How does the conflict in this passage contribute to the …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll’s House. Mrs. Linde: You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite another man. Krogstad: I am certain of it. Mrs. Linde: Is it too late now? Krogstad: Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then—? Mrs. Linde: I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real character—I can dare anything together with you. Krogstad [grasps her hands]. Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot— How does the conflict in this passage develop a theme? Mrs. Linde creates a conflict by promising something she cannot give to Krogstad, which develops the theme that empty promises can destroy relationships. Krogstad continues the conflict by choosing clearing his name over having a life with Mrs. Linde, which develops the theme that you must often choose yourself over others. Krogstad creates a conflict by deceiving Mrs. Linde about his intentions, which develops the theme that, in love, actions speak louder than words. Mrs. Linde resolves the conflict by committing to a new life with Krogstad, which develops the theme that new beginnings are always possible.

Short Answer

The conflict in the narrative centers around Nora Helmer, who forged her father’s signature to secure a loan for her husband’s recovery and is now being blackmailed by Krogstad. Mrs. Linde plays a crucial role in encouraging compassion and honesty, leading to a resolution where she and Krogstad rekindle their relationship, symbolizing hope and the possibility of new beginnings.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Background of the Conflict

The conflict revolves around a complicated relationship between Nora Helmer, her husband, and Krogstad, who has taken a financial advantage of Nora’s past actions. Nora had to forge her father’s signature to secure a loan from Krogstad for her husband’s recovery. Now, Krogstad is blackmailing Nora to prevent her husband from firing him, thus creating tension within the family dynamic.

Step 2: Explore Mrs. Linde’s Role and Past Relationship

Mrs. Linde, a pivotal character, has a history with Krogstad. Their prior romantic relationship adds depth to the narrative as she now seeks to resolve the conflict. She encourages Krogstad to show compassion by stopping the blackmail. By urging Nora to confess the truth to her husband, Mrs. Linde aims to facilitate a resolution that would benefit all parties.

Step 3: Emphasize the Theme of New Beginnings

In the resolution, both Mrs. Linde and Krogstad decide to rekindle their past relationship, symbolizing hope and the notion that fresh starts are attainable. This decision not only resolves the immediate conflict but also highlights the play’s central theme that new beginnings are always possible, as characters confront their dilemmas and choose to move forward together.

Related Concepts

Conflict

A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one, which in this context arises from nora’s forged loan and krogstad’s blackmail

Blackmail

A form of extortion in which a person is threatened with revealing information unless they comply with demands, exemplified by krogstad’s threats to nora

Theme Of New Beginnings

A central idea in literature indicating the possibility for characters to reinvent themselves or start anew, showcased in the resolution between mrs. linde and krogstad.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the excerpt from act 3 of A Doll’s House. Mrs. Linde: You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite another man. Krogstad: I am certain of it. Mrs. Linde: Is it too late now? Krogstad: Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then—? Mrs. Linde: I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real character—I can dare anything together with you. Krogstad [grasps her hands]. Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot— How does the conflict in this passage develop a theme? Mrs. Linde creates a conflict by promising something she cannot give to Krogstad, which develops the theme that empty promises can destroy relationships. Krogstad continues the conflict by choosing clearing his name over having a life with Mrs. Linde, which develops the theme that you must often choose yourself over others. Krogstad creates a conflict by deceiving Mrs. Linde about his intentions, which develops the theme that, in love, actions speak louder than words. Mrs. Linde resolves the conflict by committing to a new life with Krogstad, which develops the theme that new beginnings are always possible.

Related Articles

Scroll to Top