What is a universal theme?
Which descriptions are examples of archetypes? Choose three correct answers.
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll’s House. Mrs. Linde: You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite another man. Krogstad: I am certain of it. Mrs. Linde: Is it too late now? Krogstad: Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then—? Mrs. Linde: I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real character—I can dare anything together with you. Krogstad [grasps her hands] : Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot— How does the conflict in this passage develop a theme?
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll’s House. 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 witnessed 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. What widely accepted archetype of the late 1800s does this text challenge?
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll’s House. Krogstad: If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at the time? Mrs. Linde: I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, it was my duty also to put an end to all that you felt for me. Krogstad [wringing his hands] : So that was it. And all this—only for the sake of money! Mrs. Linde: You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two little brothers. We couldn't wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed hopeless then. Which theme is best developed through the events described in this passage?
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll’s House. Mrs. Linde [looking at her watch] : Not yet—and the time is nearly up. If only he does not—. [Listens again.] Ah, there he is. [Goes into the hall and opens the outer door carefully. Light footsteps are heard on the stairs. She whispers.] Come in. There is no one here. Krogstad [in the doorway] : I found a note from you at home. What does this mean? Mrs. Linde: It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with you. Krogstad: Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should be here? Mrs. Linde: It is impossible where I live; there is no private entrance to my rooms. Come in; we are quite alone. The maid is asleep, and the Helmers are at the dance upstairs. Which statement best explains how the conventions of plot and setting contribute to the theme?
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll’s House. Nora: And I—how am I fitted to bring up the children? Helmer: Nora! Nora: Didn't you say so yourself a little while ago—that you dare not trust me to bring them up? Helmer: In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? Nora: Indeed, you were perfectly right. I am not fit for the task. There is another task I must undertake first. I must try and educate myself—you are not the man to help me in that. I must do that for myself. And that is why I am going to leave you now. Helmer [springing up] : What do you say? Nora: I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you any longer. Which 1800s societal expectation does the excerpt most challenge?
Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll’s House . Helmer: Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. 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, Torvald, that most people would 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 myself 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. How does Nora’s conflict in this excerpt best demonstrate a difference between life in the late 1800s and life today?
Did you find these answers helpful?