1984 Essay

For the essay topic I have chosen to select a memorable quote from the drama A Doll's House. Going into detail on how it affects the outcome of the rest of the play, as well as the characters, specifically Nora.

Krogstad goes on to say in the first act, "But if you set your mind to it... You should be aware that I have the means to force you..." To me this really showed which way the story could go for Nora, who is the protagonist of the drama. Before Krogstad had said this, everything in Nora's life was accustoming to her. Taking care of the children, and living the day to day life style she had. Anytime Torvald gave her any money she would never use more than half so that she could pay Krogstad back. When Krogstad found out Mrs. Linde was in town trying to get a job at the bank Krogstad was simply baffled. He went straight to Nora and told her that if she did not persuade her husband Torvald (boss of bank) into Krogstad continuing to work at the bank, he would tell Torvald about the crime she had done. The effectiveness this quote has on Nora is really is the pressure it puts on her. She already has the pressure of the children and knowing that she lives with this lie every day. In act 2 no matter how hard Nora tried Torvald was adamant that he fired Krogstad. The way Krogstad handles this is by threatening her once again, giving her one more chance to convince her husband into letting him keep his job, before he tells Torvald about the lies. Nora is unable to persuade her husband into letting Krogstad keep his job, so Krogstad proceeds to give Torvald a letter of the money she had barrowed, and the signature she had forged. When Torvald finds and reads the letter he is bewildered, and grows upset. Torvald goes on to tell Nora that their marriage is just appearances now and she is not fit to raise a child.

In conclusion I believe that the quote “But if you set your mind to it… You should be aware that I have the means to force you…” Is a memorable quote because of the way it spices up the story, by pressuring Nora into guilt and having to please someone else’s needs because of her previous ones. Going from a regular pay back system, to an aggressive way of getting everything Krogstad wants from her.