Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
Nora: Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn’t know about 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’t let 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 won’t 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!
Questions.
- Place this excerpt in its immediate context. (4marks)
- What does “it” refer to and what does it reveal about the character of Nora? (3 marks)
- Identify and explain one type of irony in this excerpt. (2 marks)
- Who is being referred to as he and why has he come? (3 marks)
- Torvald mustn’t know about it. Add a question tag (1 mark)
- Describe one theme raised in this extract. (2 marks)
- What dreadful thing does Nora fear might happen? Explain your answer. (4 marks)
- Describe the character of the maid (2 marks)
- Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the excerpt. (4 marks
i) Make your mind easy
ii) I won’t let him escape.
iii) It was no good
iv) Dreadful