Final answer:
In the context of the provided excerpts, while Gerda's reaction to a terrible letter is not explicitly shown, Erika's extreme emotions suggest a dark turn in her character. In the case of Nora and Torvald, a letter results in a crisis that catapults Nora towards self-discovery and the decision to leave her marriage, ultimately transforming her character.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpts hint at the emotional turmoil and transformation experienced by the characters due to the significant letters. For Gerda, the dreadful letter from Erika must have caused a profound impact, although not explicitly mentioned in the given texts. However, the intensity of Erika's sentiments is captured in the line "I want to kill, just kill," indicating a drastic shift in her character towards darkness and despair. The events cause a schism between individuals, such as between Nora and Torvald in the given passages, where a letter triggers a crisis that leads to Nora's self-realization and the end of their marriage.
While Gerda's character is not discussed in the provided texts, similarly distressing letters play transformative roles in literature, often leading to changes in characters' lives and personalities. Erika's words suggest a consuming rage and a desire for violence, signaling a potential departure from her previous character.
Nora's life is directly affected by the letters that Torvald reads, as they reveal her secret and put their marriage to the test. The stress and fear of the letters' contents prompt Nora to consider escaping her life, as evidenced by her distraught behavior. However, by the end of the play, Nora gains a clear understanding of her situation and herself, leading to her decision to leave Torvald and seek independence. The letters are pivotal to Nora's character development, awakening her to her true desires and the real nature of her marriage.