A Doll's House Lies and Deceit Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line) Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.

Quote #1

HELMER: "Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today? […] taken a bite at a macaroon or two?"
NORA: "No, Torvald." (1.55-1.62)

Nora lies on about every page of the play. This is the first one of which the audience is aware. It seems pretty innocent to lie about cookies, but it hints at a much larger gulf in their marriage.

Act One Summary
Lies and Deceit
Read it in the Book: Act One

Quote #2

NORA: "It was necessary he should have no idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctors came and said that his life was in danger." (1.193)

It's interesting that all Nora's lies to Torvald stem from an act of love.

Act One Summary
Lies and Deceit

Quote #3

HELMER: "My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with—no false notes!" (1.435)

The danger of Torvald finding out about Nora's deceit is the essential tension that drives most of the play.

Act One Summary
Lies and Deceit
Read it in the Book: Act One
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