běn jù zuò zhě hēng lì kè · yì bǔ shēng（ 1928 － 1906）， shì nuó wēi rén mín yǐn yǐ zì háo de xì jù dà shī、 ōu zhōu jìn dài xì jù xīn de kāi chuàng zhě， tā zài xì jù shǐ shàng xiǎng yòu tóng suō shì bǐ yà hé mò lǐ 'āi yī yàng bù xiǔ de shēng yù。 cóng 'èr shí nián dài qǐ， wǒ guó dú zhě jiù shú zhī zhè gè wěi dà de míng zì； dāng shí zài wǒ guó de fǎn fēng jiàn dǒu zhēng hé zhēng qǔ fù nǚ jiě fàng de dǒu zhēng zhōng， tā de yī xiē míng zhù céng jīng qǐ guò bù shǎo de cù jìn zuò yòng。
yì bǔ shēng chū shēng yú nuó wēi hǎi bīn yī gè xiǎo chéng sī jī 'ēn。 shàonián shí qī， yīn fù qīn pò chǎn， jiā dào zhōng luò， méi yòu jìn chéng dà xué， bù mǎn shí liù suì jiù dào yī jiā yào diàn dāng xué tú。 shè huì de shì lì， shēng huó de jiān xīn， péi yǎng liǎo tā de fèn shì jí sú de xìng gé hé gè rén fèn dǒu de yì zhì。 zài fán zhòng 'ér suǒ suì de xué tú gōng zuò zhī yú， tā kè kǔ dú shū qiú zhī， bìng xué xí wén yì xiě zuò。 1848 nián 'ōu zhōu de làng cháo hé nuó wēi guó nèi de mín zú jiě fàng yùn dòng， jī fā liǎo qīng nián yì bǔ shēng de rè qíng hé mín zú yì shí， tā kāi shǐ xiě liǎo yī xiē gē sòng lì shǐ yīng xióng de fù yòu làng màn sè cǎi de jù zuò。 jiē zhe， tā xiān hòu zài bēi 'ěr gēn hé 'ào sī lù bèi jù yuàn pìn wéi dǎo yǎn hé jīng lǐ， dá shí yú nián zhī jiǔ。 zhè duàn jīng lì jiā shēn liǎo tā duì nuó wēi shè huì de shī wàng， yú shì fèn 'ér chū guó， zài yì dà lì hé dé guó dù guò 'èr shí qī nián（ 1863－ 91） de qiáo jū shēng huó， tóng shí zài chuàng zuò shàng qǔ dé liǎo huī huáng de chéng jiù， wǎn nián cái huí 'ào sī lù。
yì bǔ shēng yī shēng gòng xiě liǎo 'èr shí duō bù jù zuò， chú zǎo qī nà xiē làng màn shū qíng shī jù wài， zhù yào shì xiàn shí zhù yì de sǎnwén jù jí huà jù。 zhè xiē sǎnwén jù dà dū yǐ xí jiàn 'ér yòu zhòng dà de shè huì wèn tí wéi tí cái， tōng cháng bèi chēng wéi“ shè huì wèn tí jù”。《 shè huì zhī zhù》（ 1877）、《 wán 'ǒu zhī jiā》（ 1879）、《 qún guǐ》（ 1881） hé《 rén mín gōng dí》（ 1882） shì qí zhōng zuì zhù míng de dài biǎo zuò。
yì bǔ shēng de zhěng gè chuàng zuò shēng yá qià zhí shí jiǔ shì jì hòu bàn yè。 zài tā de bǐ xià， ōu zhōu zī chǎn jiē jí de xíng xiàng bǐ zài suō shì bǐ yà、 mò lǐ 'āi bǐ xià xiǎn dé gèng fǔ làn、 gèng chǒu 'è， yě gèng lìng rén zēng hèn， zhè shì hěn zì rán de。 tā de xī lì de bǐ fēng bǎo hán zhe fèn jī de rè qíng， chuō chuān liǎo zī chǎn jiē jí zài dào dé、 fǎ lǜ、 zōng jiào、 jiào yù yǐ jí jiā tíng guān xì duō fāng miàn de jiǎ miàn jù， jiē lù liǎo zhěng gè zī běn zhù yì shè huì de xū wěi hé huāng miù。《 wán 'ǒu zhī jiā》 jiù shì duì yú zī běn zhù yì sī yòu zhì xià de hūn yīn guān xì、 duì yú zī chǎn jiē jí de nán quán zhōng xīn sī xiǎng de yī piān yì zhèng cí yán de kòng sù shū。
nǚ zhù rén nà lā biǎo miàn shàng shì yī gè wèi jīng shì gù kāi záo de qīng nián fù nǚ， yī guàn bèi rén huàn zuò“ xiǎo niǎo 'ér”、“ xiǎo sōng shǔ 'ér”， shí jì shàng shàng tā xìng gé shàn liáng 'ér jiān qiáng， wèile zhàng fū hé jiā tíng bù xī rěn rǔ fù zhòng， shèn zhì zhǔn bèi xī shēng zì jǐ de míng yù。 tā yīn wǎn jiù zhàng fū de shēng mìng， céng jīng mán zhe tā xiàng rén jiè liǎo yī bǐ zhài； tóng shí xiǎng gěi chuí wēi de fù qīn shěng què fán nǎo， yòu mào míng qiān liǎo yī gè zì。 jiù shì yóu yú zhè jiàn hé qíng hé lǐ de xíng wéi， zī chǎn jiē jí de“ bù jiǎng lǐ de fǎ lǜ” què bī dé tā zǒu tóu wú lù。 gèng lìng tā tòng xīn de shì， dà bái zhī hòu， zuì xū yào zhàng fū hé tā tóng zhōu gòng jì、 chéng dān wēi jú de shí kè， tā què fā xiàn zì jǐ wéi zhī zuò chū xī shēng de zhàng fū jìng shì yī gè xū wěi 'ér bēi liè de shì kuài。 tā zhōng yú jué xǐng guò lái， rèn shí dào zì jǐ hūn qián bù guò shì fù qīn de wán 'ǒu， hūn hòu bù guò shì zhàng fū de wán 'ǒu， cóng lái jiù méi yòu dú lì de rén gé。 yú shì， tā yì rán jué rán pāo qì zhàng fū hé hái zǐ， cóng qiú lóng shìde jiā tíng chū zǒu liǎo。
dàn shì， nà lā chū zǒu zhī hòu zěn me bàn？ zhè shì běn jù dú zhě lì lái guān xīn de yī gè wèn tí。
yì bǔ shēng chū shēng yú yī gè yǐ xiǎo zī chǎn jiē jí wéi zhù tǐ de guó jiā， zhōu wéi mí màn zhe xiǎo zī chǎn jiē jí shè huì suǒ gù yòu de yǐ tuǒ xié、 tóu jī wéi néng shì de shì kuài qì xī。 duì zhè yī lèi yōng sú、 xū wěi de hé jiā， tā shì shēn 'è tòng jué de， shèn zhì rú tā zì jǐ suǒ shuō， bù xī yǔ zhī“ chǔyú gōng kāi de zhàn zhēng zhuàng tài”。 dàn shì， zhè lǐ yě xiāng yìng dì chǎn shēng liǎo nuó wēi xiǎo zī chǎn zhě yì bǔ shēng de bēi guān zhù yì。 fú lǎng cí · méi lín zài yī piān guān yú zhè wèi jù zuò jiā de píng lùn zhōng zhǐ chū：“ yì bǔ shēng zài zěn yàng wěi dà， tā bì jìng shì gè zī chǎn jiē jí shī rén； tā jì shì bēi guān zhù yì zhě， bìng qiě bì rán shì bēi guān zhù yì zhě， tā duì yú běn jiē jí de mòluò biàn kàn bù jiàn、 yě bù néng kàn jiàn rèn hé jiě jiù bàn fǎ。” zhè wèi jù zuò jiā zài zì jǐ de zuò pǐn zhōng， zhǐ néng wéi xīn dì gē sòng“ rén de jīng shén de fǎn pàn”， bǎ jù yòu zhè zhǒng fǎn pàn jīng shén de zhù rén gōng dāng zuò“ gāo shàng de rén xìng” jiā yǐ chōng jǐng。 tā xiàn yú huán jìng hé jiē jiē， kàn bù jiàn gé mìng de hé jiā， gèng bù xìn yǎng tā gēn běn wú cóng jiē chù de shè huì zhù yì， yīn cǐ yě jiù bù néng zài jiān shí de lì shǐ jī chǔ hé shēng huó jī chǔ shàng wèitā de zhù rén gōng kāipì zhēn zhèng de chū lù。
cóng lì shǐ wéi wù zhù yì guān diǎn lái kàn， nà lā yào zhēn zhèng jiě fàng zì jǐ， dāng rán bù néng yī zǒu liǎo zhī。 fù nǚ jiě fàng de zháojí dāng rán bù zài yú jǐn jǐn bǎi tuō huò hǎi 'ěr mào zhī liú jí qí nán quán zhōng xīn de hūn yīn guān xì。 ēn gé sī zài《 jiā tíng、 sī yòu zhì hé guó jiā de qǐ yuán》 zhōng yī yǔ zhōng de dì zhǐ chū：“ fù nǚ jiě fàng de dì yī gè xiān jué tiáo jiàn jiù shì yī qiē nǚ xìng chóngxīn huí dào gōng gòng de láo dòng zhōng qù”， yīn wéi“ nán zǐ zài hūn yīn shàng de tǒng zhì shì tā de jīng jì tǒng zhì de jiǎn dān de hòu guǒ， tā jiāng zì rán dì suí zhe hòu zhě de xiāo shī 'ér xiāo shī。” nà lā zài jué xǐng zhī qián suǒ yǐ shòu zhì yú hǎi 'ěr mào， zhèng yóu yú hǎi 'ěr mào shǒu xiān zài jīng jì shàng tǒng zhì liǎo tā。 yīn cǐ， nà lā yào zhèng tuō hǎi 'ěr mào de kòng zhì， jué bù néng dān píng yī diǎn fǎn pàn jīng shén， ér bì xū shǒu xiān zài jīng jì zhēng qǔ dú lì de rén gé。 tā suǒ dài biǎo de zī chǎn jiē jí fù nǚ de jiě fàng， bì xū yǐ shè huì jīng jì guān xì de chè dǐ biàn gé wéi qián tí。 tā suǒ mèng xiǎng de“ qí jì zhōng de qí jì”， jí tā hé hǎi 'ěr mào dū“ gǎi biàn dào zán men zài yī qǐ 'ér guò rì zǐ zhēn zhèng xiàng fū qī”， yě zhǐ yòu zài tōng guò gǎi zào shè huì huán jìng 'ér gǎi zào rén de shè huì zhù yì shè huì cái yòu kě néng。
zài shì jiè wén xué shǐ shàng， yì bǔ shēng céng jīng bèi chēng wéi“ yī gè wěi dà de wèn hào”。 zhè gè“ wèn hào” zhì jīn réng rán fā rén shēnxǐng， cù shǐ rén men sī kǎo： zài zī běn zhù yì sī yòu zhì jīng jì jī chǔ bèi cuī huǐ zhī hòu， hái yìng dāng zěn yàng jìn yī bù xiāo chú hé sù qīng yì bǔ shēng zài《 wán 'ǒu zhī jiā》 děng jù zhōng suǒ tòng chì de zī chǎn jiē jí de chuán tǒng dào dé、 shì kuài yì shí jí qí liú dú。 zài zhè gè yì yì shàng， yì bǔ shēng de xì jù duì yú yǐ jiě fàng quán rén lèi wéi jǐ rèn de wú chǎn jiē jí， zhèng shì yī zōng bǎo guì de jīng shén cái fù。
biān zhě
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.)
yì bǔ shēng chū shēng yú nuó wēi hǎi bīn yī gè xiǎo chéng sī jī 'ēn。 shàonián shí qī， yīn fù qīn pò chǎn， jiā dào zhōng luò， méi yòu jìn chéng dà xué， bù mǎn shí liù suì jiù dào yī jiā yào diàn dāng xué tú。 shè huì de shì lì， shēng huó de jiān xīn， péi yǎng liǎo tā de fèn shì jí sú de xìng gé hé gè rén fèn dǒu de yì zhì。 zài fán zhòng 'ér suǒ suì de xué tú gōng zuò zhī yú， tā kè kǔ dú shū qiú zhī， bìng xué xí wén yì xiě zuò。 1848 nián 'ōu zhōu de làng cháo hé nuó wēi guó nèi de mín zú jiě fàng yùn dòng， jī fā liǎo qīng nián yì bǔ shēng de rè qíng hé mín zú yì shí， tā kāi shǐ xiě liǎo yī xiē gē sòng lì shǐ yīng xióng de fù yòu làng màn sè cǎi de jù zuò。 jiē zhe， tā xiān hòu zài bēi 'ěr gēn hé 'ào sī lù bèi jù yuàn pìn wéi dǎo yǎn hé jīng lǐ， dá shí yú nián zhī jiǔ。 zhè duàn jīng lì jiā shēn liǎo tā duì nuó wēi shè huì de shī wàng， yú shì fèn 'ér chū guó， zài yì dà lì hé dé guó dù guò 'èr shí qī nián（ 1863－ 91） de qiáo jū shēng huó， tóng shí zài chuàng zuò shàng qǔ dé liǎo huī huáng de chéng jiù， wǎn nián cái huí 'ào sī lù。
yì bǔ shēng yī shēng gòng xiě liǎo 'èr shí duō bù jù zuò， chú zǎo qī nà xiē làng màn shū qíng shī jù wài， zhù yào shì xiàn shí zhù yì de sǎnwén jù jí huà jù。 zhè xiē sǎnwén jù dà dū yǐ xí jiàn 'ér yòu zhòng dà de shè huì wèn tí wéi tí cái， tōng cháng bèi chēng wéi“ shè huì wèn tí jù”。《 shè huì zhī zhù》（ 1877）、《 wán 'ǒu zhī jiā》（ 1879）、《 qún guǐ》（ 1881） hé《 rén mín gōng dí》（ 1882） shì qí zhōng zuì zhù míng de dài biǎo zuò。
yì bǔ shēng de zhěng gè chuàng zuò shēng yá qià zhí shí jiǔ shì jì hòu bàn yè。 zài tā de bǐ xià， ōu zhōu zī chǎn jiē jí de xíng xiàng bǐ zài suō shì bǐ yà、 mò lǐ 'āi bǐ xià xiǎn dé gèng fǔ làn、 gèng chǒu 'è， yě gèng lìng rén zēng hèn， zhè shì hěn zì rán de。 tā de xī lì de bǐ fēng bǎo hán zhe fèn jī de rè qíng， chuō chuān liǎo zī chǎn jiē jí zài dào dé、 fǎ lǜ、 zōng jiào、 jiào yù yǐ jí jiā tíng guān xì duō fāng miàn de jiǎ miàn jù， jiē lù liǎo zhěng gè zī běn zhù yì shè huì de xū wěi hé huāng miù。《 wán 'ǒu zhī jiā》 jiù shì duì yú zī běn zhù yì sī yòu zhì xià de hūn yīn guān xì、 duì yú zī chǎn jiē jí de nán quán zhōng xīn sī xiǎng de yī piān yì zhèng cí yán de kòng sù shū。
nǚ zhù rén nà lā biǎo miàn shàng shì yī gè wèi jīng shì gù kāi záo de qīng nián fù nǚ， yī guàn bèi rén huàn zuò“ xiǎo niǎo 'ér”、“ xiǎo sōng shǔ 'ér”， shí jì shàng shàng tā xìng gé shàn liáng 'ér jiān qiáng， wèile zhàng fū hé jiā tíng bù xī rěn rǔ fù zhòng， shèn zhì zhǔn bèi xī shēng zì jǐ de míng yù。 tā yīn wǎn jiù zhàng fū de shēng mìng， céng jīng mán zhe tā xiàng rén jiè liǎo yī bǐ zhài； tóng shí xiǎng gěi chuí wēi de fù qīn shěng què fán nǎo， yòu mào míng qiān liǎo yī gè zì。 jiù shì yóu yú zhè jiàn hé qíng hé lǐ de xíng wéi， zī chǎn jiē jí de“ bù jiǎng lǐ de fǎ lǜ” què bī dé tā zǒu tóu wú lù。 gèng lìng tā tòng xīn de shì， dà bái zhī hòu， zuì xū yào zhàng fū hé tā tóng zhōu gòng jì、 chéng dān wēi jú de shí kè， tā què fā xiàn zì jǐ wéi zhī zuò chū xī shēng de zhàng fū jìng shì yī gè xū wěi 'ér bēi liè de shì kuài。 tā zhōng yú jué xǐng guò lái， rèn shí dào zì jǐ hūn qián bù guò shì fù qīn de wán 'ǒu， hūn hòu bù guò shì zhàng fū de wán 'ǒu， cóng lái jiù méi yòu dú lì de rén gé。 yú shì， tā yì rán jué rán pāo qì zhàng fū hé hái zǐ， cóng qiú lóng shìde jiā tíng chū zǒu liǎo。
dàn shì， nà lā chū zǒu zhī hòu zěn me bàn？ zhè shì běn jù dú zhě lì lái guān xīn de yī gè wèn tí。
yì bǔ shēng chū shēng yú yī gè yǐ xiǎo zī chǎn jiē jí wéi zhù tǐ de guó jiā， zhōu wéi mí màn zhe xiǎo zī chǎn jiē jí shè huì suǒ gù yòu de yǐ tuǒ xié、 tóu jī wéi néng shì de shì kuài qì xī。 duì zhè yī lèi yōng sú、 xū wěi de hé jiā， tā shì shēn 'è tòng jué de， shèn zhì rú tā zì jǐ suǒ shuō， bù xī yǔ zhī“ chǔyú gōng kāi de zhàn zhēng zhuàng tài”。 dàn shì， zhè lǐ yě xiāng yìng dì chǎn shēng liǎo nuó wēi xiǎo zī chǎn zhě yì bǔ shēng de bēi guān zhù yì。 fú lǎng cí · méi lín zài yī piān guān yú zhè wèi jù zuò jiā de píng lùn zhōng zhǐ chū：“ yì bǔ shēng zài zěn yàng wěi dà， tā bì jìng shì gè zī chǎn jiē jí shī rén； tā jì shì bēi guān zhù yì zhě， bìng qiě bì rán shì bēi guān zhù yì zhě， tā duì yú běn jiē jí de mòluò biàn kàn bù jiàn、 yě bù néng kàn jiàn rèn hé jiě jiù bàn fǎ。” zhè wèi jù zuò jiā zài zì jǐ de zuò pǐn zhōng， zhǐ néng wéi xīn dì gē sòng“ rén de jīng shén de fǎn pàn”， bǎ jù yòu zhè zhǒng fǎn pàn jīng shén de zhù rén gōng dāng zuò“ gāo shàng de rén xìng” jiā yǐ chōng jǐng。 tā xiàn yú huán jìng hé jiē jiē， kàn bù jiàn gé mìng de hé jiā， gèng bù xìn yǎng tā gēn běn wú cóng jiē chù de shè huì zhù yì， yīn cǐ yě jiù bù néng zài jiān shí de lì shǐ jī chǔ hé shēng huó jī chǔ shàng wèitā de zhù rén gōng kāipì zhēn zhèng de chū lù。
cóng lì shǐ wéi wù zhù yì guān diǎn lái kàn， nà lā yào zhēn zhèng jiě fàng zì jǐ， dāng rán bù néng yī zǒu liǎo zhī。 fù nǚ jiě fàng de zháojí dāng rán bù zài yú jǐn jǐn bǎi tuō huò hǎi 'ěr mào zhī liú jí qí nán quán zhōng xīn de hūn yīn guān xì。 ēn gé sī zài《 jiā tíng、 sī yòu zhì hé guó jiā de qǐ yuán》 zhōng yī yǔ zhōng de dì zhǐ chū：“ fù nǚ jiě fàng de dì yī gè xiān jué tiáo jiàn jiù shì yī qiē nǚ xìng chóngxīn huí dào gōng gòng de láo dòng zhōng qù”， yīn wéi“ nán zǐ zài hūn yīn shàng de tǒng zhì shì tā de jīng jì tǒng zhì de jiǎn dān de hòu guǒ， tā jiāng zì rán dì suí zhe hòu zhě de xiāo shī 'ér xiāo shī。” nà lā zài jué xǐng zhī qián suǒ yǐ shòu zhì yú hǎi 'ěr mào， zhèng yóu yú hǎi 'ěr mào shǒu xiān zài jīng jì shàng tǒng zhì liǎo tā。 yīn cǐ， nà lā yào zhèng tuō hǎi 'ěr mào de kòng zhì， jué bù néng dān píng yī diǎn fǎn pàn jīng shén， ér bì xū shǒu xiān zài jīng jì zhēng qǔ dú lì de rén gé。 tā suǒ dài biǎo de zī chǎn jiē jí fù nǚ de jiě fàng， bì xū yǐ shè huì jīng jì guān xì de chè dǐ biàn gé wéi qián tí。 tā suǒ mèng xiǎng de“ qí jì zhōng de qí jì”， jí tā hé hǎi 'ěr mào dū“ gǎi biàn dào zán men zài yī qǐ 'ér guò rì zǐ zhēn zhèng xiàng fū qī”， yě zhǐ yòu zài tōng guò gǎi zào shè huì huán jìng 'ér gǎi zào rén de shè huì zhù yì shè huì cái yòu kě néng。
zài shì jiè wén xué shǐ shàng， yì bǔ shēng céng jīng bèi chēng wéi“ yī gè wěi dà de wèn hào”。 zhè gè“ wèn hào” zhì jīn réng rán fā rén shēnxǐng， cù shǐ rén men sī kǎo： zài zī běn zhù yì sī yòu zhì jīng jì jī chǔ bèi cuī huǐ zhī hòu， hái yìng dāng zěn yàng jìn yī bù xiāo chú hé sù qīng yì bǔ shēng zài《 wán 'ǒu zhī jiā》 děng jù zhōng suǒ tòng chì de zī chǎn jiē jí de chuán tǒng dào dé、 shì kuài yì shí jí qí liú dú。 zài zhè gè yì yì shàng， yì bǔ shēng de xì jù duì yú yǐ jiě fàng quán rén lèi wéi jǐ rèn de wú chǎn jiē jí， zhèng shì yī zōng bǎo guì de jīng shén cái fù。
biān zhě
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.)
tuō fá · hǎi 'ěr mào。
nà lā ── tā de qī。
ruǎn kè yī shēng。
lín dān tài tài。
ní 'ěr · kē luò kè sī tài。
hǎi 'ěr mào fū fù de sān gè hái zǐ。
ān nà── hái zǐ men de bǎo mǔ。
ài lún── nǚ yōng rén。
jiǎo fū。
shì qíng fā shēng zài kè lì sī tì 'ā ní 'è ① hǎi 'ěr mào jiā lǐ。
① kè lì sī 'ā ní 'è shì nuó wēi shǒu dū de jiù míng， xiàn zài jiào 'ào sī lù。
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; that will keep me going for a long time.
Helmer. Indeed it must.
Nora. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have bought. And all so cheap! Look, here is a new suit for Ivar, and a sword; and a horse and a trumpet for Bob; and a doll and dolly's bedstead for Emmy,--they are very plain, but anyway she will soon break them in pieces. And here are dress-lengths and handkerchiefs for the maids; old Anne ought really to have something better.
Helmer. And what is in this parcel?
Nora (crying out). No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening.
Helmer. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would you like for yourself?
Nora. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything.
Helmer. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would particularly like to have.
Nora. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald--
Helmer. Well?
Nora (playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his). If you really want to give me something, you might--you might--
Helmer. Well, out with it!
Nora (speaking quickly). You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something with it.
Helmer. But, Nora--
Nora. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that be fun?
Helmer. What are little people called that are always wasting money?
Nora. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very sensible plan, isn't it?
Helmer (smiling). Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again.
Nora. Oh but, Torvald--
Helmer. You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. (Puts his arm round her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are!
Nora. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can.
Helmer (laughing). That's very true,--all you can. But you can't save anything!
Nora (smiling quietly and happily). You haven't any idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.
Helmer. You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it has gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; for indeed it is true that you can inherit these things, Nora.
Nora. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities.
Helmer. And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that you are looking rather--what shall I say--rather uneasy today?
Nora. Do I?
Helmer. You do, really. Look straight at me.
Nora (looks at him). Well?
Helmer (wagging his finger at her). Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?
Nora. No; what makes you think that?
Helmer. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's?
Nora. No, I assure you, Torvald--
Helmer. Not been nibbling sweets?
Nora. No, certainly not.
Helmer. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?
Nora. No, Torvald, I assure you really--
Helmer. There, there, of course I was only joking.
Nora (going to the table on the right). I should not think of going against your wishes.
Helmer. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word-- (Going up to her.) Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt.
Nora. Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank?
Helmer. No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in this morning. I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can't think how I am looking forward to this evening.
Nora. So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald!
Helmer. It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe appointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to think of, isn't it?
Nora. It's wonderful!
Helmer. Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks beforehand you shut yourself up every evening until long after midnight, making ornaments for the Christmas Tree, and all the other fine things that were to be a surprise to us. It was the dullest three weeks I ever spent!
Nora. I didn't find it dull.
Helmer (smiling). But there was precious little result, Nora.
Nora. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I help the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces?
Helmer. Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had the best of intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing. But it is a good thing that our hard times are over.
Nora. Yes, it is really wonderful.
Helmer. This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and you needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands--
Nora (clapping her hands). No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need I! It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (Taking his arm.) Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over--(A bell rings in the hall.) There's the bell. (She tidies the room a little.) There's some one at the door. What a nuisance!
Helmer. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.
Maid (in the doorway). A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger.
Nora. Ask her to come in.
Maid (to HELMER). The doctor came at the same time, sir.
Helmer. Did he go straight into my room?
Maid. Yes, sir.
(HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs. LINDE, who is in travelling dress, and shuts the door.) Mrs. Linde (in a dejected and timid voice). How do you do, Nora?
Nora (doubtfully). How do you do--Mrs. Linde. You don't recognise me, I suppose.
Nora. No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--(Suddenly.) Yes! Christine! Is it really you?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, it is I.
Nora. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could I--(In a gentle voice.) How you have altered, Christine!
Mrs. Linde. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years--
Nora. Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight years have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you have come into the town, and have taken this long journey in winter--that was plucky of you.
Mrs. Linde. I arrived by steamer this morning.
Nora. To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How delightful! We will have such fun together! But take off your things. You are not cold, I hope. (Helps her.) Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. (Takes her hands.) Now you look like your old self again; it was only the first moment--You are a little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little thinner.
Mrs. Linde. And much, much older, Nora.
Nora. Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. (Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.) What a thoughtless creature I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me.
Mrs. Linde. What do you mean, Nora?
Nora (gently). Poor Christine, you are a widow.
Mrs. Linde. Yes; it is three years ago now.
Nora. Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I meant ever so often to write to you at the time, but I always put it off and something always prevented me.
Mrs. Linde. I quite understand, dear.
Nora. It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have suffered. And he left you nothing?
Mrs. Linde. No.
Nora. And no children?
Mrs. Linde. No.
Nora. Nothing at all, then.
Mrs. Linde. Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon.
Nora (looking incredulously at her). But, Christine, is that possible?
Mrs. Linde (smiles sadly and strokes her hair). It sometimes happens, Nora.
Nora. So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they are out with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it.
Mrs. Linde. No, no; I want to hear about you.
Nora. No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I must only think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do you know we have just had a great piece of good luck?
Mrs. Linde. No, what is it?
Nora. Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank!
Mrs. Linde. Your husband? What good luck!
Nora. Yes, tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an uncertain thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavoury cases; and naturally Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him. You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lots of commissions. For the future we can live quite differently--we can do just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won't it?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs.
Nora. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money.
Mrs. Linde (smiling). Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you were a great spendthrift.
Nora (laughing). Yes, that is what Torvald says now. (Wags her finger at her.) But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think. We have not been in a position for me to waste money. We have both had to work.
Mrs. Linde. You too?
Nora. Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing. (Dropping her voice.) And other things as well. You know Torvald left his office when we were married? There was no prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than before. But during the first year he over-worked himself dreadfully. You see, he had to make money every way he could, and he worked early and late; but he couldn't stand it, and fell dreadfully ill, and the doctors said it was necessary for him to go south.
Mrs. Linde. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you?
Nora. Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It was just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's life. But it cost a tremendous lot of money, Christine.
Mrs. Linde. So I should think.
Nora. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, isn't it?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the money.
Nora. I ought to tell you that we had it from papa.
Mrs. Linde. Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn't it?
Nora. Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn't go and nurse him. I was expecting little Ivar's birth every day and I had my poor sick Torvald to look after. My dear, kind father--I never saw him again, Christine. That was the saddest time I have known since our marriage.
Mrs. Linde. I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to Italy?
Nora. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our going, so we started a month later.
Mrs. Linde. And your husband came back quite well?
Nora. As sound as a bell!
Mrs. Linde. But--the doctor?
Nora. What doctor?
Mrs. Linde. I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just as I did, was the doctor?
Nora. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once everyday. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. (Jumps up and claps her hands.) Christine! Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!--But how horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. (Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.) You mustn't be angry with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband? Why did you marry him?
Mrs. Linde. My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I was justified in refusing his offer.
Nora. No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then?
Mrs. Linde. I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was nothing left.
Nora. And then?--
Mrs. Linde. Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find- -first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the boys do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift for themselves.
Nora. What a relief you must feel if--
Mrs. Linde. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore. (Gets up restlessly.) That was why I could not stand the life in my little backwater any longer. I hope it may be easier here to find something which will busy me and occupy my thoughts. If only I could have the good luck to get some regular work--office work of some kind--
Nora. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place.
Mrs. Linde (walking to the window). I have no father to give me money for a journey, Nora.
Nora (rising). Oh, don't be angry with me!
Mrs. Linde (going up to her). It is you that must not be angry with me, dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on the lookout for chances. One must live, and so one becomes selfish. When you told me of the happy turn your fortunes have taken--you will hardly believe it--I was delighted not so much on your account as on my own.
Nora. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could get you something to do.
Mrs. Linde. Yes, that was what I was thinking of.
Nora. He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject very cleverly--I will think of something that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to you.
Mrs. Linde. How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles of life.
Nora. I--? I know so little of them?
Mrs. Linde (smiling). My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!--You are a child, Nora.
Nora (tosses her head and crosses the stage). You ought not to be so superior.
Mrs. Linde. No?
Nora. You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable of anything really serious--
Mrs. Linde. Come, come--
Nora.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares.
nà lā ── tā de qī。
ruǎn kè yī shēng。
lín dān tài tài。
ní 'ěr · kē luò kè sī tài。
hǎi 'ěr mào fū fù de sān gè hái zǐ。
ān nà── hái zǐ men de bǎo mǔ。
ài lún── nǚ yōng rén。
jiǎo fū。
shì qíng fā shēng zài kè lì sī tì 'ā ní 'è ① hǎi 'ěr mào jiā lǐ。
① kè lì sī 'ā ní 'è shì nuó wēi shǒu dū de jiù míng， xiàn zài jiào 'ào sī lù。
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; that will keep me going for a long time.
Helmer. Indeed it must.
Nora. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have bought. And all so cheap! Look, here is a new suit for Ivar, and a sword; and a horse and a trumpet for Bob; and a doll and dolly's bedstead for Emmy,--they are very plain, but anyway she will soon break them in pieces. And here are dress-lengths and handkerchiefs for the maids; old Anne ought really to have something better.
Helmer. And what is in this parcel?
Nora (crying out). No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening.
Helmer. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would you like for yourself?
Nora. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything.
Helmer. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would particularly like to have.
Nora. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald--
Helmer. Well?
Nora (playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his). If you really want to give me something, you might--you might--
Helmer. Well, out with it!
Nora (speaking quickly). You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something with it.
Helmer. But, Nora--
Nora. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that be fun?
Helmer. What are little people called that are always wasting money?
Nora. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very sensible plan, isn't it?
Helmer (smiling). Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again.
Nora. Oh but, Torvald--
Helmer. You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. (Puts his arm round her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are!
Nora. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can.
Helmer (laughing). That's very true,--all you can. But you can't save anything!
Nora (smiling quietly and happily). You haven't any idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.
Helmer. You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it has gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; for indeed it is true that you can inherit these things, Nora.
Nora. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities.
Helmer. And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that you are looking rather--what shall I say--rather uneasy today?
Nora. Do I?
Helmer. You do, really. Look straight at me.
Nora (looks at him). Well?
Helmer (wagging his finger at her). Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?
Nora. No; what makes you think that?
Helmer. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's?
Nora. No, I assure you, Torvald--
Helmer. Not been nibbling sweets?
Nora. No, certainly not.
Helmer. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?
Nora. No, Torvald, I assure you really--
Helmer. There, there, of course I was only joking.
Nora (going to the table on the right). I should not think of going against your wishes.
Helmer. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word-- (Going up to her.) Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt.
Nora. Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank?
Helmer. No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in this morning. I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can't think how I am looking forward to this evening.
Nora. So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald!
Helmer. It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe appointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to think of, isn't it?
Nora. It's wonderful!
Helmer. Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks beforehand you shut yourself up every evening until long after midnight, making ornaments for the Christmas Tree, and all the other fine things that were to be a surprise to us. It was the dullest three weeks I ever spent!
Nora. I didn't find it dull.
Helmer (smiling). But there was precious little result, Nora.
Nora. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I help the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces?
Helmer. Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had the best of intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing. But it is a good thing that our hard times are over.
Nora. Yes, it is really wonderful.
Helmer. This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and you needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands--
Nora (clapping her hands). No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need I! It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (Taking his arm.) Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over--(A bell rings in the hall.) There's the bell. (She tidies the room a little.) There's some one at the door. What a nuisance!
Helmer. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.
Maid (in the doorway). A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger.
Nora. Ask her to come in.
Maid (to HELMER). The doctor came at the same time, sir.
Helmer. Did he go straight into my room?
Maid. Yes, sir.
(HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs. LINDE, who is in travelling dress, and shuts the door.) Mrs. Linde (in a dejected and timid voice). How do you do, Nora?
Nora (doubtfully). How do you do--Mrs. Linde. You don't recognise me, I suppose.
Nora. No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--(Suddenly.) Yes! Christine! Is it really you?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, it is I.
Nora. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could I--(In a gentle voice.) How you have altered, Christine!
Mrs. Linde. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years--
Nora. Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight years have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you have come into the town, and have taken this long journey in winter--that was plucky of you.
Mrs. Linde. I arrived by steamer this morning.
Nora. To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How delightful! We will have such fun together! But take off your things. You are not cold, I hope. (Helps her.) Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. (Takes her hands.) Now you look like your old self again; it was only the first moment--You are a little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little thinner.
Mrs. Linde. And much, much older, Nora.
Nora. Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. (Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.) What a thoughtless creature I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me.
Mrs. Linde. What do you mean, Nora?
Nora (gently). Poor Christine, you are a widow.
Mrs. Linde. Yes; it is three years ago now.
Nora. Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I meant ever so often to write to you at the time, but I always put it off and something always prevented me.
Mrs. Linde. I quite understand, dear.
Nora. It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have suffered. And he left you nothing?
Mrs. Linde. No.
Nora. And no children?
Mrs. Linde. No.
Nora. Nothing at all, then.
Mrs. Linde. Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon.
Nora (looking incredulously at her). But, Christine, is that possible?
Mrs. Linde (smiles sadly and strokes her hair). It sometimes happens, Nora.
Nora. So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they are out with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it.
Mrs. Linde. No, no; I want to hear about you.
Nora. No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I must only think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do you know we have just had a great piece of good luck?
Mrs. Linde. No, what is it?
Nora. Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank!
Mrs. Linde. Your husband? What good luck!
Nora. Yes, tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an uncertain thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavoury cases; and naturally Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him. You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lots of commissions. For the future we can live quite differently--we can do just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won't it?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs.
Nora. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money.
Mrs. Linde (smiling). Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you were a great spendthrift.
Nora (laughing). Yes, that is what Torvald says now. (Wags her finger at her.) But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think. We have not been in a position for me to waste money. We have both had to work.
Mrs. Linde. You too?
Nora. Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing. (Dropping her voice.) And other things as well. You know Torvald left his office when we were married? There was no prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than before. But during the first year he over-worked himself dreadfully. You see, he had to make money every way he could, and he worked early and late; but he couldn't stand it, and fell dreadfully ill, and the doctors said it was necessary for him to go south.
Mrs. Linde. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you?
Nora. Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It was just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's life. But it cost a tremendous lot of money, Christine.
Mrs. Linde. So I should think.
Nora. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, isn't it?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the money.
Nora. I ought to tell you that we had it from papa.
Mrs. Linde. Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn't it?
Nora. Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn't go and nurse him. I was expecting little Ivar's birth every day and I had my poor sick Torvald to look after. My dear, kind father--I never saw him again, Christine. That was the saddest time I have known since our marriage.
Mrs. Linde. I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to Italy?
Nora. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our going, so we started a month later.
Mrs. Linde. And your husband came back quite well?
Nora. As sound as a bell!
Mrs. Linde. But--the doctor?
Nora. What doctor?
Mrs. Linde. I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just as I did, was the doctor?
Nora. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once everyday. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. (Jumps up and claps her hands.) Christine! Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!--But how horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. (Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.) You mustn't be angry with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband? Why did you marry him?
Mrs. Linde. My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I was justified in refusing his offer.
Nora. No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then?
Mrs. Linde. I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was nothing left.
Nora. And then?--
Mrs. Linde. Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find- -first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the boys do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift for themselves.
Nora. What a relief you must feel if--
Mrs. Linde. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore. (Gets up restlessly.) That was why I could not stand the life in my little backwater any longer. I hope it may be easier here to find something which will busy me and occupy my thoughts. If only I could have the good luck to get some regular work--office work of some kind--
Nora. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place.
Mrs. Linde (walking to the window). I have no father to give me money for a journey, Nora.
Nora (rising). Oh, don't be angry with me!
Mrs. Linde (going up to her). It is you that must not be angry with me, dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on the lookout for chances. One must live, and so one becomes selfish. When you told me of the happy turn your fortunes have taken--you will hardly believe it--I was delighted not so much on your account as on my own.
Nora. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could get you something to do.
Mrs. Linde. Yes, that was what I was thinking of.
Nora. He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject very cleverly--I will think of something that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to you.
Mrs. Linde. How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles of life.
Nora. I--? I know so little of them?
Mrs. Linde (smiling). My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!--You are a child, Nora.
Nora (tosses her head and crosses the stage). You ought not to be so superior.
Mrs. Linde. No?
Nora. You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable of anything really serious--
Mrs. Linde. Come, come--
Nora.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares.