Work Text:
(SCENE.—A room furnished extravagantly but tastefully. At the back, there are three windows, partially obscured by white curtains. To the left, there’s an open door that leads to the entrance hall. In front of the windows are a number of round tables, looking almost lit up by the chandeliers that hang high over each one. To the right, there’s another open door that leads to a room with a stove and a cabinet filled with china. The floor is carpeted, and a fire is burning in the stove. It is winter.
A bell rings in the hall as the door opens. Enter NORA, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in outdoor dress and carries a number of parcels; these she lays on the table to the right. She leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is seen TORVALD who is carrying a Christmas tree and a basket, which he gives to the MAID who has opened the door.)
Nora. Hide the Christmas tree carefully, and be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. (Taking out her purse.) Here is a shilling. Keep the change. (NORA shuts the door, laughing to herself as she takes off her hat and coat. She gestures towards one of the tables.) Do have a seat, Torvald. It’s been far too long.
Torvald. (Torvald takes a seat, and Nora sits across from him.) It’s a quaint little place you’ve built for yourself here.
Nora. Thank you kindly. This year I’ve been able to let myself go a little. Business is thriving, and I have not had to economise this year. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
Torvald. You earn lots of money, don’t you?
Nora. I do.
Torvald. And you are not plagued by any debt?
Nora. I am not. It is as you said years ago, there can be no freedom or beauty about a life that depends on borrowing and debt. I can more than support myself now, and spend money as I please, and eat all the macaroons I want.
Torvald. Indeed, a smile suits you best of all.
Nora. I am happy to hear that! I expected you to make it about the money. To say that it was a waste, but it isn’t. Young people gather here, to talk amongst themselves, or to those they’re courting—and they’re happy, Torvald, they’re happy . I never thought it possible to smile so much as they do. But never in my life have I felt as happy as they do, when I am running this little teahouse. And I suspect you know all about what is happening tonight?
Torvald. A Christmas party for the children of the town, yes.
Nora. After weeks of cold winter snows, it would be lovely to make this day in winter feel as warm as possible for our youngest.
Torvald. All your spending...wasn’t a waste.
Nora. Do my ears deceive me? Who are you and what have you done with Torvald?
Torvald. I mean it wholeheartedly. You spent so much not simply on yourself, but on this town. And they are better off for it. And...I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are.
Nora. Oh, surely you can’t mean that seriously!
Torvald. I do. I used to view you as nothing more than a little spendthrift. But I was foolish. I failed to see who you truly were. The time I spent alone after you left… (smiling) it was enlightening. It was then that I had realized what I’d had before, and what I had lost. I had lost a truly remarkable woman.
Nora. It is wonderfully lovely to hear you say so. (smiling) I am happy now. I have a perfectly safe appointment and a big enough income. Two things that I never thought I would ever have. So...I forgive you for the past, and I do hope that you are happier now.
Torvald. I am living a life that feels like my own. A life that I can look back on and feel not a shred of guilt or regret. Though I will not say that it has not been difficult. But I suppose that it needed to be this way.
Nora. It would seem like the time we’ve spent apart has changed us for the better. Would you agree?
Torvald. I would, yes.
Nora. That is what I learned to yearn for. No more obligation, no more restriction. Freedom in the truest sense of the word. Well… (chuckling) I suppose I have one obligation. The Christmas party cannot set itself up. (stands up) Come, let us light the Christmas tree.
Torvald. (stands up) Of course. Nora, you can’t think how I am looking forward to this evening.
Nora. So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald!
Torvald. Indeed. And to be working together as two equal friends, to make it all happen.
(Exeunt NORA and TORVALD.)