10.1 Henrik Ibsen and the birth of modern realist drama

Henrik Ibsen revolutionized theatre with his realistic dramas that tackled social issues head-on. He challenged societal norms, exposing moral hypocrisy and exploring complex themes like gender roles and individual freedom.

Ibsen's plays, including "A Doll's House" and "Ghosts," sparked controversy and public debate. His focus on realistic characters and dialogue earned him the title "father of modern drama," influencing future playwrights and shaping the development of realism in theatre.

Themes and Commentary in Ibsen's Works

Social Critique and Moral Hypocrisy

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• Ibsen's plays often critique the moral hypocrisy and societal constraints of the 19th-century Norwegian middle class
• Exposes the darker aspects of human nature and relationships
• Ghosts (1881) deals with the consequences of inherited sin and the impact of past actions on the present
  • Highlights the stifling effects of societal expectations and the need for individual liberation

Gender Roles and Individual Freedom

• A Doll's House (1879) explores themes of gender roles, marriage, and individual freedom
  • Protagonist Nora Helmer struggles against the limitations imposed on her by society
  • Ultimately leaves her family to discover her true identity
• Hedda Gabler (1890) portrays a complex female protagonist trapped in a loveless marriage and constrained by societal expectations
  • Manipulates those around her and ultimately takes her own life

Personal Integrity and Societal Conflict

• An Enemy of the People (1882) addresses the conflict between personal integrity and the will of the majority
  • Dr. Stockmann faces opposition from his community when he reveals that the town's public baths are contaminated
• The Master Builder (1892) explores themes of aging, ambition, and the fear of being surpassed by the younger generation
  • Delves into the complex relationship between the artist and his muse

Ibsen's Influence on Modern Drama

Father of Modern Drama

• Ibsen is considered the "father of modern drama" due to his groundbreaking approach to playwriting
• Focused on realistic characters, dialogue, and social issues
• Rejected the prevailing melodramatic and romantic styles of 19th-century theatre in favor of a more naturalistic approach
  • Aimed to hold a mirror up to society and expose its flaws

Impact on Realism and Psychological Drama

• Ibsen's plays influenced the development of realism in theatre
  • Inspired playwrights such as August Strindberg, Anton Chekhov, and George Bernard Shaw to explore similar themes and techniques
• Had a significant impact on the development of modern psychological drama
  • Delved into the inner lives and motivations of his characters in unprecedented ways

Representation of Strong Female Characters

• Ibsen's plays often featured strong, complex female characters who challenged traditional gender roles and societal norms
  • Nora in A Doll's House and Hedda in Hedda Gabler
• Paved the way for more diverse representation in theatre

Ibsen's Challenge to Societal Norms

Controversial Themes and Taboo Subjects

• Ibsen's plays often sparked controversy and public debate due to their frank portrayal of taboo subjects
  • Venereal disease, euthanasia, and women's rights
• Ghosts dealt with the then-taboo subject of inherited syphilis and was banned in many countries due to its perceived immorality
  • Forced audiences to confront the consequences of societal hypocrisy and the oppressive nature of social conventions

Challenging Traditional Gender Roles and Marriage

• A Doll's House was seen as a radical critique of traditional gender roles and marriage
  • Nora's decision to leave her family at the end of the play shocked audiences and provoked intense discussions about women's rights and individual freedom
• Ibsen challenged his audiences to reexamine their beliefs and values
  • Considered the ways in which societal norms and expectations could be oppressive and limiting

Individual Conscience and the Will of the Majority

• An Enemy of the People highlighted the conflict between individual conscience and the will of the majority
  • Raised questions about the nature of democracy and the role of the individual in society
• Ibsen's plays encouraged audiences to think critically about societal norms and the consequences of conformity

The Well-Made Play and Ibsen's Writing

Conventions of the Well-Made Play

• The "well-made play" was a popular dramatic structure in the 19th century
  • Characterized by a tight plot, careful exposition, and a logical sequence of events leading to a climax and resolution
• Ibsen's early plays, such as The Pillars of Society (1877) and A Doll's House, adhered to the conventions of the well-made play
  • Carefully constructed plots and use of dramatic irony

Subverting and Challenging the Well-Made Play

• As Ibsen's career progressed, he began to subvert and challenge the conventions of the well-made play
  • Experimented with more open-ended and ambiguous endings
  • Focused more on character development than plot
• Plays like Ghosts and Hedda Gabler feature a looser, more episodic structure and a greater emphasis on psychological realism
  • Marked a departure from the strict confines of the well-made play

Pushing the Boundaries of Dramatic Form

• While Ibsen's later plays still maintain elements of the well-made play, such as careful exposition and a logical sequence of events
  • They also push the boundaries of the form and pave the way for more experimental and avant-garde approaches to playwriting
• Ibsen's evolution as a playwright demonstrates his willingness to challenge established conventions and explore new frontiers in dramatic form