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The play begins with an empty and silent room. After
a series of knocks at the door, Anne Marie, an older woman with a hobble,
enters and opens the door to find Nora standing there.
Nora and Anne Marie have an emotional reunion. Anne
Marie expresses her disbelief at Nora's return after 15 years, noting that she
had wondered if Nora was even still alive. Nora remarks on how different the
house looks, noting the absence of the cuckoo clock, the trinket cabinet, and
her piano, all of which Anne Marie explains were thrown out after Nora left.
Nora inquires about Torvald's return, and Anne Marie says he will be back in a
few hours as he is at work. Anne Marie reveals she hasn't told the children,
who are now grown, that Nora is in town, which Nora appreciates. Anne Marie
suggests that Nora see Torvald, believing it might be helpful to repair
something between them. Nora questions if Torvald is still broken over her
leaving, but Anne Marie assures her he is not. Anne Marie mentions that Torvald
never remarried and suggests he should get a dog, recounting his reasoning for
not wanting one: the inevitability of a dog's death.
Nora states that she is a very different person than the
one who left 15 years ago. When Anne Marie asks what happened to her, Nora
prompts her to guess what she imagined Nora had been doing. Anne Marie admits
she wondered but didn't have specific ideas. Nora presses her on whether she
thought Nora had an easy time, which Anne Marie denies, acknowledging the
difficulties women face. Nora suggests that society expects women who leave
their families to be punished. Nora then reveals that she has done very well
and made a lot of money. She dismisses Anne Marie's guesses of actress or dancer
and finally announces that she writes books.
Nora explains that she writes popular books about women,
their desires, and the injustices they face. One of her books, she says, is
quite controversial. She writes under a pseudonym. Her first book was inspired
by her own life, about a woman in a seemingly good marriage who felt suffocated
and left her husband to start her own life. Nora states that she believes women
unhappy in their marriages should leave, calling marriage cruel and destructive
to women's lives. Anne Marie disagrees, saying marriage makes many people
happy. Nora counters that most people would be happier without it, arguing that
people only believe they need marriage because they are told so by parents,
churches, and leaders. She critiques the idea of marriage as the ultimate
expression of love, seeing it more as an act of ownership and control. She also
questions the permanence of marriage given that people change. Nora argues that
marriage can make people worse because the need to "woo" disappears
after commitment, potentially leading to poor treatment within the
relationship. While acknowledging the desire for intimacy and love, she questions
the necessity and exclusivity of marriage, noting the common occurrence of
infidelity. Nora predicts that marriage will be a thing of the past in 20 to 30
years.
Anne Marie expresses her disagreement and finds Nora's
views extreme and against nature. She suggests there might be good reasons
why men and women are the way they are and that Nora's fight against this will
make people uncomfortable. Nora explains that in her book, her heroine who
espoused these ideas had to die at the end for the book to be published, but in
her mind, it was a symbolic death representing a new life.
Nora then reveals the real reason for her return: she
needs a divorce. Some women who read her book left their marriages,
including the wife of a judge in her city. This judge, angry and wanting to
ruin Nora, discovered her real name. He threatened to expose her as a married
woman conducting business and having relationships as if unmarried, which
amounts to fraud, unless she publicly retracts her statements. Nora explains
that Torvald never filed for their divorce 15 years ago, so legally they are
still married. She plans to ask Torvald to simply file the divorce to avert the
crisis. Nora mentions that the law makes it easier for a man to get a divorce
than a woman. She tells Anne Marie she might need her help because Torvald
seems still upset.
Anne Marie becomes emotional, feeling Nora has
misinterpreted her comments about Torvald. She clarifies that she simply
thought it would be nice for them to have a civil conversation after so many
years. Nora reassures Anne Marie that she did nothing wrong and reiterates that
she might need her help as allies, given their long history. Anne Marie
expresses her dislike of being in the middle.
Suddenly, Torvald enters the room. He is surprised to
find Nora there with Anne Marie, saying he forgot some papers. There is an
awkward silence before Torvald asks who Nora is (as he does not recognize her at the first glance). After a moment of recognition,
Torvald abruptly says he needs to use the bathroom and leaves. Anne Marie is shocked
that he returned so early and urges Nora to leave. However, Nora insists that
Anne Marie should go, and she will speak to Torvald alone. Nora expresses her
frustration with the unexpected turn of events. Anne Marie exits, and Nora
rearranges the furniture as she waits for Torvald to return.
Torvald re-enters, and there is a period of silence.
He admits he didn't expect this and doesn't know what to say. He sits facing
away from Nora. Nora says she is fine sitting with him for as long as he wants.
Torvald says he has thought a lot about what this encounter would feel like and
admits to feeling shaky. Nora offers to leave and come back later, but Torvald
asks her to tell him why she is there. Nora reminds Torvald of the night she
left 15 years ago, stating that the marriage was done and he would divorce her.
She reveals she recently discovered he never filed for the divorce. She asks
him if this is true and why he didn't divorce her. Torvald replies that he
didn't want to divorce her, that she was the one who wanted it. Nora asks him
to agree now to make the divorce official, explaining that she needs his help
because the law doesn't give men and women equal rights in divorce. She argues
that it's not right for him to hold her to a marriage she doesn't want.
Torvald hesitates, and Nora points out that it costs him
nothing to file for divorce. Torvald implies it might cost him more than
her dress. Nora then explains what it costs her: because they are legally
married, she has become a criminal for behaving as an unmarried woman and
conducting business without his consent, potentially facing prosecution. She
also notes that this affects his ability to remarry. Nora reveals she has had
other men, lovers, since she left, assuming they were divorced. She states that
his inaction has put her in danger. Torvald retorts that she left him and the
children. Nora expresses her regret that she didn't leave him first.
Torvald recounts his own grievances during their
marriage. He lists Nora's perceived faults, such as chastising him,
constantly asking for money by feigning love, making him responsible for her
friends' problems, making him feel weak, talking down to him, flirting with
other men, making fun of him, and prioritizing her own needs over their
children. He wishes he hadn't taken her leaving the way he did. Nora counters
that Torvald is making himself the victim and always needs to be right and
superior, talking down to women as if he is an expert.
Torvald wonders if women don't, in some ways, expect men
to behave in a confident and leading manner. Nora differentiates this from
talking down to her. She also points out that Torvald doesn't truly get angry,
but rather observes the feeling from the outside. Nora states that she has no
regrets about leaving. She explains that she is asking him to file for divorce
out of kindness because, as a woman, she would have to prove he did something
horrible to deserve it, potentially ruining his reputation.
Torvald initially tells her to do it and ruin him,
wanting her to consciously choose to do so. He calls out for Anne Marie.
Nora reiterates that she needs his help to get the divorce. Anne Marie enters,
having found Torvald's papers. Torvald tells her they will talk later and then
exits.
Nora tells Anne Marie that Torvald won't give her the
divorce, leaving her with limited options. Option 1 would be to lie and say
Torvald abused her, which she refuses to do. Option 2 would be to retract her
writings, which she would rather die than do. She needs an Option 3. Anne Marie
says she is still angry with Nora for putting her in a bad spot, as Torvald is
her only family and supports her out of gratitude for staying and raising the
children. Anne Marie recounts Torvald's difficult state after Nora left. She
asks Nora to leave.
Nora refuses to leave, asserting her legal right to be
there as she is still married to Torvald. Anne Marie urges her to take
Option 2, but Nora refuses. They argue about feelings and the consequences of
Nora's actions. Nora points out that as her legal husband, Torvald could claim
her earnings. She emphasizes that she cannot remain tied to him. Anne Marie
feels that Nora doesn't consider her. Nora asks what makes Anne Marie innocent
in all of this, implying she isn't helping to fix the problem. Anne Marie
retorts about all the problems she has already fixed for Nora, particularly
raising her children, which she feels Nora hasn't adequately appreciated. Nora
argues that Anne Marie's choice to stay was not her responsibility. They debate
the societal judgment of mothers leaving their children. Nora points out that
Anne Marie also left her own child to raise Nora's. Anne Marie argues she had
fewer options than Nora.
Nora acknowledges Anne Marie's point and explains that
leaving her children was the hardest part and still hurts. She describes
her internal conflict of wanting to reach out to them but deciding against it,
believing that complete silence was better for their healing. Nora expresses
gratitude for Anne Marie's role in raising her children and apologizes if she
didn't show it. Nora offers Anne Marie financial independence by buying her a
house and giving her a lump sum of money. Anne Marie initially refuses.
Anne Marie then proposes "Option 3": Nora
should meet her daughter, Emmy. Nora is hesitant, feeling like a stranger.
Anne Marie believes Emmy might be persuasive with Torvald, as their words mean
nothing to him. She suggests Emmy might have a good idea for what to do. Nora
expresses concern about upsetting the balance, but Anne Marie argues that Emmy
is an adult and can handle it, suggesting Nora might be aggrandizing her own
importance. Anne Marie insists this is the only option.
Emmy enters. She introduces herself as Nora's
daughter, and they have an awkward first meeting. Emmy expresses that it is
nice to meet Nora and feels no animosity towards her, even finding it exciting.
She doesn't remember Nora at all and reveals that for a long time, she thought
Nora was dead. Emmy recounts how her brothers told her Nora had left and how
she confirmed this by finding no death certificate at the clerk's office. Her
brothers had told her Nora might return and take them with her, imagining Nora
would be more fun than Torvald. Emmy finds Torvald's seriousness
"adorable". She mentions that Bob missed Nora the most but refused to
draw her picture because he didn't like to cry.
Nora remembers Bob's aversion to crying. Emmy asks
Nora what she remembers about her. Nora recalls that Emmy's birth was very fast
compared to her brothers'. Emmy then asks Nora if she is happy. Nora says she
is, and that her work and her quiet house by a lake make her happy. Emmy also
says she is happy, with enough money and good health, and surprisingly states
that things turned out better because Nora wasn't around, making her more
responsible and mature. She feels "special" and people call her an
old soul.
Emmy acknowledges that Nora has also done well, having
her own money and writing books. Nora offers to send her one, but Emmy
admits she doesn't really read. Nora asks if Anne Marie told her why she is
there. Emmy knows that Nora and Torvald were supposed to be divorced but
aren't, and that Nora wants Torvald to file the divorce, which he refuses to
do. Emmy guesses that Nora wants her to convince Torvald. Nora suggests Emmy
tell Torvald it's the right thing for everyone, including him and the family,
to avoid scandal. Emmy reveals she knows about the judge. Nora understands Emmy
might have concerns about approaching Torvald and suggests she could say she
heard about the problem from Anne Marie and came to her own conclusion that
Torvald should grant the divorce to avoid damaging his reputation. Nora
emphasizes that Torvald won't act for her sake but might if Emmy shows him how
he is making things worse for himself.
Nora believes Torvald doesn't want to let her go and
hopes for reconciliation. Emmy strongly disagrees, stating that Nora has
made assumptions and doesn't understand the situation. Emmy reveals that
Torvald fabricated a story after Nora left, telling people she was sick and
recovering at a sanitarium, and later implied she had died to avoid the
embarrassment of saying she left him. This led to an outpouring of support and
even some government assistance. Because Torvald is well-respected and runs the
bank, this lie has been maintained. Emmy explains that Nora's presence and
actions now constitute fraud, and Torvald could be tried and lose everything,
which is why he can't give her a divorce.
Emmy proposes another option: Nora should die. She
suggests that with her connections, a death certificate could appear in the
files. If Nora is legally dead, there is no marriage. Emmy clarifies that this
is her own idea. She asks Nora why she wouldn't do it. Nora points out that it
would be forgery of public records, with serious consequences. Emmy believes no
one would find out. Nora warns from experience that such things can come to
light.
Nora is appalled that Torvald's lie would result in her
having to lose everything. Emmy then reveals that she is engaged to a
banker named Jorgen who works with Torvald. A scandal would prevent her from
marrying him and ruin her future. Emmy senses Nora doesn't like that she is
getting married, given Nora's views on marriage. Emmy recounts Anne Marie
telling her not to bring up Jorgen but felt it was important to tell Nora
because they are in love. Nora clarifies that she believes in love but sees it
as the opposite of a contract like marriage, which she feels restricts freedom.
Emmy defends Jorgen as kind, but Nora says that kindness
isn't the issue with marriage. Emmy admits she knows nothing about marriage
because Nora left, but she knows what the absence of it looks like and wants
the opposite: to be held and be someone's something. She senses Nora's
disapproval but insists her wants are not about Nora's. Nora says she once
wanted what Emmy wants but found it wasn't what she truly desired. Emmy
believes she is different. Nora sees similarities in their thinking. Emmy
accuses Nora of only wanting to see her to fix a problem and of never having
given her anything.
Nora acknowledges she came for help but denies she didn't
want to see Emmy. Emmy points out that Nora asks no questions about her
life, making her feel used. Nora fears the risk Emmy would take by forging a
death certificate, but Emmy counters that Nora is in worse trouble. Nora says
what scares her more is the thought of Emmy repeating her mistakes, which would
make Nora's choices meaningless. Emmy asks what Nora has done since leaving.
Nora refers to her books that encourage women to leave unhappy marriages. Emmy
questions the positive impact of this, asking how many women have left their
families and gotten into similar trouble as Nora.
Emmy surprisingly states that it's good to be stuck in a
marriage, as the difficulty of leaving makes people try harder to stay
together. She wonders what a future of constant separation would look like
– lonely and unsatisfying. She suggests Nora go along with the death
certificate plan, become "officially dead," and start a new life free
of her past identity.
There is a long silence. Nora declares that this
scheming and lying is what she left behind. As she begins to leave, Emmy asks
where she is going. Nora says Emmy doesn't know what she has given her – the
possibility of a different world – but it won't happen this way by letting Emmy
or Torvald fix her problem. Nora resolves to face the judge and declare she is
a "criminal" and not sorry, showing them they have no power over her.
Emmy warns she could go to prison. Nora says she is already in a prison if she
has to rely on Torvald or hide behind a pseudonym, and she wants to change the
"bad rules" of the world. She hopes to live to see a freer world.
Anne Marie re-enters with Torvald, who is bleeding from
the head. Anne Marie says she found him in the street, appearing crazy, and
blames Nora. Emmy exits to get bandages. Anne Marie scolds Torvald and tells
Nora she should never have come. Emmy returns with supplies and begins to tend
to Torvald's wound after Anne Marie leaves at Torvald's request. Torvald then
asks Emmy to leave, wanting to talk to Nora alone.
Torvald produces one of Nora's books. He tells Nora
that Anne Marie informed him about her writing. He went to a bookstore, asked
for the popular book women were reading, and was given Nora's book, recognizing
it despite the pseudonym. He read the entire book at the fjord, finding it hard
because it was about their life together. Nora retorts that it was hard for her
to live it. Torvald recounts his experience reading, remembering and forgetting
moments. He admits some parts made him angry, particularly the unflattering
portrayal of him. He reads aloud excerpts where Nora describes his
condescending looks, sneers, pontificating, and how she lived in terror of him
feeling unseen and insignificant, valued only for making him feel good. He
reads the line about him being interchangeable with any woman and liking her
because she was pretty, his, and perfect, not because he truly saw her. He also
reads the description of living with someone who can't see you as
life-threatening.
Torvald says this portrayal hurts because he is not like
that now. He talks about thinking of his legacy and not wanting this
negative portrayal to be his defining story. He reveals he went to the clerk's
office that morning to file for divorce. Nora is surprised and touched. Torvald
explains the clerk was confused, thinking Nora was dead. Torvald confessed to
lying and insisted on filing the divorce, even when the clerk suggested
creating a death certificate. Torvald describes grabbing the pen and fighting
with the clerk, during which he fell and hit his head on a stone. He told the
clerk to give him the divorce, and the clerk, understanding the deeper issue,
agreed. Torvald presents the divorce paper, saying he did this for Nora,
ruining himself and his reputation by exposing his lies of 15 years, likely
losing his job, friends, and savings. He wants her to remember him as he is
now. He offers her the paper.
Nora thanks him but says she doesn't need the divorce
anymore. Torvald is exasperated, feeling he can't win with her. Nora
insists there is nothing to win and accuses him of making everything about
himself, even her book. They argue about his motivations, with Nora saying he
only acted to look good, and Torvald claiming he saved her. Nora vehemently
denies needing a savior and says he has no idea what this has cost her. She
accuses him of wanting to be ruined so people will pity and care for him,
saying he hasn't changed.
There is a long silence. Torvald admits he doesn't
know how to behave around her anymore and finds it disturbing that he can no
longer see the person he used to know when he looks at her. He confesses that
he thinks he misses her and that maybe they both made assumptions about each
other. He wonders if he might like who she truly is and if he didn't actually
like the things she thought he did. He finds "all of this" – being
with people – hard.
Torvald asks about the other men Nora has been with.
Nora lists a painter, another banker, an architect, the builder of the
architect's houses, and a very young man. Torvald then surprisingly reveals
that he also had a relationship with a widow named Sofia who lived nearby. Nora
laughs, unable to picture it. Torvald admits he couldn't pursue it because he
was afraid.
Nora asks Torvald to be honest about whether he has ever
experienced a true marriage – two people figuring out how to be around each
other, which she recalls wanting before she left. Both admit they haven't.
Torvald says he doesn't want to die never having had that experience. Nora
encourages him to pursue it. She recounts what she did after leaving: living in
a boarding house, sewing to earn money, and saving to be alone for the first
time. She moved up north to an abandoned shack. Even alone, she realized she
could still hear the voices of others in her head, influencing her decisions.
She decided to live in silence for two years until she could no longer remember
other people's voices and could hear her own. She learned that lying makes it
harder to hear one's own voice, especially when seeking love from others. She
finds she is her best self when alone.
Nora admits it is nice to sit with Torvald. He gently
squeezes her hand. Nora says she is ready to go – away from the house – knowing
she will face more challenges but having done it before. They walk to the door
together. Nora turns in the doorway and says the world hasn't changed as much
as she thought, but she believes someday everyone will be freer. Torvald can't
imagine that. Nora hopes she lives to see it and then walks out the door as the
lights go out. The play ends.
A Doll's House Part 2 By Lucas Hnath: An Overview
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