Question

read the excerpt from act 2 of a doll’s house. helmer: and it is just by interceding for him that you make it impossible for me to keep him. it is already known at the bank that i mean to dismiss krogstad. is it to get about now that the new manager has changed his mind at his wife’s bidding—nora: and what if it did? helmer: of course!—if only this obstinate little person can get her way! do you suppose i am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole staff, to let people think that i am a man to be swayed by all sorts of outside influence? i should very soon feel the consequences of it, i can tell you! and besides, there is one thing that makes it quite impossible for me to have krogstad in the bank as long as i am manager. nora: whatever is that? which statements best describe the conflict? select two options. ☐ helmer is controlling and does not want to be seen as one who lets his wife sway or control him. ☐ krogstad controls helmer, and he does not want people to know about his past with helmer. ☐ helmer does not like the way krogstad tries to be his equal, and he wants to fire him from the bank. ☐ nora controls helmer, and thinks that krogstad is not as bad as helmer believes he is ☐ krogstad controls nora, thinks that nora is irresponsible, and wants to hide his past with helmer.

Explanation:

1. From Helmer's dialogue, he explicitly refuses to reverse Krogstad's dismissal because he fears appearing weak or swayed by his wife to his staff, showing his controlling nature and concern for his reputation.
2. Helmer also states he cannot have Krogstad at the bank while he is manager, and his frustration about not wanting to seem "ridiculous" implies he resents Krogstad acting as an equal, making firing him a priority.
3. The other options are incorrect: there is no evidence Krogstad controls Helmer or Nora, nor that Nora controls Helmer.

Answer:

• Helmer is controlling and does not want to be seen as one who lets his wife sway or control him.
• Helmer does not like the way Krogstad tries to be his equal, and he wants to fire him from the bank.