Topic: Additional scene for Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” occurring shortly after Nora has left. Torvald receives a visit from Krogstad. (Scene: Torvald is standing, staring at the door that Nora just walked out of. Behind him, the fireplace is slowly going out. The door knocks then opens, and Krogstad walks in and stands next to him.) Krogstad: Hello Torvald. How are you? Torvald: Fine…yes…yes I’m fine… a bit chilly, but….you? Krogstad: I’m better. I just wanted to come by and bid my farewells, I am leaving. With Ms Linde.
Torvald: Oh. Why are you both leaving? Is something wrong? Krogstad: We are going to move town, get other jobs, in this town jobs in winter are scarce you know…business doesn’t thrive much…. Torvald: Really, is that so? Where are you going? Krogstad: We are moving over to the east, economy is booming, it might offer us some opportunity. Torvald: Well, I’m happy that you have moved on from our little misunderstanding. In fact, if I hadn’t have done such a thing then you would have probably resigned.
Krogstad: Torvald, stop twisting your actions. In fact, we are leaving because of you. You released me from my job, unjustifiably in most peoples eyes, barring from yourself of course, and then replaced me. And there aren’t any more jobs in this town in which, even with Ms Linde’s income combined would be suffice to raise my family. What we are doing is an incredible risk, to me, to her, to my family, if all goes well then we shall survive, if not, then we won’t. And I thought you would like to know that Torvald. I thought you might just like to think about your actions, because I don’t think I’m the one who should be angry anymore, I’m not. You need to change, change, and maybe then I would have done some good.
(Torvald sits down) Torvald: Well. Krogstad. I thank you for your honesty, and coming down here in person, with your act of so called good. Very brave of you. Certainly very brave.Krogstad: What do you mean brave? Torvald: Very brave after you sent those letters to me. Isn’t it Krogstad? How did you know I was going to be as calm as I am right now. Blackmail. Very good of you, you are smarter than I thought you were, but now I see you here I think you an idiot. Maybe I shouldn’t have fired you after all, and all this might have been avoided. But now I’m in this position.
Krogstad: (Notices open letter on table) Torvald, listen. I did that for my family, my children, Torvald. What you would have done, if you were desperate? I am sorry, and I apologise to Nora as well, but I did send you the contract. Torvald: Yes you did send me the contract, but also the letters, I think you forget. Krogstad: I have children. They are my life. My life, Torvald, can’t you see that? You spend your life shaping your image, I spend mine trying to feed mine. But now, at least I have a chance I’m willing to take, for my kids, god knows as long as there’s meat on my bones I would do anything for them… Torvald: Krogstad….Krogstad, Krogstad, Krogstad….(Looks at picture of family on the wall). You do have children, don’t you, as do I…
Krogstad: Yes, thank you for understanding- Torvald: Please leave. Krogstad: What? Torvald: Leave. Don’t ever come back. If you do, I’ll notify the police of what you did. You and Ms Linde and your starving children. Go.Krogstad: (Walks toward the door and opens it.) You know, Nora did what she did because she loved you, Torvald. Nora- Torvald: Nora is gone! Nora left me Krogstad! Because of you and your lovely bloody letter! She walked out that door not half hour ago! And out with her went my reputation, my pride, my, my little spendthrift, she left me. Oh god! (Sinks down to his knees crying, Krogstad walks over to him.)
Krogstad: I’m sorry, Torvald. I’m sorry it all had to turn out like this. If I had known- Torvald: No, don’t apologise, there was no way you could have known. I should apologise. I am sorry. I am sorry for firing you. Sorry for putting you in the position that you are in. I suppose we all get a little hot headed once in a while. (Krogstad goes and lights the fireplace, with his back turned towards Torvald) But, I would never have supposed that everything would have turned out like this. Is it a wonderful thing, Krogstad? Is love wonderful?
