Act II is largely a continuation of themes and character development that were introduced in the first act: Helmer's preoccupation with beauty in the household continues to be prevalent in Act II. Nora says "Yes, Torvald knows how to make it nice and pretty around here." Nora seems to have ...

The Role of the Mask in King Lear What is a mask? The dictionary defines a mask as "anything that disguises or conceals." Characters in King Lear use masks throughout the play. The masks are used for two main functions: to conceal one's true plans and actions and to provi...

SETTING The play is set in the thirteenth or fourteenth century in Italy in Verona and Mantua. Much of the action takes place in Juliet's house. Two cities of Venice are also mentioned in the play. The Capulets and the Montagues, the main families of the play, are from noble lineage and wealth; the...