dissolution
coming apart, as a person does during an illness
extravagant
luxurious; in excess of what is really necessary (especially in terms of cost or glamor).
feminism
the idea or ideal of gender equity in society, with a focus on issues pertaining to women.
flat
an apartment.
indiscreet
not discreet; not keeping a sensitive or delicate matter private.
IOU
a written document acknowledging a debt (as "I owe you...").
lament
to feel or express sorrow about a bad choice or bad circumstance.
lark
a songbird.
macaroon
a chewy, sweet cookie made with sugar and egg whites.
patronizing
condescending; expressing the idea that someone is lower than oneself.
spinal consumption
a disease something like tuberculosis, colloquially thought to be a consequence of the diminishment of semen. Nora says that Dr. Rank has the disease as a consequence of his father's misdeeds.
tarantella
a fast, whirling southern Italian dance, usually performed by a single couple, once supposed to be a remedy for a tarantula bite. This is the dance which Nora dances for Helmer at the party.
tuberculosis
a contagious wasting disease which causes chest pain and coughing up of blood. Untreated, it eventually is fatal.
