A Doll's House

together would be a real wedlock. Goodbye. [She goes out through the hall.]
Helmer [sinks down on a chair at the door and buries his face in his hands]. Nora! Nora! [Looks round, and rises.] Empty. She is gone. [A hope flashes across his mind.] The most wonderful thing of all--?

There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt.

But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he loves.
Nora. It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done.

There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt

I would gladly work night and day for you, Nora—bear sorrow and want for your sake. But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he loves.

Nora. It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done.

I don't believe that any longer. I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are—or, at all events, that I must try and become one. I know quite well, Torvald, that most people would think you right, and that views of that kind are to be found in books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or with what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get to understand them.

Before all else, you are a wife and mother.

This is how you would neglect your most sacred duties.

Nora. What do you consider my most sacred duties?

Helmer. Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your husband and your children?

Nora. I have other duties just as sacred.

I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you any longer.

Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being a proper wife for you.