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 and 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 19th century, but too conservative for the 20th century

Ibsen