Question

Read the passage from A Doll’s House.

[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?

Why does the author of the play include the first paragraph of stage directions?

A. to allow the readers to get to know the characters
B. to explain how a character feels about something
C. to allow the reader to visualize the play’s setting
D. to familiarize the reader with the theme of the play

Answer 1

The stage directions in 'A Doll's House' are crucial for helping readers visualize the setting of the play, not for character development, explaining feelings, or establishing themes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first paragraph of stage directions in A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen serves several purposes, most importantly to allow the reader to visualize the play's setting. This detailed description provides the context in which the action takes place, setting the tone and atmosphere for the audience, and helping them to mentally construct the space as it would be presented in a theatrical production. It is not meant to let readers get to know the characters, explain how a character feels, or to familiarize them with the theme of the play directly.