But he’s got a terrible disease – he’s got spinal tuberculosis, poor man. His father was a frightful creature who kept mistresses and so on. As a result Dr. Rank has been sickly ever since he was a child…

Nora describes why Dr. Rank seemed in poor spirits to Mrs. Linde. Nora attributes Dr. Rank’s poor health from childhood to his father’s moral failings. Dr. Rank projects a similar case on Krogstad, characterizing him as “morally twisted.” It would seem that Dr. Rank feels the need to prevent what happened to him from happening to others.

That I have loved you as deeply as anyone else has? Was that horrid of me?

While speaking with Nora, Dr. Rank confesses his love for her, adding that Torvald is not the only man who would make sacrifices for her. In the end, however, we learn that Torvald does not even consider sacrificing himself for Nora. In his confession, Dr. Rank reveals his love for Nora to be more honest and real, as the emotion evolved while actually spending time with her.

Ah, yes – these dear rooms, how well I know them. What a happy, peaceful home you two have.

Dr. Rank says this upon entering the Helmers’ home for what he knows will be the last time. He sees what Torvald and Nora want them to see: a happy and peaceful home and marriage. Dr. Rank idealizes their life, perhaps to cope with his own misfortune, and cannot see the deceit and manipulation that happens within their marriage.