Discuss the foreshadowing in Nora’s conversation with Anne-Marie in A Doll's House.

In Act II of A Doll's House, Nora has a conversation with her nursemaid, Anne Marie, in which the two discuss the nursemaid's history with Nora. 

We learn that Nora was raised by Anne Marie. Moreover, she has remained with Nora, even after the latter's marriage, and is now taking care of Nora's children. 

Nora has a great deal of affection for Anne Marie. She also appreciates the work that the now-elderly woman has done for Nora's kids. 

Yet, the conversation takes an interesting turn when Anne reminds Nora that she (Anne) was once a “girl in trouble,” and that the man who got her pregnant did nothing for her. Nora is sad to learn that the woman’s daughter has never forgiven her mother for having raised her out of wedlock.

To this, Nora responds by reminding Anne how kind and loving she has always been toward Nora’s family, and that Anne has a lot of motherly traits, regardless of what had happened in her life. Nora also adds,

Nora. And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would--What nonsense I am talking! [Opens the box.] Go in to them. Now I must--. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look.

Basically, Nora is saying that, if her children ever were to be without a mother, Anne would also care for them. However, Nora stops herself from thinking that way and shifts the conversation toward the topic of the ball. The foreshadowing is that of Nora’s children being without a mother.  We will learn, as the play goes on, that this is exactly what will happen.

Nora will leave the household, including her children, after experiencing the utter disappointment of Torvald’s reaction after learning that Nora had made a money transaction with Krogstad; a shady and vindictive employee that Torvald despises.  These types of transactions were considered inappropriate for women to make, especially with a man other than her husband. Moreover, this particular man was one of her husband’s worst employees, and one who personally dislikes and disrespects Torvald, as it is.

Rather than asking the rationale behind this transaction, which was one of personal sacrifice from Nora’s part, Torvald reacts uncontrollably. He is cruel, mean, and insulting to his wife. This is nothing remotely close to the reaction that Nora had always expected of her husband.

Nora hoped that Torvald would understand why she had to make such a deal with Krogstad in the first place. She also wished that  Torvald would be willing to take the blame for whatever went Nora’s way. She really yearned that Torvald would show his love this way. 

Then, a twist happens. Torvald receives a second letter from Krogstad in which the latter makes a truce and tells them that he will not blackmail anybody. However, the deed had been done.  It was too late to revert the ugly impression that Torvald’s original response had caused in his wife.  Disappointed and deflated, Nora finally sees the reality of her life:  She was her husband’s plaything, she has never been valued or appreciated in her marriage, and all her sacrifices have been worth nothing. She has never found herself, and she knows that this is the time to do it.

When she left her home, she also left her children motherless. This is the scary thought she foreshadows during her conversation with Anne. Sadly, it will become a reality in Nora’s life.