"Ghosts" by Henrik Ibsen

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Henrik Ibsen is credited with inventing the modern realistic drama of the Independent Theater Movement and that his play "Ghosts" is cited as being most symbolic of this "New Drama". The author points out that all of the characters have a very long shared history; however, the linear, cause-and-effect structure of the plot occurs within 24 hours of the beginning of the play. The paper relates that the "moral" actions within the play lead to tragedy, despair and injustice. The paper suggests that, although Ibsen's dramas are often staged with vividly realistic sets, the author would stage "Ghosts" in a minimalist style to mirror the bleakness of the characters' lives.

Table of Contents:
Context
Genre
Given Circumstances
Geographic Location
Date
Economic Environment
Social Environment
Religious Environment
Previous Action
Plot Analysis
Character Analysis
Mrs. Alving
Theme
Language
Scenography

From the Paper:

"The pastor Manders condemns all of the following practices: divorce, adultery, premarital sex, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and lying. His opinions reflect the sexist foundation of the religious environment. He condemns Engstrand for his decision to marry the "fallen" Joanna for money, but sees nothing wrong with Mrs. Alving marrying her husband, a far more reckless young man, because of the financial benefits for herself and her family. He also condemns Mrs. Alving's decision to leave her husband, despite the abominable way he treated her, stating that "it is not a wife's part to be her husband's judge."

More papers on "Ghosts" by Henrik Ibsen:

• Analytical Essay # 103912 : "Misogyny in Henrik Ibsen's Plays"
• Book Review # 150122 : "Ibsen's "Ghosts"
• Analytical Essay # 31793 : "The Wild Duck" and "Ghosts"

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