A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen

1. A Doll Houseby Henrik Ibsen Introduction Notes

2. What is Realism? • Literature that attempts to create the appearance of life as it is actually experienced. Commonplace, everyday life rather than extraordinary events (Oedipus) are the focus. (1875-1900) • Records details of ordinary life • Concentrates on the typical/average “Joe” (not royalty) • Examines a slice of life

3. Realism Characteristics • Speak the way we speak in real life • Conflicts involve work, love, marriage, children, death • Deals with factories, slums, bosses, social outcasts, shopkeepers, the rising & struggling middle class • Portrays man imprisoned by forces he could not control or understand. Viewed society as restricting.

4. Realism on Stage • Attempts to create the illusion of “real life” on stage • Scenery is real • “life-like” language • “well-made” plots • 4th wall convention - actors address each other; they do not speak directly to audience

5. Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) • Father of realism and the modern drama • He moved away from romanticism and its use of stereotyped characters, exaggerated emotions, and flowery language • Explored controversial topics of his time

6. Ibsen’s style • Lack of metaphors • Presence of symbolism • Short, choppy, dialogue

7. A “social problem” play • Addresses controversial topics, problems in society • A Doll House – inferior role of women • An Enemy of the People – corrupt public officials • Want to teach about & correct social probs • Danger is playwright has to create characters with whom the audience can identify otherwise play feels like propaganda

8. Major Themes in A Doll House • Coming-of-age and loss-of-innocence • Loss of female identity that the inferior position of women in this society fostered • Concept that one’s highest duty is to oneself, even if that duty appears to break all the rules of society • The idea that the appearance of things does not always mirror reality and, sometimes, may mask the true reality