On the Author: :
On the Author: Norwegian playwright in the mid 1800’s
lived the majority of adult life in countries other than Norway
alcoholic father / submissive mother
family was in debt and went bankrupt
became critical of those who controlled society
married an independent, dominant woman
On Ibsen’s Times: :
On Ibsen’s Times: a time of great change and upheaval in Europe
growth of a educated middle class
women beginning to question submissive behavior, although still expected to be passive
On Ibsen’s Writing Style: :
On Ibsen’s Writing Style: believed drama needed to address “modern” problems
used “piece bien faite” (well-made play) style – tightly woven melodramas, designed to entertain & keep playgoers on the edge of their seats
piece bien faites contain no unnecessary scenes or dialogues – every word or action sets up a later action
portrayed “everyday,” ordinary characters in middle class lives
On Ibsen’s Writing Style: :
On Ibsen’s Writing Style: wanted to use contemporary, everyday language
used “photographically” accurate settings / staging
resurrected and modernized the “retrospective plot “ – major events take place before the curtain goes up; the plot focuses on how characters deal with these events
On A Doll’s House: :
On A Doll’s House: in style and subject matter, it marked the birth of modern drama
questions women’s place in society and traditional women’s roles
outraged government and church officials
Ibsen forced to write an alternate ending
represented a “problem play” – one that examines modern, social, and moral problems of middle class people confronting controversial societal issues