Title:  A Doll’s House

Author:  Henrik Ibsen

Release Date:  Mar, 2001 [EBook #2542] [Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on August 5, 2002] [Most recently updated:  August 5, 2002]

Edition:  11

Language:  English

Character set encoding:  ASCII

*** Start of the project gutenberg EBOOK, A doll’s house ***

Prepared by Martin Adamson martin@grassmarket.freeserve.co.uk

A DOLL’S HOUSE

by Henrik Ibsen

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 well-bound 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 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?