Detailed Criticism of Henrik Ibsen's Work
H. Ibsen was one of the most important playwrights of the 19th century
Henrik Ibsen was one of the most important playwrights of the 19th century, but was not without his critics. Many people in his day decried his work as scandalous, immoral, and an affront to societal norms. However, in more recent times, his work has been read and understood as a critique of social norms, religious ideals, and economic structure in late 19th century Norway. Here are some detailed examples of Ibsen’s play that demonstrate these points of view.
 |
| Detailed Criticism of Henrik Ibsen's Work |
An Overview of Henrik Ibsen
Henrik Johan Ibsen was a major playwright in 19th century Europe. His plays and novels led to revolution and controversy and made him one of the most prominent figures in modern European theater. Though initially criticized for his immoral plots, he became a popular writer who led social change in his lifetime. He is often referred to as the father of realism. Though many critics faulted his character studies for not being true-to-life and overly idealistic, his best works are still discussed today, some even translated into film.
The Enemy of the People (1882)
This play was met with controversy upon its release for its criticism of the medical field. The protagonist, Dr. Thomas Stockmann, discovers a deadly epidemic in his town that is linked to contaminated water. To protect his family and community from harm, he declares there is a cholera outbreak but is met with opposition from prominent doctors. He protests because he believes these medical professionals are concerned only with lining their pockets by prescribing pills and performing expensive surgeries that are in actuality unnecessary.
Peer Gynt (1867)
Peer Gynt is frequently cited as Ibsen’s masterpiece. Detractors say it is over-written and convoluted, but to others it has a stylistic beauty that helps make up for what some consider its lack of plot. In many ways, Peer Gynt represents the prototype for existentialist writers in that he appears to reject his role in society (as well as those around him) without ever offering an alternative. It could be argued that Peer has no purpose but to simply exist, but other critics might say such criticism misses a major theme in Peer’s life—his attempts to find some meaning and goal from which he can derive his existence.
A Doll's House (1879)
Henrik Ibsen was born in Norway in 1828. He has written numerous plays, novels, and poems. However, his most popular play is A Doll’s House. The play is about a wife who thinks she can leave her husband without consequences, but ultimately cannot. Nora Helmer thinks that she can leave her husband and children to go back to university and get an education and start a career. When she leaves her family behind though, things turn out differently than expected; there are consequences for everyone involved after Nora leaves. Her husband finds out how much work it is taking care of their children on his own and their son becomes depressed because he misses his mother so much.
Ghosts (1881/1904)
To understand Ghosts, you have to begin with Brand. He is a struggling writer who feels as if he has been destined for greatness. He wants people to hear his message, but he just can’t reach them through his work alone. So he decides to write something which will strike fear into people and bring attention back to himself: A play based on a true story that his mother told him when he was young—the story of a woman named Alving and her son Oswald, who dies under mysterious circumstances. If Brand had intended it as a comment on hypocrisy in religion, however, it instead turns out to be a twisted commentary on family relationships and how secrets can tear them apart.
Hedda Gabler (1890)
Hedda Gabler is one of three works in which Ibsen addresses women’s role in marriage and society. The other two plays are A Doll’s House (1879) and Ghosts (1881). These three plays are generally referred to as the feminist trilogy because they are concerned with a woman’s right to be her own person. Although Hedda Gabler was not performed until 1890, it can still be considered part of the feminist trilogy. One reason is that it is set in 1891 and represents a changed world that reflects some of what happened during, and after, publication of A Doll’s House.
To Sum Up
While his novels were a big hit among many readers, these three works—A Doll’s House, Hedda Gabler, and The Master Builder—are not without their share of controversy. Critics accuse him of using his female characters as mere foils for male protagonists; others debate that perhaps he portrays women too harshly. Still others say he was an avant-garde writer before his time and appreciate how he pushed boundaries with these plays.
No comments: