Maharanishri Nandkuvarba Mahila Arts & Commerce collage
Name: Rathod Sayna Asifbhai
Paper Name : The Study Of Drama
Main Subject: English
Date: 2/9/2025
Home Assignment
Detailed explanation of the themes from ‘A Doll’s House’ by Henrik Ibsen
1. The Sacrificial Role of Women
Ibsen shows how women in society have to give up their happiness, dreams, and even family for
the sake of duty. Mrs. Linde leaves the man she loves (Krogstad) to marry a wealthy man so she
can support her mother and brothers. Nora’s nanny gives up her own child to work and earn a
living as a caretaker. Even Nora herself secretly borrows money to save Torvald’s life, because
the law does not allow women to take loans without a husband’s permission. She works in secret
to pay off the debt, showing how hard women must struggle just to do good. In the end, Nora
even sacrifices staying with her children because she believes they will be safer without her. This
theme shows how society expected women to sacrifice everything, while men rarely had to give
up their own integrity or power.
2. Parental and Filial Obligations
The play also looks at how parents and children owe each other duties. Nora, Torvald, and Dr.
Rank believe that parents must live honestly because their behavior affects their children. Dr.
Rank literally suffers from his father’s sins—he inherits a disease caused by his father’s immoral
lifestyle. Torvald says bad mothers create bad children and even refuses to let Nora near her kids
after learning about her secret. At the same time, children are shown to have obligations to their
parents. Mrs. Linde sacrifices her own life to care for her sick mother, while Nora chooses to
help her sick husband instead of her sick father. Ibsen does not say which choice is right or
wrong, but he shows that family duties are complicated and can conflict with personal desires.
3. The Unreliability of Appearances
At first glance, people in the play seem very different from what they really are. Nora seems like
a silly, playful wife, but she is actually brave and clever. Torvald looks like a strong, loving
husband, but he proves to be selfish and weak when Nora’s secret comes out. Krogstad first
seems like a cruel villain but later shows kindness and a desire to change. Even situations are
misleading: Mrs. Linde and Krogstad seem like enemies, but they still love each other; Dr. Rank
secretly loves Nora; the man threatening Nora turns out to be Krogstad, not Rank. Torvald cares
more about his public image than real happiness, and his obsession with appearances destroys his
marriage.
4. The Constrictive Nature of Gender Roles
Men and women in the play are trapped by what society expects of them. Women are supposed
to stay at home, raise children, and obey their husbands. They can’t earn money easily and often.
Class Assignment
MCQs on Othello by William Shakespeare
What is William Shakespeare often called?
A) The Father of Drama
B) The King of Poets
C) The Bard of Avon
D) The Legend of Language
Answer: C) The Bard of Avon
In which year was William Shakespeare born?
A) 1544
B) 1564
C) 1584
D) 1604
Answer: B) 1564
How many sonnets did William Shakespeare write?
A) 130
B) 144
C) 154
D) 160
Answer: C) 154
What type of play is Othello?
A) Comedy
B) Tragedy
C) History
D) Romance
Answer: B) Tragedy
In what language was the original story of Othello written?
A) French
B) Latin
C) English
D) Italian
Answer: D) Italian
What is the name of the Italian book that inspired Othello?
A) La Tragedia
B) De gli Hecatommithi
C) Vita di Otello
D) Racconti Italiani
Answer: B) De gli Hecatommithi
When was the first published version of Othello released?
A) 1604
B) 1616
C) 1622
D) 1623
Answer: C) 1622
Which collection included the second version of Othello?
A) Shakespeare’s Folio
B) The First Folio
C) Quarto Collection
D) The Bard’s Anthology
Answer: B) The First Folio
9. Which genre does not belong to Shakespeare’s categories of plays?
A) Comedy
B) Epic
C) History
D) Tragedy
Answer: B) Epic
Why is William Shakespeare considered highly influential?
A) He wrote in many different languages
B) He performed in royal courts
C) His works are studied, translated, and performed worldwide
D) He invented the English alphabet
Answer: C) His works are studied, translated, and performed worldwide
How many plays did William Shakespeare write (including collaborations)?
A) 29
B) 35
C) 39
D) 45
Answer: C) 39
What is a “quarto”?
A) A large theatre
B) A small book format
C) A Shakespearean actor
D) A poetic device
Answer: B) A small book format
In which year was Othello first written?
A) 1600
B) 1603–1604
C) 1610
D) 1622
Answer: B) 1603–1604
Why is Roderigo furious with Iago at the beginning of the play?
A) Iago has married Desdemona
B) Iago failed to secure Desdemona for him despite being paid
C) Iago lied about Othello's military victories
D) Iago publicly embarrassed him
Answer: B
Why does Iago claim to hate Othello?
A) Othello insulted Iago's father
B) Othello married Desdemona
C) Othello promoted Cassio over him
D) Othello was born a Moor
Answer: C
What action do Iago and Roderigo take to provoke Brabantio?
A) Kidnap Desdemona
B) Send a forged letter
C) Wake him to tell of Desdemona’s elopement
D) Attack his house
Answer: C
How does Othello defend himself against accusations of using witchcraft?
A) He claims Desdemona cast the first spell
B) He presents witnesses
C) He recounts tales of his life that won her heart
D) He denies marrying her
Answer: c
What ultimately convinces the Duke and Senate of Othello’s honesty?
A) Desdemona’s own testimony
B) Evidence from Cassio
C) Iago’s defense of Othello
D) A letter from Brabantio
Answer: A
What event eliminates the Turkish threat to Cyprus?
A) A Venetian pre-emptive strike
B) A Turkish civil war
C) A severe storm at sea
D) The arrival of Othello’s fleet
Answer: C
What minor gesture between Cassio and Desdemona does Iago use to manipulate Othello?
A) A kiss on the cheek
B) A handshake
C) Sharing a drink
D) Walking together
Answer: B
What advice does Iago give to Roderigo about Cassio during the celebration?
A) Challenge him to a duel
B) Steal from him
C) Start a fight to discredit him
D) Spy on his room
Answer: C
How is Cassio demoted?
A) He fails to deliver a military order
B) He is caught stealing
C) He wounds Montano during a drunken fight
D) Othello overhears him mocking Desdemona
Answer: C
What advice does Iago give Cassio after his demotion?
A) Flee the island
B) Ask Desdemona to speak to Othello
C) Challenge Othello
D) Blame Roderigo
Answer: B
How does Iago obtain Desdemona’s handkerchief?
A) He steals it from her room
B) Othello gives it to him
C) Emilia picks it up and gives it to him
D) Roderigo finds it and hands it over
Answer: C
What false proof does Iago give Othello of Desdemona's infidelity?
A) A letter Cassio wrote
B) A rumor from Roderigo
C) Cassio wearing Desdemona’s handkerchief
D) A drawing made by Cassio
Answer: C
What effect does jealousy have on Othello’s physical state?
A) He becomes mute
B) He faints
C) He experiences an epileptic seizure
D) He loses his eyesight
Answer: C
Why does Othello strike Desdemona in front of Lodovico?
A) She confesses to an affair
B) She says she still loves Cassio
C) She talks back disrespectfully
D) Lodovico announces Cassio’s promotion
Answer: D
How does Iago use Bianca to reinforce his plot?
A) He bribes her to lie
B) He lets her return the handkerchief Cassio has
C) He kills her as a warning
D) He frames her for poisoning Desdemona
Answer: B
What lie does Iago tell Desdemona to explain Othello’s rage?
A) That Othello has a mental illness
B) That Cassio insulted him
C) That Othello is troubled by political matters
D) That her father is gravely ill
Answer: C
Why does Roderigo agree to attack Cassio?
A) To gain military rank
B) To help Iago win Emilia
C) To stop Othello from leaving with Desdemona
D) To win Desdemona’s love
Answer: D
How does Iago cover his tracks after the attack on Cassio?
A) He frames Roderigo and murders him
B) He blames Bianca
C) He wounds himself and claims innocence
D) He disappears into the night
Answer: A
What claim does Desdemona make before dying?
A) That Cassio is the true villain
B) That she poisoned herself
C) That she committed suicide
D) That she never loved Othello
Answer: C
What final actions close the play?
A) Cassio becomes general, Iago is to be executed, and Lodovico returns to Venice
B) Othello escapes, Desdemona’s funeral is planned
C) Bianca inherits Othello’s house
D) Emilia survives and becomes a hero
Answer: A
What causes Othello to lose control of his actions?
A) Fear of war
B) Trust in Iago
C) Overconfidence
D) Lack of education
Answer: B
What does Desdemona’s loyalty represent in the play?
A) Foolishness
B) Political power
C) True love and innocence
D) Greed
Answer: C
How does Iago manipulate Othello’s military mindset?
A) Uses logic
B) Encourages peace
C) Turns love into a battle
D) Blames Cassio
Answer: C
How does Iago use the theme of “Appearance vs. Reality”?
A) He confesses all early
B) He shows his hatred openly
C) He pretends to be honest
D) He tells only truth
Answer: C
What object becomes a symbol of betrayal for Othello?
A) Sword
B) Necklace
C) Letter
D) Handkerchief
Answer: D
Why is Othello’s idea of justice flawed?
A) He waits too long
B) He uses logic only
C) He acts on anger, not truth
D) He forgives too easily
Answer: C
What does the play teach about judging people by looks?
A) Looks never lie
B) Trust only yourself
C) Outer appearance can deceive
D) Reality is always clear
Answer: C
Who originally gave the handkerchief to Othello’s mother?
A) A priest
B) A soldier
C) An Egyptian sorcerer
D) A king
Answer: C
How does Iago use the handkerchief in his plan?
A) He sells it
B) He drops it in the sea
C) He plants it with Cassio
D) He gives it to Desdemona
Answer: C
What animal is Othello compared to in the play?
A) Bear
B) Horse
C) Snake
D) Dog
Answer:B
What does animal language in the play mostly represent?
A) Humor
B) Military strategy
C) Prejudice and racism
D) Othello’s power
Answer: C
What does the symbolic use of animals reveal about Iago’s language?
A) It is poetic and beautiful
B) It reflects his love for nature
C) It shows his use of dehumanizing insults
D) It has no real meaning
Answer: C
What happens to the meaning of the handkerchief by the end of the play?
A) It is forgotten
B) It becomes magical
C) It symbolizes lies and jealousy
D) It is returned to Othello
Answer: C
Why does Iago hate Othello?
A) Othello insulted him
B) Othello married Desdemona
C) Othello didn’t promote him
D) Othello arrested him
Answer: C
Who is the "Moor of Venice"?
A) Cassio
B) Iago
C) Othello
D) Roderigo
Answer: C
What kind of person is Desdemona?
A) Proud and selfish
B) Kind and loyal
C) Brave but dishonest
D) Clever and suspicious
Answer: B
What does Iago do throughout the play?
A) Helps Othello and Desdemona
B) Spreads truth and peace
C) Tricks people and causes destruction
D) Marries Desdemona
Answer: C
Who is Emilia?
A) Desdemona’s sister
B) Cassio’s wife
C) Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s maid
D) The Duke’s daughter
Answer: C
What is Cassio’s main problem in the play?
A) He is secretly evil
B) He loses his job after a fight
C) He betrays Othello
D) He falls in love with Emilia
Answer: B
What does Roderigo want most?
A) To be a soldier
B) To marry Emilia
C) To become governor
D) To win Desdemona’s love
Answer: D
Who is Bianca in the play?
A) Othello’s cousin
B) A prostitute who loves Cassio
C) Desdemona’s maid
D) Iago’s second wife
Answer: B
What is Brabantio’s reaction to Desdemona’s marriage?
A) He celebrates
B) He forgives quickly
C) He is angry and shocked
D) He helps Othello
Answer: C
What role does Lodovico play at the end of the play?
A) He kills Iago
B) He gives Othello’s property to Graziano
C) He becomes governor
D) He marries Desdemona
Answer: B
Activity
. 👩🏻💍🌹🕊️
→ Desdemona
B. 👩🏻🧠🗣️🗝️⚖️
→ Emilia
C. 👩🏻🦲🕷️🧠🤥🗡️
→Iago
D.🧑🏻💸🥲🔪
→Roderigo
E. 👴🏻😠🏦
→Brabantio
F. 👮🏻♂️⚔️💔
→Othello
G. 👑⚖️📃
→ The duke
GUESS WHO AM I ?
Read the emoji description and write the character's name
Ans:1
→ Bianca
Ans : 2
→Grabantio
Ans:3
→Lodovica
Ans :4
→Montago
Short Answers
Answer:1
The (key) is used to describe Emilia in Othello because she unlocks the truth—she reveals Iago’s plot, exposes the deception, and brings clarity to Othello and others.
Answer:2
The 💔 suggests Othello’s journey of love turning into jealousy, betrayal, and deep heartbreak, leading to his tragic downfall.
Answer:3
The 🤥 suggests that Iago is dishonest, deceitful, and manipulative, always using lies to control others.
🎨Bonus: Express cassio in Emojis!
Three emojis: ⚔️🍷🙏🏻
⚔️ = his role as a noble soldier and lieutenant.
🍷 = his weakness with drinking, which causes mistakes.
🙏🏻 = his regret and desire for forgiveness and honour.
Eassy
Theme:
The Christmas tree in the Helmer home is not just decoration—it represents Nora herself. At the
start, it’s fresh, beautiful, and carefully arranged, just like Nora, who tries to appear perfect and
cheerful for her family. But as Nora’s secret about borrowing money begins to weigh on her, the
tree becomes “disheveled,” with its candles burned down and decorations falling off. This
change in the tree shows how Nora’s happy appearance is starting to break apart. Just as she
hides the tree from the children until it is decorated, Nora hides her real worries from everyone,
trying to look like the perfect wife and mother. The Christmas tree reminds the audience that
Nora is being treated like an object—something to look pretty, not a real person with her own
needs.
2. New Year’s Day
The play happens at Christmastime, and both Nora and Torvald talk about the New Year as a
fresh start. Torvald is excited about his new job, which will give him more money and more
respect. Nora is also excited because she thinks she will finally be able to repay her secret debt to
Krogstad. But by the end of the play, the “new start” has a totally different meaning. Instead of
becoming a richer, happier family, Nora and Torvald both have to change completely as people.
Torvald learns his marriage was not as perfect as he thought, and Nora decides to leave and start
a new life as an independent woman. So the New Year symbolizes not just money or success, but
a deep change in who they are and how they live.
3. Nora’s Tarantella Dance
The tarantella is a wild, lively dance that Nora performs at a party, but in the play it has a deeper
meaning. Torvald chooses Nora’s costume and even tells her exactly how to dance, treating her
like a doll he can control. He wants her to dance in a way that shows off his “beautiful little
wife,” not as a real person. But Nora secretly uses the dance for her own purposes—she practices
with Mrs. Linde and Krogstad as a way to distract Torvald while she hides her secret. During
rehearsal, Nora dances more wildly than Torvald likes, showing that she is starting to rebel
against his control. At the party, she dances “a bit too naturalistic,” which means she is showing
her true emotions instead of just pleasing him. The tarantella shows both Nora’s doll-like role in
her marriage and her growing desire to break free from it.