A Dolls House Henrik Ibsen Ibsen Born in
A Doll’s House Henrik Ibsen
Ibsen • Born in Norway in 1828 – Family was poor; he left home early – Deeply resented his father; rebelled • Drank • Fathered a child at 18 • Joined radical political groups • Began writing political verse (questioned moral foundations of society) – Caught the attention of a famous violinist – Staged and directed 15 plays before becoming director of the Norwegian Theater • Its bankruptcy caused his career to plunge
Ibsen • Married in 1858 • Bitter about politics, he moved to Italy for almost 30 years – Wrote two of his greatest works, Brand Peer Gynt • Norwegian parliament granted him a pension for life because of his popularity – He began to write more realistic prose dealing with contemporary issues and problems – Wrote A Doll’s House in 1879
Ibsen’s Writing • Ibsen’s hero - forced to conform; torn between duty and self-fulfillment • Modern Drama – Ibsen is credited with beginning modern drama – Influences • • Darwinianism Freud and psychology Industrial revolution Democracy
The Problem Play • Ibsen is credited with the development of the problem play, characterized as a play in which: – The presentation of a social or psychological problem – Theme is more important than plot or character – Solutions are rarely given – Sentimentality is refused
The Problem Play • Ibsen said, “A dramatist’s business is not to answer questions, but only to ask them. ” – Think about this statement as you read A Doll’s House
Takeaways: Things to Remember about Ibsen • He established realism as the ruling principle of modern drama • He is called the “father of modern drama” • He was viewed by his contemporaries as immoral and subversive • Critics often charge him as too radical for the 19 th century, but too conservative for the 20 th century
Ibsen
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