Lakhasly

When the Helmers find Dr. Rank's letter that indicates he has gone home to await death, Torvald says:

"His suffering and his loneliness seemed almost to provide a background of dark cloud to the sunshine of our lives. Well, perhaps it's all for the best. For him at any rate. And maybe for us as well, Nora. Now there's just the two of us."Most actors portray Dr. Rank as soft- spoken and well-meaning-he does not mean to be vulgar but instead confesses his feelings for Nora mainly because he only has a few days left to live.When students first read the play, some feel immense sympathy for Dr. Rank.(Act Three)

It doesn't sound like they will miss him too much.

When the Helmers find Dr. Rank's letter that indicates he has gone home to await death, Torvald says:

"His suffering and his loneliness seemed almost to provide a background of dark cloud to the sunshine of our lives. Well, perhaps it's all for the best. For him at any rate. And maybe for us as well, Nora. Now there's just the two of us." (Act Three)

It doesn't sound like they will miss him too much. Believe it or not, Torvald is the doctor's closest friend.

When students first read the play, some feel immense sympathy for Dr. Rank. Other students are disgusted by him-they believe that he fits his name, which is defined as "highly offensive, disgusting, vulgar, or indecent."

But does Dr. Rank really fit those negative descriptions? That depends on how the reader interprets Dr. Rank's affection for Nora. He says:

"Nora...Do you think he's the only one who...? Who wouldn't gladly give his life for your sake. I swore to myself you would know before I went. I'll never have a better opportunity. Well, Nora! Now you know. And now you know too that you can confide in me as in nobody else." (Act Two)

One could view this as an honorable love-from-afar, but it is also an uncomfortable situation for Nora. Most actors portray Dr. Rank as soft- spoken and well-meaning-he does not mean to be vulgar but instead confesses his feelings for Nora mainly because he only has a few days left to live.