A Doll’s House - Henrik Ibsen (acx book reading .TXT) 📗

A Doll’s House

By Henrik Ibsen.

Translated by R. Farquharson Sharp.

Table of Contents Titlepage Imprint Dramatis Personae A Doll’s House Act I Act II Act III Colophon Uncopyright Imprint

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Dramatis Personae

Torvald Helmer

Nora, his wife

Doctor Rank

Mrs. Linde

Nils Krogstad

Helmer’s three young children

Anne, their nurse

A Housemaid

A Porter

The action takes place in Helmer’s house.

A Doll’s House Act I

A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the entrance hall, another to the left leads to Helmer’s study. Between the doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, armchairs and a small sofa. In the right-hand wall, at the farther end, another door; and on the same side, nearer the footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and a rocking chair; between the stove and the door, a small table. Engravings on the walls; a cabinet with china and other small objects; a small bookcase with well-bound books. The floors are carpeted, and a fire burns in the stove. It is winter.

A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. Enter Nora, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in outdoor dress and carries a number of parcels; these she lays on the table to the right. She leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is seen a Porter who is carrying a Christmas tree and a basket, which he gives to the Maid who has opened the door. Nora Hide the Christmas tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. To the Porter, taking out her purse. How much? Porter Sixpence. Nora There is a shilling. No, keep the change. The Porter thanks her, and goes out. Nora shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as she takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her pocket and eats one or two; then goes cautiously to her husband’s door and listens. Yes, he is in. Still humming, she goes to the table on the right. Helmer Calls out from his room. Is that my little lark twittering out there? Nora Busy opening some of the parcels. Yes, it is! Helmer Is it my little squirrel bustling about? Nora Yes! Helmer When did my squirrel come home? Nora Just now. Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth. Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought. Helmer Don’t disturb me. A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room, pen in hand. Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again? Nora Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to economise. Helmer Still, you know, we can’t spend money recklessly. Nora Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn’t we? Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of money. Helmer Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary is due. Nora Pooh! we can borrow until then. Helmer Nora! Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear. The same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New Year’s Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and⁠— Nora Putting her hands over his mouth. Oh! don’t say such horrid things. Helmer Still, suppose that happened⁠—what then? Nora If that were to happen, I don’t suppose I should care whether I owed money or not. Helmer Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? Nora They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were. Helmer That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there need be any struggle. Nora Moving towards the stove. As you please, Torvald. Helmer Following her. Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? Taking out his purse. Nora, what do you think I have got here? Nora Turning round quickly. Money! Helmer There you are. Gives her some money. Do you think I don’t know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time? Nora Counting. Ten shillings⁠—a pound⁠—two pounds! Thank you, thank you, Torvald;