Question

Read the passage from A Doll’s House.

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 around 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.

How does the author use the character of Torvald Helmer to explore a social issue?

A) by revealing the changes that can happen to a person who has gotten wealthy quickly
B) by revealing attitudes related to spending and saving that many men held during the Victorian era
C) by revealing the bad financial advice that was given to many people in the Victorian era
D) by revealing the hardships that fell on many people who lived during the Victorian era

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. by revealing attitudes related to spending and saving that many men held during the Victorian era.

The reason is that in "A Doll's House", written by Henrik Ibsen, the characters of Nora and Helmer have different perspectives about borrowing money. While Nora believes it is fine to ask for money, Helmer thinks that borrowing money is a wrong decision because he wants to remain financially stable abd to avoid debts. That is a clear attutude of men in the Victorian era.

Answer 2

The author uses the character of Torvald Helmer to explore a social issue B) By revealing attitudes related to spending and saving that many men held during the Victorian era.

During the Victorian Era, in which this work is set, people ruled their lifestyle by preserving money and finding their best way to face economical problems. They worked hard to get and keep what they had, and this can be clearly reflected in Torvald Helmer's attitudes about borrowing money.