Question

read the passage from a dolls house.
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, isnt 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 cant deny it, my dear little nora. puts his arm round her waist. its a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. one would hardly
based on this passage, which statement is the best inference about torvald’s character?
○ he thinks that nora is keeping secrets from him and chides her for lying.
○ he is not very generous and does not want nora to spend money.
○ he loves his wife, but he treats her like a child rather than an adult.
○ he does not know nora well enough to know what to buy her.

Explanation:

Torvald refers to Nora with infantilizing terms like "little Nora" and "sweet little spendthrift," controls her access to money, and speaks to her in a patronizing, parental tone. This shows he views her as a child-like figure rather than an equal adult partner, even as he expresses affection. The other options are not supported: there's no mention of secrets/lying, his issue is her spending style not general generosity, and the text doesn't indicate he doesn't know her wants.

Answer:

C. He loves his wife, but he treats her like a child rather than an adult.