Question

read the excerpt from act 3 of a dolls house.
helmer: do you know, you ought to embroider.
mrs. linde: really? why?
helmer: yes, its far more becoming. let me show you. you hold the embroidery thus in your left hand, and use the needle with the right—like this—with a long, easy sweep. do you see?
mrs. linde: yes, perhaps—
helmer: but in the case of knitting—that can never be anything but ungraceful; look here—the arms close together, the knitting - needles going up and down—it has a sort of chinese effect—. that was really excellent champagne they gave us.
mrs. linde: well,—goodnight, nora, and dont be self - willed any more.
how does the conflict between helmer’s private and public selves develop the theme that appearances can be deceiving?
○ helmer attempts to impress mrs. linde in a discreet way due to his hidden feelings for her.
○ helmer tries to be polite to mrs. linde despite the hurt that he is feeling inside.
○ helmer acts kindly toward mrs. linde while she is present, but insults her when she leaves.
○ helmer rushes mrs. linde out the door due to his anxiety about being in social situations.

Explanation:

The theme "appearances can be deceiving" relies on a contrast between outward behavior and hidden true feelings. Helmer's polite, instructional demeanor toward Mrs. Linde in the excerpt clashes with the hidden hurt he feels, showing his public polite self masks his private distress, which fits the theme. The other options do not establish this contrast: the first incorrectly claims hidden feelings for Mrs. Linde, the third has no evidence of insults after she leaves, and the fourth has no indication of social anxiety driving his actions.

Answer:

Helmer tries to be polite to Mrs. Linde despite the hurt that he is feeling inside.