Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/179

 Helmer.

To forsake your home, your husband, and your children! And you don't consider what the world will say.

Nora.

I can pay no heed to that. I only know that I must do it.

Helmer.

This is monstrous! Can you forsake your holiest duties in this way?

Nora.

What do you consider my holiest duties?

Helmer.

Do I need to tell you that? Your duties to your husband and your children.

Nora.

I have other duties equally sacred.

Helmer.

Impossible! What duties do you mean?

Nora.

My duties towards myself.

Helmer.

Before all else you are a wife and a mother.

Nora.

That I no longer believe. I believe that before all else I am a human being, just as much as you are—or at least that I should try to become one. I know that most people agree with you, Torvald,