Invisibility or Death?

Dr. Rank

"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." - Marcus Tulius Cicero

In A Doll's House Dr. Rank is the only person that Nora talks freely with and seems as though he is the only person she trusts completely. In Dr. Ranks view of Nora, she is the love of his life and will do anything for her.

This quote reminded me of when Doctor Rank is confirming to Nora and her husband that he is dieing and bankrupt. He says that for next years masquerade ball he will be invisible and that Nora should stay dressed normally. He says that because unless they remember him, and think of him then he will disappear completely from their lives. He will lose his connection with Nora.

For Dr. Rank the only thing that he will miss is Nora. But he doesn't think that he will be missed.

In our time right now, it reminds me of how there are so many people that are in debt because of the economic recession and that how so many people can't repay those debts that they think about committing suicide. Although Dr. Rank is sick, I don't believe that he is at the point of terminal illness and has only one day to live as how the play makes it seem due to his father's affairs. The many people that do end up committing suicide are those that are so far into debt that they are receive calls from  collection agencies.