The Complete Works of Henrik Ibsen: A Doll's House, Ghosts, Peer Gynt, Hedda Gabler, The Wild Duck, The Vikings of Helgeland and More (19 Books With Active Table of Contents)

by Henrik Ibsen

You have never loved me. You have only thought it pleasant to be in love with me.

No, only merry. And you have always been so kind to me. But our home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been your doll-wife, just as at home I was papa’s doll-child; and here the children have been my dolls. I thought it great fun when you played with me, just as they thought it great fun when I played with them. That is what our marriage has been, Torvald.

Nora. Duties to myself.

When that was done, I was so absolutely certain, you would come forward and take everything upon yourself, and say: I am the guilty one.

Helmer. 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.