Extra Credit

Same scene. The kids and maids are asleep. Helmer still sits in the chair by the door. Unsure of what he will do, he repeatedly open and closes the door. He hears rapid steps down the hall. Enters Krogstad.


Krogstad: Mr. Helmer!  My letter, her note!  Did you not receive it? I am here because a miracle has occurred in my life-- and you have committed a terrible mistake. To turn away from your wife--, did you not read my note?

Helmer:  I did no such thing. Never to turn away from my wife, but miracles, miracles do come true, don't they? Yes, they do.

Krogstad: As I was leaving Kristine's, I turned around to gaze at my miracle, and I saw your wife entering Kristine's home. There she was, your Nora, very distraught. You must have read the letter and disowned her for her crime.

Helmer: No, I forgave her but she left me! She said we never had a true marriage. She said that all these years, I was a stranger who only mistreated her. Is she right, Krogstad? No she can't be. I nurtured her and I loved her. Like a child, she said. Like a doll, I made all the decisions for her. She's right. I did, but that is how our relationship is suppose to be.

Krogstad: It is. But Helmer, do we always have to behave the way we are expected to? Kristine-- my miracle-- the job you have offered her will allow her to support both of us. That is not the way, but I have accepted it because it is her wish. I must allow it for her sanity, regardless of what society thinks.

Helmer: You are right. I must do the same. I must change my ways if I wish to have my Nora back. Nora wants the freedom to make her own decisions, she wants to know herself and she wants purpose. Satisfying her family is not enough for her like the other women. My reputation will be harmed if I allow this but it is her wish.

Krogstad: You must! Go now!

Helmer: I will but not now. It is not time yet. She has not achieved what she desires. She is still a stranger to herself. I must fall in love with who she is and in order for that to happen, she must be made. I too, must reflect on what has occurred tonight. Alone, I must think.

Krogstad: As you wish. Best of luck Helmer. Goodnight.

Helmer: Thank you. Although your letters have caused this mess, they have also given Nora and I the opportunity to transform our marriage. Thank you, the miracle will come true.