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Read the excerpt from act 2 of A Doll's House.

Helmer: And it is just by interceding for him that you make it impossible for me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank that I mean to dismiss Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the new manager has changed his mind at his wife's bidding—

Nora: And what if it did?

Helmer: Of course!—if only this obstinate little person can get her way! Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of outside influence? I should very soon feel the consequences of it, I can tell you! And besides, there is one thing that makes it quite impossible for me to have Krogstad in the Bank as long as I am manager.

Nora: Whatever is that?

Helmer: His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if necessary—

Nora: Yes, you could—couldn't you?

Helmer: And I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when we were boys. It was one of those rash friendships that so often prove an incubus in afterlife. I may as well tell you plainly, we were once on very intimate terms with one another. But this tactless fellow lays no restraint on himself when other people are present. On the contrary, he thinks it gives him the right to adopt a familiar tone with me, and every minute it is "I say, Helmer, old fellow!" and that sort of thing. I assure you it is extremely painful for me. He would make my position in the Bank intolerable.

Which statements best describe the conflict? Select two options.

Helmer is controlling and does not want to be seen as one who lets his wife sway or control him.
Krogstad controls Helmer, and he does not want people to know about his past with Helmer.
Helmer does not like the way Krogstad tries to be his equal, and he wants to fire him from the bank.
Nora controls Helmer, and thinks that Krogstad is not as bad as Helmer believes he is.
Krogstad controls Nora, thinks that Nora is irresponsible, and wants to hide his past with Helmer.

User Nooshin
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2 Answers

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Answer:Letter answer: A & C

User Samsul Islam
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The two statements that best describe the conflict are:

  • "Helmer is controlling and does not want to be seen as one who lets his wife sway or control him. "
  • "Helmer does not like the way Krogstad tries to be his equal, and he wants to fire him from the bank. "

Step-by-step explanation: In "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen, it is socially unacceptable for Helmer to be swayed into changing his mind by his wife - society dictates that Helmer should have more power in their marriage. He fears that if he changed his mind for her, his employees would lose respect for him, "Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of outside influence?"

Krogstad was familiar with Helmer ever since they were young boys, and although Helmer claims to want to fire him for his moral character, he actually wants to fire him for his overly friendly behavior. Helmer feels uncomfortable and disrespected by open Krogstad is with their familiarity, "... he thinks it gives him the right to adopt a familiar tone with me, and every minute it is 'I say, Helmer, old fellow!' and that sort of thing. I assure you it is extremely painful for me.

User Igna
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