A Doll's House is a three-act play by Henrik Ibsen. It follows Nora Helmer, a wife and mother in a seemingly comfortable marriage, as a hidden obligation from her past threatens her position. It is worth listening for its sharp dialogue and its examination of marriage, honesty, and a woman's role in nineteenth-century society.
For teachers and schools: paste the code into your site or blog.
Cover of the original edition (Project Gutenberg, public domain).
Text source: gutenberg.org · The work is in the public domain.
Opening of the book
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen Contents ACT I. ACT II. ACT III. 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
[SCENE.—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, arm-chairs 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 book-case with wellbound 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
Readnara
