This chapter presents the following content: Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, functions and characteristics of modern drama, the role of scandinavian drama, characters and characterization, Ibsen’s social rehabilitation, four cardinal sins of modern society,. | DRAMA II Modern Drama | An OVERVIEW Lecture 29 SYNOPSIS Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House Functions and Characteristics of Modern Drama mirrors the complex struggle of life the inspiration is to seek truth either to become part of the process or be left behind This is the social significance which differentiates modern dramatic art from art for art’s sake. It is the dynamite which undermines superstition, shakes the social pillars, and prepares men and women for the reconstruction. 3 The Role of Scandinavian Drama “The State is the curse of the individual. How has the national strength of Prussia been purchased? By the sinking of the individual in a political and geographical formula. The State must go! That will be a revolution which will find me on its side. Undermine the idea of the State, set up in its place spontaneous action, and the idea that spiritual relationship is the only thing that makes for unity, and you will start the elements of a liberty which will be something worth possessing.” (Henrik Ibsen ) 4 Ibsen’s Work What Writer’s Have Said About Henrik Ibsen: “All of Ibsen is visionary drama His mastery of inwardness is second only to Shakespeare’s.” — Harold Bloom “Had the gospel of Ibsen been understood and heeded, these fifteen millions might have been alive now.” — George Bernard Shaw (Discussing the loss of life during World War I) “His characters may hate one another or be happy together, but they will generate nobility or charm.” — E. M. Forster II. Characters and Characterization Nora – The protagonist of the play and the wife of Torvald Helmer. a playful, naïve child who lacks knowledge of the world outside her home not as innocent or happy as she appears. In the end she finds her position in her marriage with increasing clarity and finds the strength to free herself from her oppressive situation. 2. Torvald Helmer – Nora’s husband. Torvald delights in his new position at the bank, just as he delights in his position of authority as a husband. | DRAMA II Modern Drama | An OVERVIEW Lecture 29 SYNOPSIS Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House Functions and Characteristics of Modern Drama mirrors the complex struggle of life the inspiration is to seek truth either to become part of the process or be left behind This is the social significance which differentiates modern dramatic art from art for art’s sake. It is the dynamite which undermines superstition, shakes the social pillars, and prepares men and women for the reconstruction. 3 The Role of Scandinavian Drama “The State is the curse of the individual. How has the national strength of Prussia been purchased? By the sinking of the individual in a political and geographical formula. The State must go! That will be a revolution which will find me on its side. Undermine the idea of the State, set up in its place spontaneous action, and the idea that spiritual relationship is the only thing that makes for unity, and you will start the elements of a liberty which will be something worth .
