ACT I Page 1
(SCENE.--A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. Between the doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, arm-chairs and a small sofa. In the right-hand wall, at the farther end, another door; and on the same side, nearer the footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and a rocking-chair; between the stove and the door, a small table. Engravings on the walls; a cabinet with china and other small objects; a small book-case with well-bound books. The floors are carpeted, and a fire burns in the stove. It is winter.
A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. 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 a PORTER 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, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. (To the PORTER, taking out her purse.) How much?
Porter. Sixpence.
Nora. There is a shilling. No, keep the change. (The PORTER thanks her, and goes out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as she takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her pocket and eats one or two; then goes cautiously to her husband's door and listens.) Yes, he is in. (Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.)
Helmer (calls out from his room). Is that my little lark twittering out there?
Nora (busy opening some of the parcels). Yes, it is!
Helmer. Is it my little squirrel bustling about?
Nora. Yes!
Helmer. When did my squirrel come home?
Nora. Just now. (Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.) Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought.
Helmer. Don't disturb me. (A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room, pen in hand.) Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again?
Nora. Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to economise.
Helmer. Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly. Nora. Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn't we? Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of money.
Helmer. Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary is due.
Nora. Pooh! we can borrow until then.
Helmer. Nora! (Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.) The same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New Year's Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and--Nora (putting her hands over his mouth). Oh! don't say such horrid things.
Helmer. Still, suppose that happened,--what then?
Nora. If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I owed money or not.
Helmer. Yes, but what about the people who had lent it?
Nora. They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were.
Helmer. That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there need be any struggle.
Nora (moving towards the stove). As you please, Torvald.
Helmer (following her). Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? (Taking out his purse.) Nora, what do you think I have got here?
Nora (turning round quickly). Money!
Helmer. There you are. (Gives her some money.) Do you think I don't know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas- time?
Nora (counting). Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you, thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time.
Helmer. Indeed it must.
Nora. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have bought. And all so cheap! Look, here is a new suit for Ivar, and a sword; and a horse and a trumpet for Bob; and a doll and dolly's bedstead for Emmy,--they are very plain, but anyway she will soon break them in pieces. And here are dress-lengths and handkerchiefs for the maids; old Anne ought really to have something better.
Helmer. And what is in this parcel?
Nora (crying out). No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening.
Helmer. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would you like for yourself?
Nora. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything.
Helmer. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would particularly like to have.
Nora. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald--
Helmer. Well?
Nora (playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his). If you really want to give me something, you might--you might--
Helmer. Well, out with it!
Nora (speaking quickly). You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something with it.
Helmer. But, Nora--
Nora. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that be fun?
Helmer. What are little people called that are always wasting money?
Nora. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very sensible plan, isn't it?
Helmer (smiling). Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again.
Nora. Oh but, Torvald--
Helmer. You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. (Puts his arm round her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are!
Nora. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can.
Helmer (laughing). That's very true,--all you can. But you can't save anything!
Nora (smiling quietly and happily). You haven't any idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.
Helmer. You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it has gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; for indeed it is true that you can inherit these things, Nora.
Nora. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities.
Helmer. And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that you are looking rather--what shall I say--rather uneasy today?
Nora. Do I?
Helmer. You do, really. Look straight at me.
Nora (looks at him). Well?
Helmer (wagging his finger at her). Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?
Nora. No; what makes you think that?
Helmer. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's?
Nora. No, I assure you, Torvald--
Helmer. Not been nibbling sweets?
Nora. No, certainly not.
Helmer. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?
Nora. No, Torvald, I assure you really--
Helmer. There, there, of course I was only joking.
Nora (going to the table on the right). I should not think of going against your wishes.
Helmer. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word-- (Going up to her.) Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt.
Nora. Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank?
Helmer. No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in this morning. I have ordered some good wine. 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!
Helmer. It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe appointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to think of, isn't it?
Nora. It's wonderful!
Helmer. Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks beforehand you shut yourself up every evening until long after midnight, making ornaments for the Christmas Tree, and all the other fine things that were to be a surprise to us. It was the dullest three weeks I ever spent!
Nora. I didn't find it dull.
Helmer (smiling). But there was precious little result, Nora.
Nora. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I help the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces?
Helmer. Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had the best of intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing. But it is a good thing that our hard times are over.
Nora. Yes, it is really wonderful.
Helmer. This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and you needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands--
Nora (clapping her hands). No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need I! It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (Taking his arm.) Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over--(A bell rings in the hall.) There's the bell. (She tidies the room a little.) There's some one at the door. What a nuisance!
Helmer. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.
ACT I Page 2
Maid (in the doorway). A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger.
Nora. Ask her to come in.
Maid (to HELMER). The doctor came at the same time, sir.
Helmer. Did he go straight into my room?
Maid. Yes, sir.
(HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs. LINDE, who is in travelling dress, and shuts the door.) Mrs. Linde (in a dejected and timid voice). How do you do, Nora?
Nora (doubtfully). How do you do--Mrs. Linde. You don't recognise me, I suppose.
Nora. No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--(Suddenly.) Yes! Christine! Is it really you?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, it is I.
Nora. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could I--(In a gentle voice.) How you have altered, Christine!
Mrs. Linde. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years--
Nora. Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight years have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you have come into the town, and have taken this long journey in winter--that was plucky of you.
Mrs. Linde. I arrived by steamer this morning.
Nora. To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How delightful! We will have such fun together! But take off your things. You are not cold, I hope. (Helps her.) Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. (Takes her hands.) Now you look like your old self again; it was only the first moment--You are a little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little thinner.
Mrs. Linde. And much, much older, Nora.
Nora. Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. (Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.) What a thoughtless creature I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me.
Mrs. Linde. What do you mean, Nora?
Nora (gently). Poor Christine, you are a widow.
Mrs. Linde. Yes; it is three years ago now.
Nora. Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I meant ever so often to write to you at the time, but I always put it off and something always prevented me.
Mrs. Linde. I quite understand, dear.
Nora. It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have suffered. And he left you nothing?
Mrs. Linde. No.
Nora. And no children?
Mrs. Linde. No.
Nora. Nothing at all, then.
Mrs. Linde. Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon.
Nora (looking incredulously at her). But, Christine, is that possible?
Mrs. Linde (smiles sadly and strokes her hair). It sometimes happens, Nora.
Nora. So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they are out with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it.
Mrs. Linde. No, no; I want to hear about you.
Nora. No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I must only think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do you know we have just had a great piece of good luck?
Mrs. Linde. No, what is it?
Nora. Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank!
Mrs. Linde. Your husband? What good luck!
Nora. Yes, tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an uncertain thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavoury cases; and naturally Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him. You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lots of commissions. For the future we can live quite differently--we can do just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won't it?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs.
Nora. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money.
Mrs. Linde (smiling). Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you were a great spendthrift.
Nora (laughing). Yes, that is what Torvald says now. (Wags her finger at her.) But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think. We have not been in a position for me to waste money. We have both had to work.
Mrs. Linde. You too?
Nora. Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing. (Dropping her voice.) And other things as well. You know Torvald left his office when we were married? There was no prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than before. But during the first year he over-worked himself dreadfully. You see, he had to make money every way he could, and he worked early and late; but he couldn't stand it, and fell dreadfully ill, and the doctors said it was necessary for him to go south.
Mrs. Linde. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you?
Nora. Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It was just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's life. But it cost a tremendous lot of money, Christine.
Mrs. Linde. So I should think.
Nora. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, isn't it?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the money.
Nora. I ought to tell you that we had it from papa.
Mrs. Linde. Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn't it?
Nora. Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn't go and nurse him. I was expecting little Ivar's birth every day and I had my poor sick Torvald to look after. My dear, kind father--I never saw him again, Christine. That was the saddest time I have known since our marriage.
Mrs. Linde. I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to Italy?
Nora. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our going, so we started a month later.
Mrs. Linde. And your husband came back quite well?
Nora. As sound as a bell!
Mrs. Linde. But--the doctor?
Nora. What doctor?
Mrs. Linde. I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just as I did, was the doctor?
Nora. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once everyday. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. (Jumps up and claps her hands.) Christine! Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!--But how horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. (Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.) You mustn't be angry with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband? Why did you marry him?
Mrs. Linde. My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I was justified in refusing his offer.
Nora. No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then?
Mrs. Linde. I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was nothing left.
Nora. And then?--
Mrs. Linde. Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find- -first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the boys do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift for themselves.
Nora. What a relief you must feel if--
Mrs. Linde. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore. (Gets up restlessly.) That was why I could not stand the life in my little backwater any longer. I hope it may be easier here to find something which will busy me and occupy my thoughts. If only I could have the good luck to get some regular work--office work of some kind--
Nora. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place.
Mrs. Linde (walking to the window). I have no father to give me money for a journey, Nora.
Nora (rising). Oh, don't be angry with me!
Mrs. Linde (going up to her). It is you that must not be angry with me, dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on the lookout for chances. One must live, and so one becomes selfish. When you told me of the happy turn your fortunes have taken--you will hardly believe it--I was delighted not so much on your account as on my own.
Nora. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could get you something to do.
Mrs. Linde. Yes, that was what I was thinking of.
Nora. He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject very cleverly--I will think of something that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to you.
Mrs. Linde. How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles of life.
Nora. I--? I know so little of them?
Mrs. Linde (smiling). My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!--You are a child, Nora.
Nora (tosses her head and crosses the stage). You ought not to be so superior.
Mrs. Linde. No?
Nora. You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable of anything really serious--
Mrs. Linde. Come, come--
Nora.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares.
Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles.
Nora. Pooh!--those were trifles. (Lowering her voice.) I have not told you the important thing.
Mrs. Linde. The important thing? What do you mean?
Nora. You look down upon me altogether, Christine--but you ought not to. You are proud, aren't you, of having worked so hard and so long for your mother?
Mrs. Linde. Indeed, I don't look down on anyone. But it is true that I am both proud and glad to think that I was privileged to make the end of my mother's life almost free from care.
ACT I Page 3
Nora. And you are proud to think of what you have done for your brothers?
Mrs. Linde. I think I have the right to be.
Nora. I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have something to be proud and glad of.
Mrs. Linde. I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to?
Nora. Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn't on any account--no one in the world must know, Christine, except you.
Mrs. Linde. But what is it?
Nora. Come here. (Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.) Now I will show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who saved Torvald's life.
Mrs. Linde. "Saved"? How?
Nora. I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have recovered if he had not gone there--
Mrs. Linde. Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds.
Nora (smiling). Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, but--
Mrs. Linde. But--
Nora. Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money.
Mrs. Linde. You? All that large sum?
Nora. Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that?
Mrs. Linde. But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a prize in the Lottery?
Nora (contemptuously). In the Lottery? There would have been no credit in that.
Mrs. Linde. But where did you get it from, then? Nora (humming and smiling with an air of mystery). Hm, hm! Aha!
Mrs. Linde. Because you couldn't have borrowed it.
Nora. Couldn't I? Why not?
Mrs. Linde. No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband's consent.
Nora (tossing her head). Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for business--a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever--
Mrs. Linde. I don't understand it at all, Nora.
Nora. There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed the money. I may have got it some other way. (Lies back on the sofa.) Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is as attractive as I am--
Mrs. Linde. You are a mad creature.
Nora. Now, you know you're full of curiosity, Christine.
Mrs. Linde. Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven't you been a little bit imprudent?
Nora (sits up straight). Is it imprudent to save your husband's life?
Mrs. Linde. It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to--
Nora. But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My goodness, can't you understand that? 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, and that the only thing to save him was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn't try, first of all, to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much I should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and entreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition I was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even hinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my husband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices--as I believe he called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved--and that was how I came to devise a way out of the difficulty--
Mrs. Linde. And did your husband never get to know from your father that the money had not come from him?
Nora. No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let him into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill then--alas, there never was any need to tell him.
Mrs. Linde. And since then have you never told your secret to your husband?
Nora. Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has such strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful and humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations altogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now.
Mrs. Linde. Do you mean never to tell him about it?
Nora (meditatively, and with a half smile). Yes--someday, perhaps, after many years, when I am no longer as nice-looking as I am now. Don't laugh at me! I mean, of course, when Torvald is no longer as devoted to me as he is now; when my dancing and dressing-up and reciting have palled on him; then it may be a good thing to have something in reserve--(Breaking off.) What nonsense! That time will never come. Now, what do you think of my great secret, Christine? Do you still think I am of no use? I can tell you, too, that this affair has caused me a lot of worry. It has been by no means easy for me to meet my engagements punctually. I may tell you that there is something that is called, in business, quarterly interest, and another thing called payment in installments, and it is always so dreadfully difficult to manage them. I have had to save a little here and there, where I could, you understand. I have not been able to put aside much from my housekeeping money, for Torvald must have a good table. I couldn't let my children be shabbily dressed; I have felt obliged to use up all he gave me for them, the sweet little darlings!
Mrs. Linde. So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries of life, poor Nora?
Nora. Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever Torvald has given me money for new dresses and such things, I have never spent more than half of it; I have always bought the simplest and cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, and so Torvald has never noticed it. But it was often very hard on me, Christine--because it is delightful to be really well dressed, isn't it?
Mrs. Linde. Quite so.
Nora. Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last winter I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I locked myself up and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I was desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to sit there working and earning money. It was like being a man.
Mrs. Linde. How much have you been able to pay off in that way?
Nora. I can't tell you exactly. You see, it is very difficult to keep an account of a business matter of that kind. I only know that I have paid every penny that I could scrape together. Many a time I was at my wits' end. (Smiles.) Then I used to sit here and imagine that a rich old gentleman had fallen in love with me--
Mrs. Linde. What! Who was it?
Nora. Be quiet!--that he had died; and that when his will was opened it contained, written in big letters, the instruction: "The lovely Mrs. Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over to her at once in cash."
Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora--who could the man be?
Nora. Good gracious, can't you understand? There was no old gentleman at all; it was only something that I used to sit here and imagine, when I couldn't think of any way of procuring money. But it's all the same now; the tiresome old person can stay where he is, as far as I am concerned; I don't care about him or his will either, for I am free from care now. (Jumps up.) My goodness, it's delightful to think of, Christine! Free from care! To be able to be free from care, quite free from care; to be able to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it! And, think of it, soon the spring will come and the big blue sky! Perhaps we shall be able to take a little trip--perhaps I shall see the sea again! Oh, it's a wonderful thing to be alive and be happy. (A bell is heard in the hall.)
Mrs. Linde (rising). There is the bell; perhaps I had better go.
Nora. No, don't go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be for Torvald.
Servant (at the hall door). Excuse me, ma'am--there is a gentleman to see the master, and as the doctor is with him--
Nora. Who is it?
Krogstad (at the door). It is I, Mrs. Helmer. (Mrs. LINDE starts, trembles, and turns to the window.)
Nora (takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low voice). You? What is it? What do you want to see my husband about?
Krogstad. Bank business--in a way. I have a small post in the Bank, and I hear your husband is to be our chief now--
Nora. Then it is--
Krogstad. Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs. Helmer; absolutely nothing else.
Nora. Be so good as to go into the study, then. (She bows indifferently to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes back and makes up the fire in the stove.)
Mrs. Linde. Nora--who was that man?
Nora. A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad.
Mrs. Linde. Then it really was he.
Nora. Do you know the man?
Mrs. Linde. I used to--many years ago. At one time he was a solicitor's clerk in our town.
Nora. Yes, he was.
Mrs. Linde. He is greatly altered.
Nora. He made a very unhappy marriage.
Mrs. Linde. He is a widower now, isn't he?
Nora. With several children. There now, it is burning up. Shuts the door of the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.)
Mrs. Linde. They say he carries on various kinds of business.
Nora. Really! Perhaps he does; I don't know anything about it. But don't let us think of business; it is so tiresome.
Doctor Rank (comes out of HELMER'S study. Before he shuts the door he calls to him). No, my dear fellow, I won't disturb you; I would rather go in to your wife for a little while. (Shuts the door and sees Mrs. LINDE.) I beg your pardon; I am afraid I am disturbing you too.
Nora. No, not at all. (Introducing him). Doctor Rank, Mrs. Linde.
Rank. I have often heard Mrs. Linde's name mentioned here. I think I passed you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs. Linde?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, I go up very slowly; I can't manage stairs well.
Rank. Ah! some slight internal weakness?
Mrs. Linde. No, the fact is I have been overworking myself.
Rank. Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to town to amuse yourself with our entertainments?
ACT I Page 4
Mrs. Linde. I have come to look for work.
Rank. Is that a good cure for overwork?
Mrs. Linde. One must live, Doctor Rank.
Rank. Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary.
Nora. Look here, Doctor Rank--you know you want to live.
Rank. Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong the agony as long as possible. All my patients are like that. And so are those who are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad case too, is at this very moment with Helmer--
Mrs. Linde (sadly). Ah!
Nora. Whom do you mean?
Rank. A lawyer of the name of Krogstad, a fellow you don't know at all. He suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs. Helmer; but even he began talking of its being highly important that he should live.
Nora. Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about?
Rank. I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about the Bank.
Nora. I didn't know this--what's his name--Krogstad had anything to do with the Bank.
Rank. Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. (To Mrs. LINDE.) I don't know whether you find also in your part of the world that there are certain people who go zealously snuffing about to smell out moral corruption, and, as soon as they have found some, put the person concerned into some lucrative position where they can keep their eye on him. Healthy natures are left out in the cold.
Mrs. Linde. Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care of.
Rank (shrugging his shoulders). Yes, there you are. That is the sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house.
(NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into smothered laughter and claps her hands.)
Rank. Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society really is?
Nora. What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at something quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, Doctor Rank, are all the people who are employed in the Bank dependent on Torvald now?
Rank. Is that what you find so extremely amusing?
Nora (smiling and humming). That's my affair! (Walking about the room.) It's perfectly glorious to think that we have--that Torvald has so much power over so many people. (Takes the packet from her pocket.) Doctor Rank, what do you say to a macaroon?
Rank. What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here.
Nora. Yes, but these are some Christine gave me.
Mrs. Linde. What! I?--
Nora. Oh, well, don't be alarmed! You couldn't know that Torvald had forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil my teeth. But, bah!--once in a way--That's so, isn't it, Doctor Rank? By your leave! (Puts a macaroon into his mouth.) You must have one too, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one--or at most two. (Walking about.) I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in the world now that I should dearly love to do.
Rank. Well, what is that?
Nora. It's something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald could hear me.
Rank. Well, why can't you say it?
Nora. No, I daren't; it's so shocking.
Mrs. Linde. Shocking?
Rank. Well, I should not advise you to say it. Still, with us you might. What is it you would so much like to say if Torvald could hear you?
Nora. I should just love to say--Well, I'm damned!
Rank. Are you mad?
Mrs. Linde. Nora, dear--!
Rank. Say it, here he is!
Nora (hiding the packet). Hush! Hush! Hush! (HELMER comes out of his room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.)
Nora. Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him?
Helmer. Yes, he has just gone.
Nora. Let me introduce you--this is Christine, who has come to town.
Helmer. Christine--? Excuse me, but I don't know--
Nora. Mrs. Linde, dear; Christine Linde.
Helmer. Of course. A school friend of my wife's, I presume?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, we have known each other since then.
Nora. And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you.
Helmer. What do you mean? Mrs. Linde. No, really, I--
Nora. Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect herself--
Helmer. Very sensible, Mrs. Linde.
Nora. And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank--the news was telegraphed, you know--she travelled here as quick as she could. Torvald, I am sure you will be able to do something for Christine, for my sake, won't you?
Helmer. Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a widow, Mrs. Linde?
Mrs. Linde. Yes.
Helmer. And have had some experience of book-keeping?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, a fair amount.
Helmer. Ah! well, it's very likely I may be able to find something for you--
Nora (clapping her hands). What did I tell you? What did I tell you?
Helmer. You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs. Linde.
Mrs. Linde. How am I to thank you?
Helmer. There is no need. (Puts on his coat.) But today you must excuse me--
Rank. Wait a minute; I will come with you. (Brings his fur coat from the hall and warms it at the fire.)
Nora. Don't be long away, Torvald dear.
Helmer. About an hour, not more.
Nora. Are you going too, Christine?
Mrs. Linde (putting on her cloak). Yes, I must go and look for a room.
Helmer. Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together.
Nora (helping her). What a pity it is we are so short of space here; I am afraid it is impossible for us--
Mrs. Linde. Please don't think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and many thanks.
Nora. Goodbye for the present. Of course you will come back this evening. And you too, Dr. Rank. What do you say? If you are well enough? Oh, you must be! Wrap yourself up well. (They go to the door all talking together. Children's voices are heard on the staircase.)
Nora. There they are! There they are! (She runs to open the door. The NURSE comes in with the children.) Come in! Come in! (Stoops and kisses them.) Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren't they darlings?
Rank. Don't let us stand here in the draught.
Helmer. Come along, Mrs. Linde; the place will only be bearable for a mother now!
(RANK, HELMER, and Mrs. LINDE go downstairs. The NURSE comes forward with the children; NORA shuts the hall door.)
Nora. How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples and roses. (The children all talk at once while she speaks to them.) Have you had great fun? That's splendid! What, you pulled both Emmy and Bob along on the sledge? --both at once?--that was good. You are a clever boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, Anne. My sweet little baby doll! (Takes the baby from the MAID and dances it up and down.) Yes, yes, mother will dance with Bob too. What! Have you been snowballing? I wish I had been there too! No, no, I will take their things off, Anne; please let me do it, it is such fun. Go in now, you look half frozen. There is some hot coffee for you on the stove.
(The NURSE goes into the room on the left. NORA takes off the children's things and throws them about, while they all talk to her at once.)
Nora. Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn't bite you? No, dogs don't bite nice little dolly children. You mustn't look at the parcels, Ivar. What are they? Ah, I daresay you would like to know. No, no--it's something nasty! Come, let us have a game! What shall we play at? Hide and Seek? Yes, we'll play Hide and Seek. Bob shall hide first. Must I hide? Very well, I'll hide first. (She and the children laugh and shout, and romp in and out of the room; at last NORA hides under the table, the children rush in and out for her, but do not see her; they hear her smothered laughter, run to the table, lift up the cloth and find her. Shouts of laughter. She crawls forward and pretends to frighten them. Fresh laughter. Meanwhile there has been a knock at the hall door, but none of them has noticed it. The door is half opened, and KROGSTAD appears, lie waits a little; the game goes on.)
Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer.
Nora (with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her knees). Ah! what do you want?
Krogstad. Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone forgot to shut it.
Nora (rising). My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad.
Krogstad. I know that.
Nora. What do you want here, then?
Krogstad. A word with you.
Nora. With me?--(To the children, gently.) Go in to nurse. What? No, the strange man won't do mother any harm. When he has gone we will have another game. (She takes the children into the room on the left, and shuts the door after them.) You want to speak to me?
Krogstad. Yes, I do.
Nora. Today? It is not the first of the month yet.
Krogstad. No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself what sort of a Christmas you will spend.
Nora. What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me--
Krogstad. We won't talk about that until later on. This is something different. I presume you can give me a moment?
Nora. Yes--yes, I can--although--
Krogstad. Good. I was in Olsen's Restaurant and saw your husband going down the street--
Nora. Yes?
Krogstad. With a lady.
Nora. What then?
Krogstad. May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs. Linde?
Nora. It was.
Krogstad. Just arrived in town?
Nora. Yes, today.
Krogstad. She is a great friend of yours, isn't she?
Nora. She is. But I don't see--
Krogstad. I knew her too, once upon a time.
Nora. I am aware of that.
Krogstad. Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. Then I can ask you, without beating about the bush--is Mrs. Linde to have an appointment in the Bank?
Nora. What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?--You, one of my husband's subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs. Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that.
ACT I Page 5
Krogstad. I was right in what I thought, then.
Nora (walking up and down the stage). Sometimes one has a tiny little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not necessarily follow that--. When anyone is in a subordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone who--who--
Krogstad. Who has influence?
Nora. Exactly.
Krogstad (changing his tone). Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as to use your influence on my behalf.
Nora. What? What do you mean?
Krogstad. You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position in the Bank.
Nora. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you?
Krogstad. Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off.
Nora. But I assure you--
Krogstad. Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that.
Nora. But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence.
Krogstad. Haven't you? I thought you said yourself just now--
Nora. Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I! What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my husband?
Krogstad. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don't suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands.
Nora. If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house.
Krogstad. You are bold, Mrs. Helmer.
Nora. I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing.
Krogstad (controlling himself). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If necessary) I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were fighting for my life.
Nora. So it seems.
Krogstad. It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason-- well, I may as well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion.
Nora. I think I have heard something of the kind.
Krogstad. The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I had to do something; and, honestly, I don't think I've been one of the worst. But now I must cut myself free from all that. My sons are growing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in the town. This post in the Bank was like the first step up for me--and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud.
Nora. But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.
Krogstad. Then it is because you haven't the will; but I have means to compel you.
Nora. You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money?
Krogstad. Hm!--suppose I were to tell him?
Nora. It would be perfectly infamous of you. (Sobbing.) To think of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, clumsy way--that he should learn it from you! And it would put me in a horribly disagreeable position--
Krogstad. Only disagreeable?
Nora (impetuously). Well, do it, then!--and it will be the worse for you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you are, and you certainly won't keep your post then.
Krogstad. I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid of?
Nora. If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to do with you.
Krogstad (coming a step nearer). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. Either you have a very bad memory or you know very little of business. I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details.
Nora. What do you mean?
Krogstad. When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two hundred and fifty pounds.
Nora. I didn't know anyone else to go to.
Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount--
Nora. Yes, and you did so.
Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount, on certain conditions. Your mind was so taken up with your husband's illness, and you were so anxious to get the money for your journey, that you seem to have paid no attention to the conditions of our bargain. Therefore it will not be amiss if I remind you of them. Now, I promised to get the money on the security of a bond which I drew up.
Nora. Yes, and which I signed.
Krogstad. Good. But below your signature there were a few lines constituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your father should have signed.
Nora. Should? He did sign them.
Krogstad. I had left the date blank; that is to say, your father should himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. Do you remember that?
Nora. Yes, I think I remember--
Krogstad. Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is that not so?
Nora. Yes.
Krogstad. And you naturally did so at once, because five or six days afterwards you brought me the bond with your father's signature. And then I gave you the money.
Nora. Well, haven't I been paying it off regularly?
Krogstad. Fairly so, yes. But--to come back to the matter in hand--that must have been a very trying time for you, Mrs. Helmer?
Nora. It was, indeed.
Krogstad. Your father was very ill, wasn't he?
Nora. He was very near his end.
Krogstad. And died soon afterwards?
Nora. Yes.
Krogstad. Tell me, Mrs. Helmer, can you by any chance remember what day your father died?--on what day of the month, I mean.
Nora. Papa died on the 29th of September.
Krogstad. That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as that is so, there is a discrepancy (taking a paper from his pocket) which I cannot account for.
Nora. What discrepancy? I don't know--
Krogstad. The discrepancy consists, Mrs. Helmer, in the fact that your father signed this bond three days after his death.
Nora. What do you mean? I don't understand--
Krogstad. Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look here; your father has dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is a discrepancy, isn't it? (NORA is silent.) Can you explain it to me? (NORA is still silent.) It is a remarkable thing, too, that the words "2nd of October," as well as the year, are not written in your father's handwriting but in one that I think I know. Well, of course it can be explained; your father may have forgotten to date his signature, and someone else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of his death. There is no harm in that. It all depends on the signature of the name; and that is genuine, I suppose, Mrs. Helmer? It was your father himself who signed his name here?
Nora (after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly at him). No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa's name.
Krogstad. Are you aware that is a dangerous confession?
Nora. In what way? You shall have your money soon.
Krogstad. Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to your father?
Nora. It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him for his signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was to be used for; and when he was so ill himself I couldn't tell him that my husband's life was in danger--it was impossible.
Krogstad. It would have been better for you if you had given up your trip abroad.
Nora. No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband's life; I couldn't give that up.
Krogstad. But did it never occur to you that you were committing a fraud on me?
Nora. I couldn't take that into account; I didn't trouble myself about you at all. I couldn't bear you, because you put so many heartless difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous condition my husband was in.
Krogstad. Mrs. Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly what it is that you have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my one false step, which lost me all my reputation, was nothing more or nothing worse than what you have done.
Nora. You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run a risk to save your wife's life?
Krogstad. The law cares nothing about motives.
Nora. Then it must be a very foolish law.
Krogstad. Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if I produce this paper in court.
Nora. I don't believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to spare her dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be allowed to save her husband's life? I don't know much about law; but I am certain that there must be laws permitting such things as that. Have you no knowledge of such laws--you who are a lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. Krogstad.
Krogstad. Maybe. But matters of business--such business as you and I have had together--do you think I don't understand that? Very well. Do as you please. But let me tell you this--if I lose my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me. (He bows, and goes out through the hall.)
Nora (appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her head). Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!--I am not so silly as he thinks. (Begins to busy herself putting the children's things in order.) And yet--? No, it's impossible! I did it for love's sake.
The Children (in the doorway on the left). Mother, the stranger man has gone out through the gate.
Nora. Yes, dears, I know. But, don't tell anyone about the stranger man. Do you hear? Not even papa.
Children. No, mother; but will you come and play again?
Nora. No, no,--not now.
Children. But, mother, you promised us.
Nora. Yes, but I can't now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run away in, my sweet little darlings. (She gets them into the room by degrees and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes up a piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops.) No! (Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.) Helen! bring the Tree in. (Goes to the table on the left, opens a drawer, and stops again.) No, no! it is quite impossible!
ACT I Page 6
Maid (coming in with the Tree). Where shall I put it, ma'am?
Nora. Here, in the middle of the floor.
Maid. Shall I get you anything else?
Nora. No, thank you. I have all I want. (Exit MAID.)
Nora (begins dressing the tree). A candle here-and flowers here-- The horrible man! It's all nonsense--there's nothing wrong. The tree shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to please you, Torvald!--I will sing for you, dance for you--(HELMER comes in with some papers under his arm.) Oh! are you back already?.
Helmer. Yes. Has anyone been here?
Nora. Here? No.
Helmer. That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate.
Nora. Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment.
Helmer. Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging you to say a good word for him.
Nora. Yes.
Helmer. And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn't he beg that of you too?
Nora. Yes, Torvald, but--
Helmer. Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain?
Nora. A lie--?
Helmer. Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (Shakes his finger at her.) My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with--no false notes! (Puts his arm round her waist.) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure it is. (Lets her go.) We will say no more about it. (Sits down by the stove.) How warm and snug it is here! (Turns over his papers.)
Nora (after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the Christmas Tree.) Torvald!
Helmer. Yes.
Nora. I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow.
Helmer. And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with.
Nora. It was very silly of me to want to do that.
Helmer. What do you mean?
Nora. I can't hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of seems so silly and insignificant.
Helmer. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last?
Nora (standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it). Are you very busy, Torvald?
Helmer. Well--
Nora. What are all those papers?
Helmer. Bank business.
Nora. Already?
Helmer. I have got authority from the retiring manager to undertake the necessary changes in the staff and in the rearrangement of the work; and I must make use of the Christmas week for that, so as to have everything in order for the new year.
Nora. Then that was why this poor Krogstad--
Helmer. Hm!
Nora (leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair). If you hadn't been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, Torvald.
Helmer. What is that? Tell me.
Nora. There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so want to look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn't you take me in hand and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shall wear?
Helmer. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to her rescue?
Nora. Yes, Torvald, I can't get along a bit without your help.
Helmer. Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon something.
Nora. That is nice of you. (Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short pause.) How pretty the red flowers look--. But, tell me, was it really something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of?
Helmer. He forged someone's name. Have you any idea what that means?
Nora. Isn't it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity?
Helmer. Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so heartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false step of that kind.
Nora. No, you wouldn't, would you, Torvald?
Helmer. Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment.
Nora. Punishment--?
Helmer. But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out of it by a cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether.
Nora. But do you think it would--?
Helmer. Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the hypocrite with every one, how he has to wear a mask in the presence of those near and dear to him, even before his own wife and children. And about the children--that is the most terrible part of it all, Nora.
Nora. How?
Helmer. Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a house is full of the germs of evil.
Nora (coming nearer him). Are you sure of that?
Helmer. My dear, I have often seen it in the course of my life as a lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has had a deceitful mother.
Nora. Why do you only say--mother?
Helmer. It seems most commonly to be the mother's influence, though naturally a bad father's would have the same result. Every lawyer is familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been persistently poisoning his own children with lies and dissimulation; that is why I say he has lost all moral character. (Holds out his hands to her.) That is why my sweet little Nora must promise me not to plead his cause. Give me your hand on it. Come, come, what is this? Give me your hand. There now, that's settled. I assure you it would be quite impossible for me to work with him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the company of such people.
Nora (takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of the Christmas Tree). How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot to do.
Helmer (getting up and putting his papers in order). Yes, and I must try and read through some of these before dinner; and I must think about your costume, too. And it is just possible I may have something ready in gold paper to hang up on the Tree. (Puts his hand on her head.) My precious little singing-bird! (He goes into his room and shuts the door after him.)
Nora (after a pause, whispers). No, no--it isn't true. It's impossible; it must be impossible.
(The NURSE opens the door on the left.)
Nurse. The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come in to mamma.
Nora. No, no, no! Don't let them come in to me! You stay with them, Anne.
Nurse. Very well, ma'am. (Shuts the door.)
Nora (pale with terror). Deprave my little children? Poison my home? (A short pause. Then she tosses her head.) It's not true. It can't possibly be true.
一间屋子，布置得很舒服雅致，可是并不奢华。后面右边，一扇门通到门厅。左
边一扇门通到海尔茂书房。两扇门中间有一架钢琴。左墙中央有一扇门，靠前一点，
有一扇窗。靠窗有一张圆桌，几把扶手椅和一只小沙发。右墙里，靠后，又有一扇
门，靠墙往前一点，一只瓷火炉，火炉前面有一对扶手椅和一张摇椅。侧门和火炉中
间有一张小桌子。墙上挂着许多版画。一只什锦架上摆着瓷器和小古玩。一只小书橱
里放满了精装书籍。地上铺着地毯。炉子里生着火。正是冬天。
门厅里有铃声。紧接着就听见外面的门打开了。娜拉高高兴兴地哼着从外面走进
来，身上穿着出门衣服，手里拿着几包东西。她把东西搁在右边桌子上，让门厅的门
敞着。我们看见外头站着个脚夫，正在把手里一棵圣诞树和一只篮子递给开门的女佣
人。
娜拉 爱伦，把那棵圣诞树好好儿藏起来。白天别让孩子们看见，晚上才点呢。（取
出钱包，问脚夫）多少钱？
脚夫 五十个渥儿①。
①挪威辅币。一百渥儿等于一克罗纳。
娜拉 这是一克罗纳。不用找了。
脚夫道了谢出去。娜拉随手关上门。她一边脱外衣，一边还是在快活地笑。她从
衣袋里掏出一袋杏仁甜饼干，吃了一两块。吃守之后，她踮着脚尖，走到海尔纳书房
门口听动静。
娜拉 嗯，他在家。（嘴里又哼起来，走到右边桌子前。）
海尔茂 （在书房里）我的小鸟儿又唱起来了？
娜拉 小松鼠儿又在淘气了？
娜拉 嗯！
海尔茂 小松鼠儿什么时候回来的？
娜拉 刚回来。（把那袋杏仁饼干掖在衣袋里，急忙擦擦嘴）托伐，快出来瞧我买的
东西。
海尔茂 我还有事呢。（过了会儿，手里拿着笔，开门朝外望一望）你又买东西了？
什么！那一大堆都是刚习的？我的乱花钱的孩子又糟蹋钱了？
娜拉 嗯，托伐，现在咱们花钱可以松点儿了。今年是咱们头一回过圣诞节不用打饥
荒。
海尔茂 不对，不对，咱们还不能乱花钱。
娜拉 喔，托伐，现在咱们可以多花点儿了──只要花那么一丁点儿！你知道，不久
你就要挣大堆的钱了。
海尔茂 不错，从一月一号起。可是还有整整三个月才到我领薪水的日子。
娜拉 那没关系，咱们可以先借点钱花花。
海尔茂 娜拉！（走到她面前，开玩笑地捏着她耳朵说道）你还是个不懂事的小孩
子！要是今天我借了一千克罗纳，圣诞节一个礼拜你随随便便把钱都花完，万一除夕
那天房上一块瓦片把我砸死了──
娜拉 （用手捂住他的嘴）嘘！别这么胡说！
海尔茂 要是真有这么回事怎么办？
娜拉 要是真有这种倒霉事，我欠债不债还不是一样。
海尔茂 那些债主怎么办？
娜拉 债主！谁管他们的事？他们都是跟我不相干的外头人。
海尔茂 娜拉！娜拉！你真不懂事！正经跟你说，你知道在钱财上头，我有我的主
张：不欠债！不借钱！一借钱，一欠债，家庭生活马上就会不自由，不美满。咱们俩
硬着脖子挺到了现在，难道说到末了儿反倒软下来不成。
娜拉 （走到火炉边）好吧，随你的便，托伐。
海尔茂 （跟过去）喂，喂，我的小鸟儿别这么搭拉着翅膀儿。什么？小松鼠儿生气
了？（掏出钱包来）娜拉，你猜这里头是什么？
娜拉 （急忙转过身来）是钱！
海尔茂 给你！（给她几张钞票）我当然知道过圣诞节什么东西都得花钱。
娜拉 （数着）一十，二十，三十，四十。啊，托伐，谢谢你！这很够花些日子了。
海尔茂 但愿如此。
娜拉 具是够花些日子了。你快过来，瞧瞧我买的这些东西。多便宜！你瞧，这是给
伊娃买的一套新衣服，一把小剑。这是巴布的一只小马，一个喇叭。这个小洋娃娃和
摇篮是给爱密的。这两件东西不算太好，可是让爱密拆着玩儿也就够好的了。另外还
有几块衣料几块手绢儿是给佣人的。其实我应该买几件好点儿的东西送给老安娜。
海尔茂 那包是什么？
娜拉 （大声喊叫）托伐，不许动，晚上才让你瞧！
海尔茂 喔！乱花钱的孩子，你给自己买点儿什么没有？
娜拉 给我自己？我自己什么都不要。
海尔茂 胡说！告诉我你正经要点儿什么。
娜拉 我真不知道我要什么！喔，有啦，托伐，我告诉你──
海尔茂 什么？
娜拉 （玩弄海尔茂的衣服，眼睛不看他）要是你真想给我买东西的话──你可以──
海尔茂 可以什么？快说！
娜拉 （急忙）托伐，你可以给我点儿现钱。用不着太多，只要是你手里富余的数目
就够了。我留着以后买东西。
海尔茂 可是，娜拉──
娜拉 好托伐，别多说了，快把钱给我吧。我要用漂亮的金钱把钱包起来挂在圣诞树
上。你说好玩儿不好玩儿？
海尔茂 那些会花钱的小鸟儿叫什么名字？
娜拉 喔，不用说，我知道，它们叫败家精。托伐，你先把钱给我。以后再仔细想我
最需要什么东西。
海尔茂 （一边笑）话是不错，那就是说，要是你真把我给你的钱花在自己身上的
话。可是你老把钱都花在家用上头，买好些没有的东西，到后来我还得再拿出钱来。
娜拉 可是，托伐──
海尔茂 娜拉，你能赖得了吗？（一只手搂着她）这是一只可爱的小鸟儿，就是很能
花钱。谁也不会相信一个男人养活你这么一只小鸟儿要花那么些钱。
娜拉 不害臊！你怎么说这话！我花钱一向是能节省多少就节省多少。
海尔茂 （大笑）一点儿都不错，能节省多少就节省多少，可是实际上一点儿都节省
不下来。
娜拉 （一边哼一边笑，心里暗暗高兴）哼！你哪儿知道我们小鸟儿，松鼠儿的花
费。
海尔茂 你真是个小怪东西！活象你父亲── 一天到晚睁大了眼睛到处找钱。可是钱
一到手，不知怎么又从手指头缝儿里漏出去了。你自己都不知道钱到哪儿去了。你天
生就这副性格，我也没办法。这是骨子里的脾气。真的，娜拉，这种事情都是会遗传
的。
娜拉 我但愿能象爸爸，有他那样的好性格，好脾气。
海尔茂 我不要你别的，只要你象现在这样──做我会唱歌的可爱的小鸟儿。可是我
觉得──今天你的神气有点儿──有点儿──叫我说什么好呢？有点儿跟平常不一样
──
娜拉 真的吗？
海尔茂 真的。抬起头来。
娜拉 （抬头瞧他）怎么啦？
海尔茂 （伸出一个手指头吓唬她）爱吃甜的孩子又偷嘴了吧？
娜拉 没有。别胡说！
海尔茂 刚才又溜到糖果店里去了吧？
娜拉 没有，托伐，真的没有。
海尔茂 没去喝杯果子露吗？
娜拉 没有，真的没有。
海尔茂 也没吃杏仁甜饼干吗？
娜拉 没有，托伐，真没有，真没有！
海尔茂 好，好，我跟你说着玩儿呢。
娜拉 （朝右边桌子走去）你不赞成的事情我决不做。
海尔茂 这话我信，并且你还答应过我──（走近娜拉）娜拉宝贝，现在你尽管把圣
诞节的秘密瞒着我们吧。到了晚上圣诞树上的灯火一点起来，那就什么都瞒不住了。
娜拉 你记着约阮克大夫没有？
海尔茂 我忘了。其实也用不着约。他反正会来。回头他来的时候我再约他。我买了
点上等好酒。娜拉，你不知道我想起了今天晚上过节心里多高兴。
娜拉 我也一样。孩子们更不知怎么高兴呢，托伐！
海尔茂 唉，一个人有了稳固的地位和丰富的收入真快活！想想都叫人高兴，对不
对？
娜拉 对，真是太好了！
海尔茂 你还记不记得去年圣诞节的事情？事先足足有三个礼拜，每天晚上你把自己
关在屋子里熬到大后半夜，忙着做圣诞树的彩花和别的各种各样不让我们知道的新鲜
玩意儿。我觉得没有比那个再讨厌的事情了。
娜拉 我自己一点儿都不觉得讨厌。
海尔茂 （微笑）娜拉，可是后来我们什么玩意儿都没看见。
娜拉 喔，你又提那个取笑我呀？小猫儿要钻进去把我做的东西抓得稀烂，叫我有什
么办法？
海尔茂 是啊，可怜的娜拉，你确是没办法。你想尽了方法使我们快活，这是主要的
一点。可是不管怎么样，苦日子过完了总是桩痛快事。
娜拉 喔，真痛快！
海尔茂 现在我不用一个人闷坐了，你的一双可爱的眼睛和两只嫩手也不用吃苦了
──
娜拉 （拍手）喔，托伐，真是不用吃苦了！喔，想起来真快活！（挽着海尔茂的胳
臂）托伐，让我告诉你往后咱们应该怎么过日子。圣诞节一过去──（门厅的门铃响
起来）喔，有人按铃！（把屋子整理整理）一定是有客来了。真讨厌！
海尔茂 我不见客。记着。
爱伦 （在门洞里）太太，有位女客要见您。
娜拉 请她进来。
爱伦 （向海尔茂）先生，阮克大夫刚来。
海尔茂 他到我书房去了吗？
爱伦 是的。
海尔茂走进书房。爱伦把林丹太太请进来之后自己出去，随手关上门。林丹太太
穿着旅行服装。
林丹太太 （局促犹豫）娜拉，你好？
娜拉 （捉摸不定）你好？
林丹太太 你不认识我了吧？
娜拉 我不──哦，是了！──不错──（忽然高兴起来）什么，克立斯替纳！真的
是你吗？
林丹太太 不错，是我！
娜拉 克立斯替纳！你看，刚才我简直不认识你了。可是也难怪我──（声音放低）
你很改了些样子，克立斯替纳！
林丹太太 不错，我是改了样子。这八九年工夫──
娜拉 咱们真有那么些年没见面吗？不错，不错。喔，我告诉你，这八年工夫可真快
活！现在你进城来了。腊月里大冷天，那么老远的路！真佩服你！
林丹太太 我是搭今天早班轮船来的。
娜拉 不用说，一定是来过个快活的圣诞节。喔，真有意思！咱们要痛痛快快过个圣
诞节。请把外头衣服脱下来。你冻坏了吧？（帮她脱衣服）好。现在咱们坐下舒舒服
服烤烤火。你坐那把扶手椅，我坐这把摇椅。（抓住林丹太太两只手）现在看着你又
象从前的样子了。在乍一见的时候真不象──不过，克立斯替纳，你的气色没有从前
那么好──好象也瘦了点儿似的。
林丹太太 还比从前老多了，娜拉。
娜拉 嗯，也许是老了点儿──可是有限──只早一丁点儿。（忽然把话咽住，改说
正经话）喔，我这人真粗心！只顾乱说──亲爱的克立斯替纳，你会原谅我吧？
林丹太太 你说什么，娜拉？
娜拉 （声音低柔）可怜的克立斯替纳！我忘了你是个单身人儿。
林丹太太 不错，我丈夫三年前就死了。
娜拉 我知道，我知道，我在报上看见的。喔，老实告诉你，那时候我真想给你写封
信，可是总没工夫，一直就拖下来了。
林丹太太 我很明白你的困难，娜拉。
娜拉 克立斯替纳，我真不应该。喔，你真可怜！你一定吃了好些苦！他没给你留下
点儿什么吗？
林丹太太 没有。
娜拉 也没孩子？
林丹太太 没有。
娜拉 什么都没有？
林丹太太 连个可以纪念的东西都没有。
娜拉 一个人孤孤单单的！这种日子怎么受得了！我有三个顶可爱的孩子！现在他们
都跟保姆出去了，不能叫来给你瞧瞧。可是现在你得把你的事全都告诉我。
林丹太太 不，不，我要先听听你的──
娜拉 不，你先说。今天我不愿意净说自己的事。今天我只想听你的。喔！可是有件
事我得告诉你──也许你已经听说我们交了好运？
林丹太太 没听说。什么好运？
娜拉 你想想！我丈夫当了合资股份银行经理了。
林丹太太 你丈夫！哦，运气真好！
娜拉 可不是吗！做律师生活不稳定，尤其象托伐似的，来历不明的钱他一个都不肯
要。这一点我跟他意见完全一样。喔，你想我们现在多快活！一过新年他就要接事
了，以后他就可以拿大薪水，分红利。往后我们的日子可就大不相同了──老实说，
爱怎么过就可以怎么过了。喔，克立斯替纳，我心里真高兴，真快活！手里有钱，不
用为什么事操心，你说痛快不痛快？
林丹太太 不错。不缺少日用必需品至少是桩痛快事！
娜拉 不单是不缺少日用必需品，还有大堆的钱──整堆整堆的钱！
林丹太太 （微笑）娜拉，娜拉，你的老脾气还没改？从前咱们一块儿念书时候你就
是个顶会花钱的孩子。
娜拉 （笑）不错，托伐说我现在还是。（伸出食指指着她）可是“娜拉，娜拉”并
不象你们说的那么不懂事。喔，我从来没机会可以乱花钱。我们俩都得辛辛苦苦地工
作。
林丹太太 你也得工作吗？
娜拉 是的，做点轻巧活计，象编织、绣花一类的事情。（说到这儿，口气变得随随
便便的）还得做点别的事。你是知道的，我们结婚的时候，托伐辞掉了政府机关的工
作。那时候他的位置并不高，升不上去，薪水又不多，当然只好想办法额外多挣几个
钱。我们结婚以后头一年，他拚命地工作，忙得要死。你知道，为了要多点收入，各
种各样的额外工作他都得做，起早熬认地不休息。日子长了他支持不住，害起重病来
了。医生说他得到南边去疗养，病才好得了。
林丹太太 你们在意大利住了整整一年，是不是？
娜拉 住了一整年。我告诉你，那段日子可真难对付。那时候伊娃刚生下来。可是，
当然，我们不能不出门。喔，说起来那次旅行真是妙，救了托伐的命。可是钱也花得
真不少，克立斯替纳！
林丹太太 我想不概少不了。
娜拉 花了一千二百块！四千八百克罗纳①！你看数目大不大？
林丹太太 幸亏你们花得起。
娜拉 你要知道，那笔钱是从我爸爸那儿弄来的。
林丹太太 喔，原来是这样。他正是那时候死的，是不是？
娜拉 不错，正是那时候死的。你想！我不能回家服侍他！那时候我正等着伊娃生出
来，并且还得照顾害病的托伐！嗳，我那亲爱慈祥的爸爸！我没能再见他一面，克立
斯替纳。喔，这是我结婚以后最难受的一件事。
林丹太太 我知道你最爱你父亲。后来你们就到意大利去了，是不是？
娜拉 是。我们钱也有了，医生叫我们别再耽误时候。过了一个月我们就动身了。
林丹太太 回来时候你丈夫完全复原了吗？
娜拉 完全复原了。
林丹太太 可是──刚才那位医生？
①挪威旧币制单位为“元”，在易卜生写这个剧本之前不久，改用了新单位“克罗
纳”。
娜拉 你说什么？
林丹太太 我记得刚才进门时候你们的女佣人说什么大夫来了。
娜拉 哦，那是阮克大夫。他不是来看病的。他是我们顶要好的朋友，没有一天不来
看我们。从那以后托伐连个小病都没有害过。几个孩子身体全都那么好，我自己也
好。（跳起来拍手）喔，克立斯替纳，克立斯替纳，活着过快活日子多有意思！咳，
我真岂有此理！我又净说自己的事了。（在靠近林丹太太的一张矮凳上坐下，两只胳
臂搁在林丹太太的腿上）喔，别生气！告诉我，你是不是不爱你丈夫？既然不爱他，
当初你为什么跟他结婚？
林丹太太 那时候我母亲还在，病在床上不能动。我还有两个弟弟要照顾。所以那时
候我觉得不应该拒绝他。
娜拉 也许不应该。大概那时候他有钱吧？
林丹太太 他日子很过得去。不过他的事业靠不住，他死后事情就一败涂地了，一个
钱都没留下。
娜拉 后来呢？
林丹太太 后来我对付着开了个小铺子，办了个小学校，反正有什么做什么，想尽方
法凑合过日子。这三年工夫在我是一个长期奋斗的过程。现在总算过完了，娜拉。苦
命的母亲用不着我了，她已经去世了。两个弟弟也有事，可以照顾自己了。
娜拉 现在你一定觉得很自由了！
林丹太太 不，不见得，娜拉。我心里只觉得说不出的空虚。活在世上谁也不用我操
心！（心神不定，站起身来）所以在那偏僻冷静的地方我再也住不下去了。在这大地
方，找点消磨时间──排遣烦闷的事情一定容易些。我只想找点安定的工作──象机
关办公室一类的事情。
娜拉 克立斯替纳，那种工作很辛苦，你的身体看上去已经很疲乏了。你最好到海边
去休养一阵子。
林丹太太 （走到窗口）娜拉，我没有父亲供给我钱呀。
娜拉 （站起来）喔，别生气。
林丹太太 （走近她）好娜拉，别见怪。象我这种境遇的人最容易发牢骚。象我这样
的人活在世上并不为着谁，可是精神老是得那么紧张。人总得活下去，因此我就变得
这么自私，只会想自己的事。我听见你们交了好运──说起来也许你不信──我替你
们高兴，尤其替自己高兴。
娜拉 这话怎么讲？喔，我明白了！你想托伐也许可以帮你一点忙。
林丹太太 不错，我正是那么想。
娜拉 他一定肯帮忙，克立斯替纳。你把这各交给我。我会拐变抹角想办法。我想个
好办法先把他哄高兴了，他就不会不答应。喔，我真愿意帮你一把忙！
林丹太太 娜拉，你心肠真好，这么热心帮忙！象你这么个没经历过什么艰苦的人真
是尤其难得。
娜拉 我？我没经历过──？
林丹太太 （微笑）喔，你只懂得做点轻巧活计一类的事情。你还是个小孩子，娜
拉。
娜拉 （把头一扬，在屋子里走来走去）喔，你别摆出老前辈的架子来！
林丹太太 是吗？
娜拉 你跟他们一样。你们都觉得我这人不会做正经事──
林丹太太 嗯，嗯──
娜拉 你们都以为这烦恼世界里我没经过什么烦恼事。
林丹太太 我的好娜拉，刚才你不是已经把你的烦恼事都告诉我了吗？
娜拉 哼，那点小事情算得了什么！（低声）大事情我还没告诉你呢。
林丹太太 大事情？这话怎么讲？
娜拉 克立斯替纳，我知道你瞧不起我，可是你不应该小看我。你辛辛苦苦供养你母
亲那么些年，你觉得很得意。
林丹太太 我实在谁也没看不起。不过想起了母亲临死那几年我能让宽心过日子，我
心里确是又得意又高兴。
娜拉 想起了给两个弟弟出了那些力，你也觉得很得意。
林丹太太 难道我不应该得意吗？
娜拉 当然应该。可是，克立斯替纳，现在让我告诉你，我也做过一件又得意又高兴
的事情。
林丹太太 这话我倒信。你说的是什么事？
娜拉 嘘！声音小一点！要是让托伐听见，那可不得了！别让他听见──千万使不
得！克立斯替纳，这件事，除了你，我谁都不告诉。
林丹太太 究竟是什么事？
娜拉 你过来。（把林丹太太拉到沙发上，叫她坐在自己旁边）克立斯替纳，我也做
过一桩又得意又高兴的事情。我救过托伐的命。
林丹太太 救过他的命？怎么救的？
娜拉 我们到意大利去的事情我刚才已经说过了。要不亏那一次旅行，托伐的命一定
保不住。
林丹太太 那我知道。你们花的钱是你父亲供给的。
娜拉 （含笑）不错，托伐和别人全都那么想。可是──
林丹太太 可是怎么样？
娜拉 可是爸爸一个钱都没给我们。筹划那笔款子的人是我。
林丹太太 是你？那么大一笔款子？
娜拉 一千二百块。四千八百克罗纳。你觉得怎么样？
林丹太太 我的好娜拉，那笔钱你怎么弄来的？是不是买彩票中了奖？
娜拉 （鄙视的表情）买彩票？哼！那谁都会！
林丹太太 那么，那笔钱你从什么地方弄来的？
娜拉 嘴里哼着，脸上露出一副叫人捉摸不透的笑容）哼！脱拉──拉──拉──拉！
林丹太太 当然不会是你借来的。
娜拉 不会？为什么不会？
林丹太太 做老婆的不得她丈夫的同意没法子借钱。
娜拉 （把头一扬）喔！要是做老婆的有点办事能力，会想办法──
林丹太太 娜拉，我实在不明白──
娜拉 你用不着明白。我没说钱是借来的。除了借，我还有好些别的办法。（往后一
仰，靠在沙发上）也许是从一个爱我的男人手里弄来的。要是一个妇人长得象我这么
漂亮──
林丹太太 你太无聊了，娜拉。
娜拉 克立斯替纳，我知道你急于要打听这件事。
林丹太太 娜拉，你听我说，这件事你是不是做得太鲁莽了点儿？
娜拉 （重新坐直身子）搭救丈夫的性命能说是鲁莽吗？
林丹太太 我觉得你瞒着他就是太鲁莽。
娜拉 可是一让他知道这件事，他的命就保不住。你明白不明白？不用说把这件事告
诉他，连他自己病到什么地步都不能让他知道。那些大夫偷偷地跟我说，他的病很危
险，除了到南边去过个冬，没有别的办法能救他的命。你以为一开头我没使过手段
吗？我假意告诉他，象别人的年轻老婆一样，我很想出门玩一趟。他不答应，我就一
边哭一边央告他为我的身体想一想，不要拒绝我。并且我的话里还暗示着要是没有
钱，可以跟人借。克立斯替纳，谁知道他听了我的话非常不高兴，几乎发脾气。他埋
怨我不懂事，还说他做丈夫的不应该由着我这么任性胡闹。他尽管那么说，我自己心
里想，“好吧，反正我一定得想法子救你的命”。后来我就想出办法来了。
林丹太太 难道你父亲从来没告诉你丈夫钱不是从他那儿借的吗？
娜拉 没有，从来没有。爸爸就是那时候死的。我本打算把这事告诉我爸爸，叫他不
要跟人说。可是他病得很厉害，所以就用不着告诉他了。
林丹太太 你也没在丈夫面前说实话？
娜拉 嗳呀！这话亏你怎么问得出！他最恨的是跟人家借钱，你难道要我把借钱的事
告诉他？再说，象托伐那么个好胜、要面子的男子汉，要是知道受了我的恩惠，那得
多惭愧，多难受呀！我们俩的感情就会冷淡，我们的美满快乐家庭就会改样子。
林丹太太 你是不是永远不打算告诉他？
娜拉 （若有所思，半笑半不笑的）唔，也许有一天会告诉他，到好多好多年之后，
到我不象现在这么──这么漂亮的时候。你别笑！我的意思是说等托伐不象现在这么
爱我，不象现在这么喜欢看我跳舞、化装演戏的时候。到那时候我手里留着点东西也
许稳当些。（把话打住）喔，没有的事，没有的事！那种日子永远不会来。克立斯替
纳，你听了我的秘密事觉得怎么样？现在你还能说我什么事都不会办吗？你要知道我
的心血费得很不少。按时准期付款不是开玩笑。克立斯替纳，你要知道商业场中有什
么分期交款、按季付息一大些名目都是不容易对付的。因此我就只能东拼西凑到处想
办法。家用里头省不出多少钱，因为我当然不能让托伐过日子受委屈。我也不能让孩
子们穿得太不象样，凡是孩子们的钱我都花在孩子们身上，这些小宝贝！
林丹太太 可怜的娜拉，你只好拿自己的生活费贴补家用。
娜拉 那还用说。反正这件事是我一个人在筹划。每逢托伐给我钱叫我买衣服什么的
时候，我老是顶多花一半，买东西老是挑最简单最便宜的。幸亏我穿戴什么都好看，
托伐从来没疑惑过。可是，克立斯替纳，我心里时常很难过，因为衣服穿得好是桩痛
快事，你说对不对？
林丹太太 一点儿都不错。
娜拉 除了那个，我还用别的法子去弄钱。去年冬天运气好，弄到了好些抄写的工
作。我每天晚上躲在屋子里一直抄到后半夜。喔，有时候我实在累得不得了。可是能
这么做事挣钱，心里很痛快。我几乎觉得自己象一个男人。
林丹太太 你的债究竟还清了多少？
娜拉 这很难说。那种事不大容易弄清楚。我只知道凡是能拼拼凑凑弄到手的钱全都
还了债。有时候我真不知道应该怎么办。（微笑）我时常坐着心里暗想，好象有个阔
人把我爱上了。
林丹太太 什么！那阔人是谁？
娜拉 并不是真有那么个人！是我心里瞎想的，只当他已经死了，人家拆开他的遗嘱
的时候看见里面用大字写着：“把我临死所有的财产立刻全部交给那位可爱的娜拉·
海尔茂太太。”
林丹太太 喔，我的好娜拉，你说的那人究竟是谁？
娜拉 唉，你还不明白吗？并不是真有那么个人。那不过是我需要款子走投无路时候
的穷思极想。可是现在没关系了。那个讨厌的老东西现在有没有都没关系了。连人带
遗嘱都不在我心上了，我的艰难日子已经过完了。（跳起来）喔，克立斯替纳，想起
来心里真痛快！我完全不用再操心了！真自由！每天跟孩子们玩玩闹闹，把家里一切
事情完全依照托伐的意思安排得妥妥当当的。大好的春光快来了，一片长空，万里碧
云，那该多美呀！到时候我们也许有一次短期旅行。也许我又可以看见海了。喔，活
在世上过快活日子多有意思！
门厅铃响。
林丹太太 （站起来）外头有人按铃。我还是走吧。
娜拉 不，别走。没人会上这儿来。那一定是找托伐的。
爱伦 （在门洞里）太太，外头有位男客要见海尔茂先生。
娜拉 是谁？
柯洛克斯泰 （在门洞里）海尔茂太太，是我。
林丹太太吃了一惊，急忙躲到窗口去。
娜拉 （走近柯洛克斯泰一步，有点着急，低声说道）原来是你？
柯洛克斯泰 可以说是──银行的事吧。我在合资股份银行里是个小职员，听说你丈
夫就要做我们的新经理了。
娜拉 因此你──
柯洛克斯泰 不是别的，是件讨厌的公事，海尔茂太太。
娜拉 那么请你到书房去找他吧。
柯洛克斯泰转身走出去。娜拉一边冷淡地打招呼，一边把通门厅的门关上。她回
到火炉边，对着火出神。
林丹太太 娜拉──刚才来的那人是谁？
娜拉 他叫柯洛克斯泰──是个律师。
林丹太太 这么说起来真是他？
娜拉 你认识他吗？
林丹太太 从前认识──那是好多年前的事了。那时候他在我们那儿一个律师事务所
里做事。
娜拉 不错，他在那儿做过事。
林丹太太 他样子可改多了！
娜拉 听说从前他们夫妻很别扭。
林丹太太 现在他是不是单身汉？
娜拉 是，他带着几个孩子过日子。好！火旺起来了！
娜拉关上炉门，把摇椅往旁边推一推。
林丹太太 人家说，他做的事不怎么太体面。
娜拉 真的吗？不见得吧。我不知道。咱们不谈那些事──讨厌得很。
阮克医生从海尔茂书房里走出来。
阮克 （还在门洞里）不，不，我要走了。我在这儿会打搅你。我去找你太太说说话
儿。（把书房门关好，一眼看见林丹太太）哦，对不起。我到这儿也碍事。
娜拉 没关系，没关系。（给他们介绍）这是阮克大夫──这是林丹太太。
阮克 喔，不错，我常听说林丹太太的名字。好象刚才我上楼时候咱们碰见的。
林丹太太 是的，我走得很慢。我最怕上楼梯。
阮克 哦──你身体不太好？
林丹太太 没什么。就是工作太累了。
阮克 没别的病？那么，不用说，你是进城休养散闷来了。
林丹太太 不，我是进城找工作来的。
阮克 找工作？那是休养的好办法吗？
林丹太太 人总得活下去，阮克大夫。
阮克 不错，人人都说这句话。
娜拉 喔，阮克大夫，你自己也想活下去。
阮克 那还用说。尽管我活着是受罪，能多拖一天，我总想拖一天。到我这儿看病的
人都有这么个傻想头。道德有毛病的人也是那么想。这时候在里头跟海尔茂说的人就
是害了道德上治不好的毛病。
林丹太太 （低声）唉！
娜拉 你说的是谁？
阮克 喔，这人你不认识，他叫柯洛克斯泰，是个坏透了的人。可是他一张嘴，就说
要活命，好象活命是件了不起的事情似的。
娜拉 真的吗？他找托伐干什么？
阮克 我不清楚，好象是为银行的事情。
娜拉 我从前不知道柯洛克──这位柯洛克斯泰先生跟银行有关系。
阮克 有关系。他是银行里的什么职员。（向林丹太太）我不知道你们那儿有没有一
批人，东抓抓，西闻闻，到处搜索别人道德上的毛病，要是让他们发现了一个有毛病
的人，他们就摆开阵势包围他，盯着他不放松。身上没毛病的人，他们连理都不爱
理。
林丹太太 我想有毛病的人确是需要多照顾。
阮克（耸耸肩膀）对了！大家都这么想，所以咱们的社会变成了一所大医院。
娜拉正在想心事，忽然低声笑起来，拍拍手。
阮克 你笑什么？你懂得什么叫“社会”？
娜拉 谁高兴管你们那讨厌的社会？我刚才笑的是别的事── 一桩非常好玩的事。阮
克大夫，我问你，是不是银行里的职员现在都归托伐管了？
阮克 你觉得非常好玩儿的事就是这个？
娜拉 （一边笑一边哼）没什么，没什么！（在屋里走来走去）想起来真有趣，我们
──托伐可以管这么些人。（从衣袋里掏出纸袋来）阮克大夫，你要不要吃块杏仁甜
饼干？
阮克 什么！杏仁甜饼干？我记得你们家不准吃这甜饼干？
娜拉 不错。这是克立斯替纳送给我的。
林丹太太 什么！我──？
娜拉 喔，没什么！别害怕。你当然不知道托伐不准吃。他怕我把牙齿吃坏了。喔，
别管它，吃一回没关系！这块给你，阮克大夫！（把一块饼干送到他嘴里）你也吃一
块，克立斯替纳。你们吃，我也吃一块──只吃一小块，顶多吃块。（又来回地走）
喔，我真快活！我只想做一件事。
阮克 什么事？
娜拉 一件要跟托伐当面说的事。
阮克 既然想说，为什么不说？
娜拉 我不敢说，说出来很难听。
林丹太太 难听？
阮克 要是难听，还是不说好。可是在我们面前你不妨说一说。你想跟海尔茂当面说
什么？
娜拉 我恨不得说“我该死！”
阮克 你疯了？
林丹太太 嗳呀，娜拉──
阮克 好──他来了。
娜拉 （把饼干袋藏起来）嘘！嘘！嘘！
海尔茂从自己屋里走出来，帽子拿在手里，外套搭在胳臂上。
娜拉 （迎上去）托伐，你把他打发走了吗？
海尔茂 他刚走。
娜拉 让我给你介绍，这是克立斯替纳，刚进城。
海尔茂 克立斯替纳？对不起，我不认识──
娜拉 托伐，她就是林丹太太──克立斯替纳·林丹。
海尔茂 （向林丹太太）不错，不错！大概是我太太的老同学吧？
林丹太太 一点不错，我们从小就认识。
娜拉 你想想！她这么大老远地专程来找你。
海尔茂 找我！
林丹太太 也不一定是──
娜拉 克立斯替纳擅长簿记，她一心想在一个能干人手下找点事情做，为的是自己可
以进修学习。
海尔茂 （向林丹太太）这意思很好。
娜拉 她听说你当了经理──这消息她是在报上看见的──马上就赶来了，托伐，看
在我面上，给克立斯替纳想想办法，行不行？
海尔茂 这倒不是做不到的事。林丹太太，现在你是单身人儿吧？
林丹太太 可不是吗！
海尔茂 有簿记的经验？
林丹太太 不算很少。
海尔茂 好吧，既然这样，我也许可以给你找个事情做。
娜拉 （拍手）你看！你看！
海尔茂 林丹太太，你这回来得真凑巧。
林丹太太 喔，我不知该怎么谢你才好。
海尔茂 用不着谢。（穿上外套）对不起，我要失陪会儿。
阮克 等一等，我跟你一块儿走。（走到外厅把自己的皮外套拿进来，在火上烤
烤。）
娜拉 别多耽搁，托伐。
海尔茂 一个钟头，不会再多。
娜拉 你也要走，克立斯替纳？
林丹太太 （穿外套）是，我得找个住的地方。
海尔茂 那么咱们一块儿走好不好？
娜拉 （帮她穿外套）可惜我们没有空屋子，没法子留你住──
林丹太太 我不想打搅你们。再见，娜拉，谢谢你。
娜拉 回头见。今儿晚上你一定得来。阮克大夫，你也得来。你说什么？身体好就
来？今儿晚上你不会害病。只要穿暖和点儿。（他们一边说话一边走到门厅里。外头
楼梯上有好几个小孩子说话的声音）他们回来了！他们回来了！（她跑过去开门。保
姆安娜带着孩子们走进门厅）进来！进来！（弯腰跟孩子们亲嘴）喔，我的小宝贝！
你看见没有，克立斯替纳？他们可爱不可爱？
阮克 咱们别站在风口里说话。
海尔茂 走吧，林丹太太。这股冷风只有做妈妈的受得了。
阮克医生、海尔茂、林丹太太一块儿下楼梯。安娜带着孩子进屋来，娜拉也走进
屋来，把门关好。
娜拉 你们真精神，真活泼！小脸儿多红！红得象苹果，也象玫瑰花儿。（娜拉说下
面一段话的时候三个孩子也跟母亲叽哩呱拉说不完）你们玩儿得好不好？太好了！
喔，真的吗！你推着爱密跟巴布坐雪车！── 一个人推两个,真能干！伊娃，你简直
象个大人了。安娜，让我抱她一会儿。我的小宝贝！（从保姆手里把顶小的孩子接过
来，抱着她在手里跳）好，好，妈妈也跟巴布跳。什么？刚才你们玩儿雪球了？喔，
可惜我没跟你们在一块儿。安娜，你撒手，我给他们脱。喔，让我来，真好玩儿。你
冻坏了，快上自己屋里去暖和暖和吧。炉子上有热咖啡。（保姆走进左边屋子。娜拉
给孩子脱衣服，把脱下来的东西随手乱扔，孩子们一齐乱说话）真的吗？一只大狗追
你们？没咬着你们吧？别害怕，狗不咬乖宝贝。伊娃，别偷看那些纸包儿。这是什
么？你猜猜。留神，它会咬人！什么？咱们玩儿点什么？玩儿什么呢？捉迷藏？好，
好，咱们就玩儿捉迷藏。巴而先藏。你们要我先藏？
她跟三个孩子在这间和右边连着的那间屋子连笑带嚷地玩起来。末了，娜拉藏在
桌子底下，孩子们从外头跑进来，到处乱找，可是找不着，忽然听见听见她咯几一声
笑，她们一齐跑到桌子前，揭起桌布，把她找着了。一阵大笔乱嚷。娜拉从桌子底下
爬出来，装做要吓距他们的样子。又是一阵笑嚷。在这当口，有人在敲门厅的门，可
是没人理会。门自己开了一半，柯洛克斯泰在门口出现。他站在门口等了会儿，娜拉
跟孩子们正是在玩儿。
柯洛克斯泰 对不起，海尔茂太太──
娜拉 （低低叫了一声，转过身来，半跪在地上）哦！你来干什么？
柯洛克斯泰 对不起，外头的门是开着的，一定是有人出去忘了关。
娜拉 （站起来）柯洛克斯泰先生，我丈夫不在家。
柯洛克斯泰 我知道。
娜拉 那么你来干什么？
柯洛克斯泰 我来找你说句话。
娜拉 找我说话？（低声告诉孩子们）你们进去找安娜。什么？别害怕，生人不会欺
负妈妈。等他走了咱们再玩儿。（把孩子们送到左边屋子里，关好门，心神不定）你
要找我说话？
柯洛克斯泰 不错，要找你说话。
娜拉 今天就找我？还没到一号呢──
柯洛克斯泰 今天是二十四号，是圣诞节的前一天，这个节能不能过得好全在你自
己。
娜拉 你要干什么，今天款子我没预备好。
柯洛克斯泰 暂时不用管那个。我来是为别的事。你有工夫吗？
娜拉 喔，有工夫，可是──
柯洛克斯泰 好。刚才我在对面饭馆里，看见你丈夫在街上走过去──
娜拉 怎么样？
柯洛克斯泰 陪着一位女客。
娜拉 又怎么样？
柯洛克斯泰 请问你那女客是不是林丹太太？
娜拉 是。
柯洛克斯泰 她是不是刚进城？
娜拉 不错，今天刚进城。
柯洛克斯泰 大概她是你的好朋友吧？
娜拉 是。可是我不明白──
柯洛克斯泰 从前我也认识她。
娜拉 我知道你认识她。
柯洛克斯泰 哦！原来你都知道。我早就猜着了。现在老实告诉我，是不是林丹太太
在银行里有事了？
娜拉 柯洛克斯泰先生，你是我丈夫手下的人，怎么敢这么盘问我？不过你既然要打
听，我索性告诉你。一点儿都不假，林丹太太就要进银行。举荐她的人就是我，柯洛
克斯泰先生。现在你都明白了？
柯洛克斯泰 这么说，我都猜对了。
娜拉 （走来走去）你看，一个人有时候多少也有点儿力量。并不是做了女人就──
柯洛克斯泰先生，一个人在别人手下做事总得格外小心点儿，别得罪那──那──
柯洛克斯泰 别得罪那有力量的人？
娜拉 一点都不错。
柯洛克斯泰 （换一副口气）海尔茂太太，你肯不肯用你的力量帮我点儿忙？
娜拉 什么？这话怎么讲？
柯洛克斯泰 你肯不肯想办法帮我保全我银行里的小位置？
娜拉 这话我不懂。谁想抢你的位置？
柯洛克斯泰 喔，你不用装糊涂。我知道你的朋友躲着不肯见我。我也知道把我开除
了谁补我的缺。
娜拉 可是我实在──
柯洛克斯泰 也许你真不知道。干脆一句话，趁着现在带来得及，我劝你赶紧用你的
力量挡住这件事。
娜拉 柯洛克斯泰先生，我没力量挡住这件事── 一点儿力量都没有。
柯洛克斯泰 没有？我记得刚才你还说──
娜拉 我说的不是那意思。我！你怎么会以为我在丈夫身上有这么大力量？
柯洛克斯泰
喔，从前我们同学时候我就知道你丈夫的脾气。我想他不显得比别人的丈夫难支配。
娜拉 要是你说话的时候对我丈夫不尊敬，我就请你走出去。
柯洛克斯泰 夫人，你的胆子真不小。
娜拉 我现在不怕你了。过了一月一号，我很快就会把那件事整个儿摆脱了。
柯洛克斯泰 （耐着性子）海尔茂太太，你听我说。到了必要的时候，我会为我银行
的小位置跟人家拼命。
娜拉 不错，我看你会。
柯洛克斯泰 我并不专为那薪水，那个我最不放在心上。我为的是别的事。嗯，我索
性老实都对你说了吧。我想，你跟别人一样，一定听就过好些年前我闹了点儿小乱
子。
娜拉 我好象听说有那么一回事。
柯洛克斯泰 事情虽然没闹到法院去，可是从此以后我的路全让人家堵住了。后来我
就干了你知道的那个行业。我总得抓点事情做，在那个行业里我不能算是最狠心的
人。现在我想洗手不于了。我的儿子都好大了，为了他们的前途，我必须尽力恢复我
自己的名誉，好好儿爬上去，重新再做人。我那银行里的小位置是我往上爬的第一
步，想不到你丈夫要把我一脚踢下来叫我再跌到泥坑里。
娜拉 柯洛克斯泰先生，老实告诉你，我真没力量帮助你。
柯洛克斯泰 那是因为你不愿意帮忙。可是我有法子硬逼你。
娜拉 你是不是要把借钱的事告诉我丈夫？
柯洛克斯泰 唔，要是我真告诉他又怎么样？
娜拉 那你就太丢人了。（带着哭声）想想，我这件又高尚又得意的秘密事要用这么
不漂亮的方式告诉他。并且还是从你嘴里说出来。他知道了事件事台给我惹许多烦
恼。
柯洛克斯泰 仅仅是烦恼？
娜拉 （赌气）好，你尽管告诉他。到后来最倒霉的还是你自己，因力那时候我丈夫
去看出你这人多么坏，你的位置一定保不住。
柯洛克斯泰 我刚才问你是不是只怕在家庭里闹别扭？
娜拉 要是我丈夫知道了，他当然会把我欠你的钱马上都还清，从此以后我们跟你就
再也不相干了。
柯洛克斯泰 （走近一步）海尔茂大大，听我告诉你。不是你记性太坏，就是你不大
懂得做生意的规矩。我一定要把事情的底细跟你说一说。
娜拉 你究竟是怎么困事？
柯洛克斯泰 你丈夫害病的时候，你来找我要借一千二百快钱。
娜拉 我没有别的地方可以想法子。
柯洛克斯泰 当时我答座给你想法子。
娜拉 后来你果然把钱给我借来了。
柯洛克斯泰 我答座给你弄钱的时候有儿小条件。当时你只顾著你丈夫，急于把钱弄
到手让他出门去养病，大概没十分注意那些小节目。现在让我提醒你一下。我借钱给
你的时候，要你在我写的一张借据上签个字。
娜拉 不错，我签了字。
柯洛克斯表 不错，你签了字。可是后来我又在那借锯上加了儿句话，要你父亲做保
人。你父应该签个字。
娜拉 应该签？他确是答了字。
柯洛克斯 我把借据的日期空著没填写。那就是说，要你父亲亲笔填日期。这件事你
还记不记得？
娜拉 不错，我想大概是──
柯洛克斯泰 后来我把借据交给你，要你从邮局寄给你父亲。这话对不对？
娜拉 对。
柯洛克斯泰 不用说，你一定是马上寄去的，因为没过五六天你就把借据交给我，你
父亲已经签了字，我也就把款子交给你了。
娜拉 难道后来我没按日子还钱吗？
柯洛克斯泰 日子准得很。可是咱们还是回到主要的问题上未吧。海尔茂大太，那时
候你是不是正为一件事很着急？
娜拉 一点儿都不错。
柯洛克斯泰 是不是因为你父亲病得很厉害？
娜拉 不错，他躺在床上病得快死了。
柯洛克斯泰 不久他果然就死了？
娜拉 是的。
柯洛克斯泰 海尔茂太太，你还记得他死的日子是哪一天？
娜拉 他是九月二十九死的。
柯洛克斯泰 一点都不错。我仔细调查过，可是这里头有件古怪事──（从身上掏出
一张纸）叫人没法子解释。
娜拉 什么古怪事？我不知道──
柯洛克斯泰 海尔茂太太，古怪的是，你父亲死了三天才在这张纸上签的字！
娜拉 什么？我不明白
柯洛克斯泰 你父亲是九月二十九死的。可是你看，他签字的日子是十月二号！海尔
茂太太，你说古怪不古怪？（娜拉不作声）你能说出这是什么道理吗？（娜拉还是不
作声）另外还有一点古怪的地方，“十月二号”跟年份那儿个字不是你父亲的亲笔，
是别人代写的，我认识那笔迹。不过这一点还有法子解释，也许你父亲签了字忘了填
日子，别人不知道他死了，胡乱替他填了个日子。这也算不了会么。问题都在签名上
头。海尔茂太太，不用说，签名一定是真的喽？真是你父亲的亲笔喽？
娜拉 （等了会儿，把头往后一仰，狠狠地瞧着柯洛克斯泰）不，不是他的亲笔。是
我签的父亲的名字。
柯洛克斯泰 啊！夫人，你知道不知道承认这件事非常危险？
娜拉 怎么见得？反正我欠你的钱都快还清了。
柯洛克斯泰 多再请问一句话，为什么那个不把借据寄给你父亲？
娜拉 我不能寄粉他。那时候我父亲病得很厉害。要是我要他在借据上签字，那我就
一定得告诉他我为什么需要那笔线。他病得正厉害，我不能告诉他我丈夫的病很危
险。那万万使不得。
柯洛哀斯泰 既然使不得，当时你就不如取消你们出国旅行的计划。
娜拉 那也使不得，不出国养病我丈夫一定活不成，我不能取消那计划。
柯洛克斯泰 可是难道你没想到你是欺骗我？
娜拉 这事当时我当时并放在心上。我一点儿都没顾到你。那时候你虽然明知我丈夫
病的那么厉害，可是还千方百静刁难我，我简直把你恨透了。
柯洛克斯泰 海尔茂太太，你好象还不知道自己犯了什么罪。老实告诉你，从前我犯
的正是那么一桩罪，那桩罪弄得我身败名裂，在社会上到处难站脚。
娜拉 你？难道你也冒险救过你老婆的性命？
柯洛克斯泰 法律不考虑动机。
娜拉 那么那一定是笨法律。
柯洛克斯泰 笨也罢，不笨也罢：要是我拿这张借据到法院去告你，他们就可以按照
法律惩办你。
娜拉 我不信。难道法律不静女儿想法子让病得快死的父亲少受些烦恼吗？难道法律
不让老婆搭救丈夫的性命吗，我不大懂法律，可是我想法律上总该有那样的条文允许
人家做这些事。你，你是个律师，难道不懂得？看起来你一定是个坏律师、柯洛克斯
泰先生。
柯洛克斯泰 也许是。可是象咱们眼前这种事我懂得。你信不信？好，信不信由你，
不过我得告诉你一句话，要是有人二次把我推到沟里去，我要拉你作伴儿。（鞠躬，
从门厅走出去。）
娜拉（站着想了会儿把头一扬）喔，没有的事！他想吓唬我。我也不会那么傻。（动
手整理孩子们才脱下来的衣服。住手）可是？不会，不会！我干那件事是为我丈夫。
孩子们 （在左门口）妈妈，生人走了。
娜拉 我知道，我知道。你们别告诉人有生客到这儿来过。听见没有，连爸爸都别告
诉！
孩子们 听见了，妈妈。可是你还得跟我们玩儿。
娜拉 不，不，现在不行。
孩子们 喔，妈妈，来吧，刚才你答应我们的。
娜拉 不错，可是现在不行。快上你们自己屋里去。我有好些事呢。快去，快去，乖
乖的，我的小宝贝！（轻轻把孩子们推进里屋去，把门关上。转身坐在沙发上，挑了
几针花，手又停住了）不会！（丢下手里的活针，站起身来，走到厅口，喊道）爱
伦，把圣诞树搬进来。（走到左边桌子前，开抽屉，手又停下来）喔，不会有的事！
爱伦 （搬着圣诞树）太太，搁在哪儿？
娜拉 那儿，屋子中间儿。
爱伦 还要别的东西不要？
娜拉 谢谢你，东西都齐了，不要什么了。
爱伦搁下圣诞树，转身走出去。
娜拉（忙着装饰圣诞树）这儿得插支蜡烛，那儿得挂几朵花儿。那个人真可恶！没关
系，没什么可怕的！圣诞树一定要打扮得漂亮。托伐，我要想尽办法让你高兴。我抬
你唱歌，我给你跳舞，我还给你──
说到这儿．海尔茂胳臂底下夹着文件，从门厅里走进来。
娜拉 喔，这么快就回来了？
海尔茂 是。这儿有人来过没有？
娜拉 这儿？没有。
海尔茂 这就怪了。我看见柯洛克斯泰从咱们这儿走出去。
娜拉 真的吗？喔，不错，我想起来了，他来过，一会儿。
海尔茂 娜拉，从你脸上我看得出他来求你给他说好话。
娜拉 是的。
海尔茂 他还叫你假装说是你自己的意思，并且叫你别把他到这儿来的事情告诉我，
是不是？
娜拉 是，托伐。不过──
海尔茂 娜拉，娜拉！你居然做得出这种事！那么个人谈话！还答应他要求的事情！
并且还对我撒谎！
娜拉 撒谎？
海尔茂 你不是说没人来过吗，（伸出一只手指头吓唬她）我的小鸟儿以后再不准撒
谎！唱歌的鸟儿要唱得清清楚楚，不要瞎唱。（一只胳臂搂着她）你说对不对？应该
是这样。（松开胳臂）现在咱俩别再谈这个人了。（在火炉前面坐下）喔！这儿真暖
和，真舒服！（翻看文件）
娜拉 （忙着装饰圣诞树，过了会儿说道）托伐！
海尔茂 干什么？
娜拉 我在盼望后天斯丹保家的化装跳舞会。
海尔茂 我倒急于要看看你准备了什么新鲜节目。
娜拉 喔，说起来真心烦！
海尔茂 为什么？
娜拉 因为我想不出什么好节目，什么节目都无聊，都没意思。
海尔茂 小娜拉居然明白了？
娜拉 （站在海尔茂椅子后面，两只胳臂搭在椅背上）托伐，你是不是很忙？
海尔茂 唔──
娜拉 那一堆是什么文件？
海尔茂 银行的公事。
娜拉 你已经办公了？
海尔茂 我得了旧经理的同意，人事和机构方面都要做一些必要的调整。我要趁着圣
诞节把这些事赶出来，一到新年事情就都办齐了。
娜拉 难怪柯洛克斯泰──
海尔茂 哼！
娜拉 还是靠在椅背上，慢慢地抚摩海尔茂的头）托伐，要不是你这么忙，我倒想向
你求个大人情。
海尔茂 什么人情？快说！
娜拉 谁的审美能力都赶不上你。我很想在后天化装跳舞会上打扮得漂亮点儿。托
伐，你能不能始我帮忙出主意，告诉我扮个什么样儿的角色，穿个什么样儿的服装？
海尔茂 啊哈！你这任性的孩子居然也会自己没主意向人家求救。
娜拉 喔，托伐，帮我想想办法吧。你要是不帮忙，我就没主意了。
海尔茂 好，好，让我仔细想一想。咱们反正有办法。
娜拉 谢谢你！（重新走到树旁。过了会儿）那几朵红花儿多好看，托伐，我问你，
这个柯洛克斯泰犯过的事当真很严重吗？
海尔茂 伪造签字，一句话都在里头了。你懂得这四个字的意思不懂得？
娜拉 他也放是不得已吧？
海尔茂 不错，他也诈象有些人似的完全是粗心鲁莽。我也不是那种狠心肠的人，为
了一桩错处就把人家骂得一个钱不值。
娜拉 托伐，你当然不是那等人。
海尔茂 犯罪的人只要肯公开认罪，甘心受罚，就可以恢复名誉。
娜拉 受罚？
海尔茂 可是柯洛克斯秦并没这么做。他使用狡猾手段，逃避法律的制裁，后来他的
品行越来越堕落，就没法子挽救了。
娜拉 你觉得他──？
海尔茂 你想，一个人干了那种亏心事就不能不成天撒谎、做假、欺隔小那种人就是
当着他们最亲近的人 当着自己的老婆孩子也不能不戴上一副假面具。娜拉，最可怕
的是这种人在自己儿女身上发生的坏影响。
娜拉 为什么？
海尔茂 因为在那种撒谎欺骗的环境里，家庭生活全部沾染了毒气。孩子们呼吸的空
气里都有罪恶的绷菌。
娜拉 （从后面靠得更近些）真的吗？
海尔茂 我的宝贝，我当了多少年律师，这一类事情见得大多了。年轻人犯罪的案子
差不多都可以追溯到撒谎的母亲身上。
娜拉 为什么你只说母亲？
海尔茂 当然父亲的影响也一样，不过一般说都是受了母亲的影响，这一点凡是做律
师的都知道。这个柯洛克斯泰这些年一直是在欺骗撒谎，害他自己的儿女，所以我说
他的品行已经堕落到不可救药的地步。（把一双手伸给她）我的娜拉宝贝一定得答应
我别再给他说好话。咱们拉拉手。崐怎么啦？把手伸出来。这才对，咱们现在说好
了。我告诉你，要我跟他在一块儿工作简直做不到，跟这种人待在一块儿真是不舒
服。
娜位把手抽回来，走到圣诞树的那一边。
娜拉 这儿好热，我事情还多得很。
海尔茂 （站起来，收拾文件）好，我也要在饭前看几个文件，并且还得始你想服
装。也许我还能给你想点用金纸包着挂在圣诞树上的东西。（把手按在她头上）我的
宝只小鸟儿（说完之后走进书房，把站关上。）
娜拉 （过了会儿，低声说道）没有的事。不会有的事！
安娜（在左边门口）孩子们怪可怜地嚷着要上妈妈这儿来。
娜拉 不行，不行，别让他们上我这儿来！安娜，让他们跟着你。
安娜 好吧，太太。（把门关上。）
娜拉 （吓得面如土色）带坏我的儿女！害我的家庭！（顿了一顿，把头一扬）这话
靠不住！不会有的事！
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