Read the passage from a doll’s house. [scene: a room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not extravagantly. at the back, a door to the right leads to the entrance-hall, another to the left leads to helmer's study. between the doors stands a piano. in the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and beyond it a window. near the window are a round table, arm-chairs and a small sofa. in the right-hand wall, at the farther end, another door; and on the same side, nearer the footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and a rocking-chair; between the stove and the door, a small table. engravings on the walls; a cabinet with china and other small objects; a small book-case with well-bound books. the floors are carpeted, and a fire burns in the stove. it is winter. a bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. enter nora, humming a tune and in high spirits. she is in outdoor dress and carries a number of parcels; these she lays on the table to the right. she leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is seen a porter who is carrying a christmas tree and a basket, which he gives to the maid who has opened the door.] nora: hide the christmas tree carefully, helen. be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. [to the porter, taking out her purse.] how much? why does the author of the play include the first paragraph of stage directions? to allow the readers to get to know the characters to explain how a character feels about something to allow the reader to visualize the play’s setting to familiarize the reader with the theme of the play