Act Three

Now that the play is over, I have realized my prediction was partially true. In Act III, Nora has changed completely into a whole new person.  This I did not predict whatsoever because she was so secretive and childish.  There was a significant change in her character that I noticed when Helmer found out about the loan.  He had read Krogstad's letter notifying him of the situation that occurred years ago when he was sick.  Usually, I would think that he would be thankful that his wife would go through so much to keep him alive, but apparently not Helmer.  His reaction was quite surprising to me because he seemed very angry at Nora for doing such a thing and called her a criminal.  Not only that, but he criticized her father. (http://www.enotes.com/dolls-house-text/act-iii?start=5) But later when Helmer received the letter from krogstad that he would never bring up the issue again, there was a sudden change in his attitude, and he became very caring towards Nora telling her he would shelter her, give her money, and begged her not to leave him.  She said she would not accept anything from him and does not want anything to do with a "stranger" like him.  She told him she is not his little doll anymore and feels as if she is just there for display and is just there to be cared for, not there with him for a purpose.  By this point she realizes the whole situation and decides to be completeley done with him. (http://www.enotes.com/dolls-house-text/act-iii?start=8) Helmer seemed to be astonished and shocked. i was shocked as well because I was never expecting her to ever take a stand and speak up for herself.  She explained how he treated her as a child, not a regular adult like himself.  For example, when he calls her his little "skylark" or "my little squirrel" (Act III page 6).  Also, when he creates lessons for her taught by him for her own knowledge.  Nora then finally stated that she does not love Helmer anymore and she is clear and certain.  (http://www.enotes.com/dolls-house-text/act-iii?start=7) This also relates to the movie The Duchess.  The Duchess is about a girl who marries a duke and gets excited that all her troubles will be behind her and everything will be done for her now.  But then throughout her time with her husband she begins to realize she has no rights whatsoever and that her husband controls her. (http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1171980569/) My reaction to this part of the play was surprised due to Nora's confession of not loving him anymore.  Also, I realized that not only is it Nora that acts as a child, but Helmer as well at some points.  Once she told him that she did not love him anymore he seemed very angry, but then was acting as if he wanted to help her.  This part of Act III was very confusing for me.  But I am very happy that Nora's character changed and she finally stood up for herself.  I recommend to those of you who have not read A Doll's House to read it because it is a very interesting play and keeps you entertained.  Ibsen does a fantastic job displaying detail and portraying each character.  No character is alike or has the same personality.  They are all one of a kind.  Now that the play is over, I have realized that the moral of the story is to stand up for oneself and do not let anyone bring down your self-esteem.