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 helmers 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 question links Helmer's public/private conflict to the theme of deceptive appearances. We analyze each option:

1. The first option: The excerpt shows no hidden feelings for Mrs. Linde, so this is incorrect.
2. The second option: Helmer acts politely (public self) by instructing on embroidery, but his sudden shift to criticizing knitting and then unrelated champagne hints at underlying discomfort/hurt (private self) he hides behind polite behavior, fitting the theme of deceptive appearances.
3. The third option: There is no insult after Mrs. Linde leaves in the excerpt, so this is incorrect.
4. The fourth option: Helmer does not rush her out; Mrs. Linde leaves on her own, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

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