Question

How does the conflict between Helmer’s private and public selves develop the theme that appearances can be deceiving?

Answer 1

Answer:

Helmer acts kindly toward Mrs. Linde while she is present, but insults her when she leaves.

Explanation:

In Henrik Ibsen's realism play "A Doll's House", the main and also recurring theme is that of appearance and reality. The very case of the two conflicting themes is played out in the character of Helmer.

Helmer is the husband of our protagonist Nora. He seems to be the type of man who wants to have full authority over his wife and children. He admonishes Nora even when she wants to buy something for herself. One of the most prominent cases of his contrasting characters is in Act 3 where he acts all so good and gentlemanly with Mrs. Linde, a friend of Nora. She had been waiting for them the whole time they had gone dancing upstairs. But once she leaves, he remarks "at last we have got rid of her. She is a frightful bore, that woman". This shows his differing appearances of when in public and in private.

Answer 2

Answer:

Step 1:  Determine which options are correct

How does the conflict between Helmer’s private and public selves develop the theme that appearances can be deceiving?

- Option C:  Helmer acts kindly toward Mrs. Linde while she is present, but insults her when she leaves.

The option that makes sense is Option C because the conflict between Helmer's private and public selves help make a theme that Helmer acts nice toward Mrs. Linde while she is there and then insults her when she leaves.

Look at attachment