    Read the extract below and then answer the questions that follow.

    Nora: I don't believe that any longer.I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being,just as you are - or at all
    events, that I must try and become one.I know quite well,Torvold that most people think you right, and that views of that
    kind are to be found in books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or with what is found in
    books.I must think over things for my self and get to understand them.

    Helmer: Can you not understand your place in your own home? Have you not a reliable guide in such matters as that? - have you no
    religion?

    Nora: I am afraid, Torvald,I do not exactly know what religion is.

    Helmer: What are you saying?

    Nora: I know nothing but what the clergyman said , when I went to be confirmed .He told us that religion was this and that, and
    the other .When I am away from all this, and I am alone,I will look into that matter too.I will see if what the clergyman
    said is true, or at all events if it is true for me.

    Helmer: This is unheard of in a girl of your age!But if religion cannot lead you alright, let me try and awaken your
    conscience.I suppose you have some moral sense?
    Or -answer me- am I to think you have none?

    Nora: I assure you,Torvold that is not an easy question to answer.I really don't know
    The thing perplexes me all together.I only know that you and I look at it in a quite different light.I am learning , too,
    that the law is quite another thing from what I suppose; but I find it quite impossible to convince myself that the law
    is right according to it a woman has no right to spare her old dying father, or to save her husband's life.I cant believe
    that.

    Helmer: You talk like a child.You don't understand the conditions of the world in which you live..

    Nora: No,I don't ,But now I am going to try.I am going to see if I can make out who is right, the world or I.

    1.Place this extract in his immediate context.

    2.Discuss any two character traits of Helmer in this extract.

    3.Give evidence that Nora is an assertive character

    4.From elsewhere in the play how is Nora portrayed in a different light?

    5.I do not exactly know what religion is( Add a question tag)

    6.In which way does Nora conflict with the law?

    7.Discuss one major issue of concern addressed in this context.

    8.What is the mood in this context? Explain

    9.What is the meaning of the following words?

    i)Religion

    ii)Clergyman

    iii)Conscience

    iv)Perplexes.

    Date posted: March 13, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. Mrs.Linde :Is Doctor Rank a man of means..(Solved)

    Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

    Mrs.Linde :Is Doctor Rank a man of means

    Nora: Yes he is.

    Mrs Linde:And has no one to provide fro?

    Nora: No, no one ; but-

    Mrs Linde: And comes here every day?

    Nora: Yes , I told you so.

    Mrs. Linde: But how can this wellbred man be so tactless?

    Nora: I don't understand you at all

    Mrs Linde: Dont prevaricate, nora.Do you suppose I don't guess who lent you the two hundred and fifty pounds?

    Nora: Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! A friend realize what a horribly painful position that would be?

    Mrs Linde: Then it isn't he?

    Nora:No certainly not .It would never have entered into my head for a moment.
    Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into his money afterwards.

    Mr.Linde: Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora.

    Nora: No , it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank. Although I am quite sure that if I had asked him -

    Mrs.Linde: But of course you won't.

    Nora: Of course not .I have no reason to think it could possibly be necessary.But I am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank----

    Mrs.Linde: Behind you husband's back?

    Nora: I must make an end of it with other one, and that will be behind his back too.
    I must make an end of it with him.

    Mrs. Linde:Yes that is what I told you yesterday but --

    Nora: (Walkingup and down) A man can put a thing like that staright much easier than a woman-)

    Mrs.Linde:One's husband, yes.

    Nora:Nonsense!(standing still)When you pay off adebt you get your bond back, don't you?

    Mrs.Linde: Yes , as a matter of course.

    Nora: And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up - the nasty dirty paper!

    Mrs.Linde(looks hard at her , lays down her sewing and gets up slaowly).Nora you are concealing something from me.

    Nora: Do I look as if I were?

    Mrs Linde: Something has happened to you yesterday morning, Nora, what is it?

    1.What happens immediately after this excerpt?

    2.Discuss any two issues brought out in this excerpt.

    3.How is Mrs. Linde depicted in this extract?

    4.In which ways does the playwright use dramatic irony in this excerpt?

    5.Because you do as your husband wishes.Add a question tag.

    6.How effective is the use of humor in this extract?

    7.From this excerpt,Helmer is hardworking .How is this character trait brought out else where in the play and how does it complicate the drama.

    8.Give the meaning of the following
    i)A man of means
    ii)Prevaricate
    iii)Horribly
    iv)Concealing

    Date posted: March 13, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow. Her dream was rudely and violently interrupted by a thunderous bang and a loud roar of laughter(Solved)

    Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.

    Her dream was rudely and violently interrupted by a thunderous bang and a loud roar of laughter.She woke up with a start, jumped up to her feet and stared at the door with wide panic - stricken eyes. For a moment she could not figure out her surroundings and called out the name of her sister Taiyo. She was terrified.The door flung open and Olarinkoi staggered in.He was stone drunk. Resian stared at him unblinkingly as he walked towards her and she backed off terrified, squeezing herself flatly against the wall.He followed her there and got hold of her shoulders and shook her violently glaring at her with his glittering eyes.

    "You silly thing," he thundered angrily."I tell you to prepare food and you refuse to do so, eh? Today you will know who the owner of this home is .If you are still in doubt,let me tell you frankly that from today on you are my wife, hear that , eh?You are my wife.For a long time you have been sneering at me, showing how highly educated you are .Today we shall see how educated your body is!Yes, we shall see!"

    He got hold of her hand and began dragging her into the other room.At first she did not understand his intention until he began unfastening her buttons with his rough trembling hands.Then the truth came and with it , terror and panic.She tried to get away from him, but he held her effortlessly as he brutally continued fumbling with her dress, trying to loosen it.She screamed as loudly as she could while she pushed him away and thrashed frantically about.But that did not deter him and he totally ignored her screams holding her more firmly with his strong arms.Against her loud protest, he tore her garments and began to push her towards the bed.

    Then desperately she took the last chance of self defense and self preservation.Mustering all her strength, she thrust his thumb into her mouth; sunk her teeth into the flesh like a ferocious animal and tenaciously held onto it, tugging at it fiercely like a lioness.She could feel the flesh tearing and she tasted the salt of his blood as it filled her mouth but she clung the thumb as Olarinkoi howled with pain.

    1.Make notes on the contents of Resian's dream.

    2.Discuss one character traits of Resian in this excerpt.

    3.What has greatly changed in Olarinkoi in this excerpt compared to his earlier conduct in the novel?

    4.Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt.

    5.Explain two major issues raised in the excerpt.

    6.Explain what happens immediately after the excerpt.

    7."Today we shall see how educated your body is" Rewrite in reported speech.

    8.Explain the meaning of the following expressions in the passage.
    i)Unblinkingly

    ii)effortlessly

    iii)Mustering

    iv) Howled

    Date posted: March 13, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.

    Krogstad : Are you sure of that?

    Mrs.Linde: Quite sure , but--

    Krogstad: ( with a searching look at her) is that what it all means? - that you want to save your friend at any cost?Tell me frankly.Is that it?

    Mrs.Linde: Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's sake doesn't do it a second time.

    Krogstad: I will ask for my letter back.

    Mrs. Linde: No, no

    Krogstad: Yes , of course I will.I will wait here until Helmer comes; I will tell him he must give me my letter back - that it only concerns my dismissal- that he is not to read it -

    Mrs. Linde: In my first moment of fright, it was .But twenty - four hours have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnesses incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it.This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on.

    Krogstad: Very well, if you take the responsibility.But there is one thing I can do in any case and I shall do it at once.

    Mrs Linde( listening) You must be quick and go!The dance is over; we are not safe a moment longer.

    Krogstad: I will wait for you below.

    Mrs.Linde: Yes, do .You must see me back to my door-

    Krogstad: I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life!

    1.Explain what happened before this excerpt.

    2.Why does Krogstad say he would ask for his letter back? Explain

    3."Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's sake doesn't do it a second time."
    Briefly explain what makes Mr.Linde say this?

    4.Identify one character trait of Mrs. Linde in this extract.

    5.What is so surprising in this extract? Explain.

    6."But there is one thing I can do in any case and I shall do it at once." What is it that Krogstad does and how does it affect the rest of the play?

    7."I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life!" Rewrite beginning : Never.............

    8.What makes Krogstad say that he has never had such good fortune in his life?

    9.Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in this excerpt.
    i)At any cost
    ii)Recall
    iii)Elapsed
    iv)Incredible things

    Date posted: March 13, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.

    "Nothing is wrong with me," Resian retorted furiously.And pointing at the living room,with her figure, she fiercely charged," I have no quarrel with my father for whom ,I have tremendous respect.It is the likes of Olarinkoi I am mad at, and all those other males who come here ordering us to do that or the other for them, simply because they are males.When women visit us, they do that or the other for them, simply because they are males.When women visit us they give us the leeway to respond to their requests,But as we burn our fingures here Mr. Olarinkoi is dozing off comfortably in our living room waiting for his lunch and possibly a little angry and impatient with us for delaying it'

    "It is enough," cried Yeiyo - Botorr viciously.She instantly abandoned the peeling of potatoes and threw the knife into the pail that held the peeled potatoes.Supporting herself by holding onto a nearby wall, she painfully lifted a large, heavy body."My enkaini, I agree with you that something is wrong withour child, and I think I know what ails her.Come along with me and I will tell you what I think ails her." I am not sick....." Resian was saying that when she was cut short by Taiyo."Even if you are not sick, you cannot argue with Yeiyo Botorr,"Taiyo told her sternly as soon as they were out of earshot of their mother with Yeioyo Botorr,"there are things one has to learn on their own,One of them is that you cannot antagonize the older people by arguing with them, however, untenable their argument may be.That goes without saying, my dear little sister."

    1.What happens before this extract?

    2.Comment on any two stylistic devices used in the extract.

    3.Explain any theme bought out in this extract.

    4.What is the character of Yeiyo - Botor from this extract?

    5.From elsewhere in this text, how does Olarinkoi contribute to the plot development of the novel?

    6.Rewrite and add a question tag.
    Nothing is wrong with me........

    7.Write the meaning of the following vocabulary.
    a) Sternly
    b) Antagonize
    c)Retorted
    d)Leeway

    8.What happens immediately after this extract?

    Date posted: March 13, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.

    Nora: Oh, yes, that one; but this is another.I ordered it. Torvold mustn't know it.

    Rank: Oho! Then that was the great secret.

    Nora: Of course.Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room.Keep him as long as--

    Rank: Make your mind easy; I won'tl et him escape.( Goes into the Helmer's room)

    Nora; (to the MAID) And he is standing waiting in the kitchen?

    Maid: Yes ; he came up the back stairs.

    Nora: But didn't you tell him no one was in?

    Maid: Yes, but it was no good.

    Nora: He won't go away?

    Maid: No; he says he wont until he has seen you ,ma'am.

    Nora: Well, let him come in but quietly.Helen, you mustn't say anything about it to anyone.It is a surprise to my husband.

    Maid:Yes, ma'am, I quite understand.(exit)

    Nora:This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of me! No, no, no , it can't happen - it shan't happen!

    1.Place this excerpt in its immediate context.

    2.What does " it " refer to and what does it reveal about the character of Nora?

    3.Identify and explain one type of irony in this excerpt.

    4.Who is being referred to as he and why has he come?

    5.Then that was the great secret.Add a question tag.

    6.Describe one theme raised in this extract.

    7.What dreadful thing does Nora fear might happen? Explain your answer.

    8.Describe the character of the maid.

    9.Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the excerpt.
    i)Make your mind easy
    ii) I wont let him escape
    iii)It was no good
    iv)Dreadful


    Date posted: March 13, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow.

    Nora: I didn't find it dull.

    Helmer: (Smiling) But there was precious little result, Nora.

    Nora: Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again.How could I help the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces?

    Helmer: Of course you couldn't, poor little girl.You had the best of intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing.But it is a good thing that our hard times are over.

    Nora: Yes, it is really wonderful.

    Helmer: This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and you needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands-

    Nora(Clapping her hands) No, Torvold, I needn't any longer, need I! Its wonderfully lovely to hear you say so!(Taking his arm)Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things,Torvold.As soon as Christmas is over_ (A bell rings in the hall).There's the bell.(She tidies the room a little)There's someone at the door.What a nuisance!

    Helmer: If it is a caller,remember I am not at home.

    Maid:(In the doorway) A lady to see you, ma'am,-- a stranger.

    Nora:Ask her to come in.

    Maid(to Helmer).The doctor came at the same time sir.

    Helmer: Did he go straight into my room?

    Maid: Yes, sir.

    1.What does Nora refer to in her opening words in this extract?

    2.What has happened that has made the couple happy?

    3.Discuss two themes evident in this extract.

    4."There's someone at the door." Add a question tag

    5.A lady has come to see Nora as reported by the maid.Who is this lady and how does her coming affect the Helmers from the rest of the play.(Write your answer in note form)

    6.Discuss one aspect of style in this extract.

    7.Briefly explain what happens after this extract.

    8.Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the excerpt.
    i)Tease
    ii)Dull
    iii)Nuisance
    iv)A caller

    Date posted: March 13, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.

    Nora: (Advancing towards him).Speak low-- my husband is at home.

    Krogstad: No matter about that.

    Nora:What do you want from me?

    Krogstad: An explanation of something.

    Nora: Make haste then.What is it?

    Krogstad: You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal.

    Nora: I couldn't prevent it Mr.Krogstad. I fought as hard as could, on your side, but it was no good.

    Krogstad: Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I can expose you to , and yet he ventures-

    Nora: How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort?

    Krogstad: I didn't suppose so at all.It would not be the least like our dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage -

    Nora : Mr.Krogstad, a little respect for my husband please.
    Krogstad: Certainly --all the respect he deserves. But since you haven't kept the matter so careful to yourself,I make bold to suppose that you have a little clearer idea,than you had yesterday, of what it actually is that you have done?

    Nora: More than you could ever teach me.

    Krogstad: Yes, Such a bad lawyers as I am.

    Nora: What is it you want of me?

    Krogstad: Only to see how you were,Mrs .Helmer. I have been thinking about you all day long.A mere cahier , a quill -driver, a--- well, a man like me...even he has a little of what is called feeling, you know.

    Nora: Show it, then, think of my little children
    Krogstad: Have you and your husband thought of mine?But never mind about that.I only wanted to tell you that you ned not take this matter too seriously.In the first place there will be no accusation made on my part.

    Nora: No, of course not: I was sure of that.

    Krogstad: The whole thing can be arranged amicably; there is no reason why anyone should know anything about it.It will remain a secret between us three.
    Nora: My husband must never get to know anything about it.

    Krogstad: How will you be able to prevent it?
    Am I to understand that you can pay the balance that is owing?
    Nora: No, not at present
    Krogstad: Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising money soon?

    1.Place this extract in its immediate context.

    2.Why does Nora ask Krogstad to speak low?Why has he come to see her?

    3.Does your husband love you so little then? Why does Krogstad ask this question?

    4.Why does Nora insist that her husband should not know anything about it?

    5.Discuss one theme evident fro this extract.

    6.Identify and illustrate one stylistic device evident in this extract.

    7."The whole thing can be arranged amicably" from elsewhere in the play what does Krogstad have in mind?

    8.Give the meaning of the following words as used in the extract.
    i)Dismissal

    ii)Ventures

    iii)Amicably

    Date posted: March 12, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.

    Helmer: Very very well,I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon something

    Nora: That is nice of you.( Goes to the Christmas tree.A short pause .)How pretty the red flowers look-- But tell me, was it
    really something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of?

    Helmer : He forged someones's name .Have you any idea what that means?

    Nora: Isn't possible that he was driven by necessity ?

    Helmer; Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence.I am not so heartles as to condemn a man altogether because of a false step of that kind.

    Nora: No, you wouldn't would you,Torvald?

    Helmer: Many man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has openly confessed his fault and taken his purnishment.

    Nora: Purnishment--?

    Helmer: But Krogsatd did nothing of that sort; he got himself out of it by a cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether.

    Nora: But do you think it would be.......?

    Helmer: Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and plau=y the hypocrite with every one. how he has to wear a mask in the presence of those near and dear to him even before his own wife and children.And about the children --- that is the most terrible part of it all, Nora.

    Nora: How?

    Helmer: Because such atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home.Each breath the children in such a house full of germs of evil.
    Nora: (Coming nearer him) .Are you sure of that?

    1.Put this extract in its immediate context.

    2.Was it really something very bad that this krogstad was guilty of? Why does Nora feign ignorance about Krogstad?

    3.How is Helmer Torvald portrayed in this excerpt?

    4." He got himself out by a cunning trick" From elsewhere in the play explain the trick.

    5.Discuss one theme brought out in the excerpt.

    6.Identify and illustrate two aspects of style evident in this excerpt

    7."Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home."
    This foreshadows what happens later in the play.Explain

    Date posted: March 12, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.

    At seven o'clock in the evening after the lights had been up on, and the traditional esuguroi drink had been served in generous measures,tongues loosened and hearts gladdened.Soon after, the party gathered momentum and voices rose.Within no time, one could hardly be heard over the hubhub of talk and laughter.And as the pleasurable and lively celebration progressed, voices became animated ; hands and arms gesticulated vigorously while heads turned more often.Eyes searched out acquaintances within the throng of revelers.

    And it was all pomp and gaiety as ivory adorned and bejeweled fingers fluttered; bare shoulders gleamed in the light multi co loured bead ornaments glittered upon elaborately bedecked necks; pendulous ilmiintoni of all colours dangled loosely down extended earlobes: and the bright colours of lesos, Knagas, red shukas and multi coloured blankets , all turned the Ole Kaelo living room into a kaleidoscope of shifting light and colour.

    1.Place this extract in its immediate context.

    2.State and explain two thematic concerns in this context.

    3.What is the significance of the use of words like esuguroi, ilmiintoni, lesos,kangas and shukas.

    4.Identify and explain two character traits of Ole Kaelo.

    5.Eyes searched out acquaintances within the throng of revelers.Rewrite to form a question.

    6.Which other party has an equal weight from the rest of the novel.What is its significance?

    7.Comment on the prevalent mood in the context.

    8.Explain the meaning of the following words:
    i)hubbub
    ii)Gesticulated
    iii)Gaiety
    iv)Dangled


    Date posted: March 12, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.

    'Yes, Papaai," Resian said apprehensively."I am here .Taiyo tells me you are calling me?'
    'Yes,yes ,her father replied."Please take a seat."
    Yes , Papaai ,"Resian repeated as she sat on her chair far away from her father.
    "Come nearer..... child," her father said pleasantly."Why do you sit a mile away?
    Come nearer."
    Resian moved her chair hardly an inch from where it was and them she looked up into her fathers face with eager expectation.
    "If I do remember well," her father began in a low even tone," you will be nineteen in September this year, am I right"
    "You are quite right,Papaai ."Resian answered eyeing him curiously.His face was unusually kind.His eyes held hers as he smiled broadly."That's it!"she thought triumphantly.
    That must be it!
    "You and I have not discussed important issues for a long time,"he said with a friendly chuckle and was intended to bring her closer to him."I thought today would be the best day to break the news.Your future is very important to me, my dear child."
    Resian thought the concern in her fathers voice,rang false.She hesitated , but could not hold herself any more.The anxiety was too great.

    Papaai, is it Yeiyo or Taiyo who spoke to you?she asked sensationally, thinking she was sating the obvious .But seeing her father's face cloud, she added quickly.
    Who between them spoke to you about our enrollment at the Egerton University?"
    "What are you talking about child?Her father , who seemed dumbfounded , asked after a long and uncomfortable silence.
    Both Yeiyo and Taiyo promised to talk to you about it and I thought she had."
    what, in the name of God are you talking about,child.I repeated , this time agitated and shaking his head vigorously.No I have never spoken to anybody about any of you enrolling at the university.Never! when I said I wanted us to discuss your future , that isn't what I meant at all.Of course not! Resian looked at her father's face enquiringly.

    1.What has happened just before the excerpt?

    2.Explain the irony in this passage? Explain your answer referring else where in the novel.

    3."Your future is very important to me , my dear child" From else where in the novel ,explain why Ole Kaelo tells his daughter so.

    4.Discuss two character traits of Resian in this excerpt.

    5.What theme is addressed in this excerpt?

    6. Explain what happens after this excerpt.

    7."Who between them spoke to you about our enrolment at the Egerton University?
    Rewrite in the direct speech.

    8.Apart from Irony, discuss any other aspect of style evident in this excerpt.

    9.Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions used in the excerpt.
    i)Apprehensively

    ii)Sit a mile away

    iii)Hold herself

    iv)Agitated

    Date posted: March 12, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the extract below then answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the extract below then answer the questions that follow.

    Mrs.Linde: Quite sure, but-----
    Krogstad: (with a searching look at her).Is that what it all means?--that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly.Is that it?
    Mrs.Linde: Nils, a woman who has one sold herself for another's sake,doesn't do it a second time.
    Krogstad: I will ask for my letter back.
    Mrs Linde: No,no
    Krogstad: Yes , of course I will.I will wait here until Helmer comes; I will tell him he must give me my letter back-- thatit only concerns my dismissal--- that he is not to read it.

    Mrs. Linde: No , Nils, you must not recall your letter.
    Krogstad: But, tell me, wasn't it for that very purpose that you asked me to meet you here?

    Mrs.Linde: In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty- four hours have elapsed since then , and in that time I have witnesses incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it.
    This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them, which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on.

    Krogstad: Very well, if you will take the responsibility.But there is one thing I can do in any case, and I shall do it at once.
    Mrs. Linde(listening) You must be quick and go! The dance is over; we are not safe a moment longer.
    Krogstad: I will wait for you below.

    Mrs.Linde: Yes , do.You must see me back to my door.......

    Krogstad: I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life!(Goes out through the outer door.The door between the room and the hall remains open.)

    Mrs.Linde:(tiding up the room and laying her hat and cloak ready).What a difference!
    What a difference! Someone to work for and live for-- a home to bring comfort into.That I will do, indeed.I wish they would be quick and come---(listens)
    Ah ,there they are now.I must put on my things.(Takes up her hat and cloak.
    Helmer and Noras voices are heard outside; a key is turned, and hELMER BRINGS nORA ALMOST BY FORCE INTO THE HALL.

    She is in an Italian costume with a large black shawl around her ; he is in evening dress and a black domino which is flying open.)
    Nora (hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him).No, no, no! ---- don't take me in.I want to go upstairs again;I dont want to leave so early.
    Helmer: But my dearest Nora--

    Nora : Please , Torvold dear--- please, please--- only an hour more.

    Helmer: Not a single minute, my sweet Nora.You know that was our agreement.Come along into the room;you are catching cold standing there.(He brings her gently into the room, in spite of her resistance).

    Mrs.Linde: Good morning.

    Nora: Christine!

    Helmer: You here, so late , Mrs Linde?
    Mrs Linde: Yes , you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora in her dress.
    Nora: Have you been sitting here waiting for me?
    Mrs.Linde: Yes unfortunately I came too late, you had already gone upstairs; and I thought I couldn't go away again without having seen you.
    Helmer:(taking off Norah's shawl).Yes take a good look at her .I think she is worth looking at. Isn't she charming,Mrs Linde ?
    Mrs .Linde: Yes , indeed she is.

    1.What happens just before this extract?

    2.What does Mrs. Linde mean when she says that a woman has once sold herself off for another's sake doesn't do it a second time?

    3.Give two traits for each of the following characters as shown in the extract
    i)Mrs Linde

    ii)Nils Krogstad

    4.Briefly discuss any two themes evident in this extract.

    5.Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the passage.
    i)save your friend at any cost

    ii)Frankly

    iii)Dismissal

    iv)Charming

    Date posted: March 12, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the excerpt below and then answer the question that follow.(Solved)

    Read the excerpt below and then answer the question that follow.

    Nora: (begins dressing the tree) A candle here and flowers here--
    The horrible man!It's all non- sense- there is nothing wrong.The tree shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think
    of to please you,Torvald!--I will sing for you-(HELMER comes in with some papers under his arm.)Oh! Are you back already?

    Helmer: Yes. Has anyone been here?

    Nora: Here?No.
    Helmer: That is strange.I saw Krogstand going out of the gate.
    Nora: Did you ? Oh yes,I forgot,Krogstad was here for a moment.
    Helmer: Nora ,I can see from your manner that he has been here begging you to say a good word for him.
    Nora :Yes

    Helmer: And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn't he beg that of you too?

    Nora: Yes ,Torvald, but ---
    Helmer: Nora, Nora , and you would be a party to that sort of thing?To have any talk with a man like that , and give him any
    sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain?

    NORA: A lie---?
    HELMER: Didn't tell me no one had been here?(shakes his finger at her).My little songbird must never do that again.A song must
    have a clean beak to chirp with no false notes!
    (puts his arm round her waist.)That is so,isn't it?Yes ,I am sure it is.(lets her go)
    We will say no more about it.(sits down by the stove.) How warm and snug it is here!(Turns over his papers)
    Nora: (after a short pause,during which she busies herself with the Christmas Tree)
    Torvald!

    1.What happens just before this extract?

    2.From else where in the play, why does Nora feel the need to lie to Helmer(her husband) about Krogstad's visit?

    3.Why does Krogstad need a good word said for him?

    4.Discuss two themes brought out in the extract.

    5.Identify and explain three aspects of style from this extract.

    6.'A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with..."What does Helmer mean?

    7.What happens after this extract?

    Date posted: March 12, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)

    Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.

    They were silent as they climbed the hill on their way back from Nasila River to draw water.The water containers that they carried on their backs were now heavy. The straps that supported the containers pressed down their heads with a painful exhaustion.
    As they walked , each one of them allowed her mind to fleetingly roam the fanciful land of wishful thinking.

    Resian thought how wonderful it would be,had she had a chance to enroll at the Egerton University and after graduation had a chance to work with her role model, minik ene Nkoitoi,the Emakererei,at the sheep ranch that she managed.She imagined herself already there driving a large flock of sheep.And when she thought of sheep, her mind flew back to fifteen years or so earlier and reminisced the first time she saw a sheep.It was a childhood memory, a memorable picture from the swirling scene around her which had been captured and preserved by her mind when she and Taiyo accompanied their father to Nakuru Agricultural show.She could still see in her mind a group of big, docile,tawny woolly animals that stood panting drowsily in green pasture,with the sun beaming down brightly from a clear blue sky.She had then admired the white long overcoats that the handlers wore.

    Taiyo also though of Emakererei.She would ask Joseph Parmuat, to assist her compose a song in her praise.She had already put words to a tune she had composed to ridicule three women who she thought collaborated with men to oppress the women folk.They were Nasila's three blind mice who , she thought , did not seem to know the world was changing.Those were the enkasakutoni, who threatened to curse intoiye nemengalana and ensures they did not get husbands nor children: the midwife Enkaitoyini who threatened to spy on the young women as they gave birth to ensure that any who was still among intoiye - nemengalana had her status altered there and then; and the dreaded Enkamuratani, who would never tire of wielding her olmurunya menacingly.

    1.Place the excerpt in its immediate context.

    2.Identify and illustrate two stylistic devices in this excerpt.

    3.Discuss two themes bought out in this excerpt.

    4.Identify and discuss the character traits of Resian and Taiyo in the excerpt.

    5.The straps that supported the containers pressed down their heads with a painful exhaustion.(Rewrite beginning : With.....)

    6.How do Resian's thoughts now come to be fulfilled in future? Briefly explain.

    7.Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt.
    i)Reminisced
    ii)Collaborated
    iii)Dreaded
    iv)Menacingly

    Date posted: March 11, 2020.  Answers (1)

  • The lorry rolled along the Limuru road.(Solved)

    The lorry rolled along the Limuru road.

    i) Classify the above genre

    ii)Identify and illustrate two sound features employed in the genre above.

    iii)State two functions of the genre above

    Date posted: March 5, 2020.  Answers (1)