Question

read the excerpt from act 3 of a doll’s house.
helmer: do you know, you ought to embroider.
mrs. linde: really? why?
helmer: yes, it’s 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 don’t be self-willed any more.
helmer: that’s right, mrs. linde
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:

To determine the answer, analyze each option:

• Option 1: No text supports hidden feelings for Mrs. Linde. Eliminate.
• Option 2: Helmer’s polite actions (teaching embroidery) contrast with his internal judgment (insulting knitting as "ungraceful"), showing a public - private self conflict and deceptive appearance. This fits.
• Option 3: No text shows insults after she leaves. Eliminate.
• Option 4: No text shows anxiety about social situations or rushing her out. Eliminate.

Answer:

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