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Cover of The collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 07 (of 11)

The collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 07 (of 11)

Written by Henrik Ibsen

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Norwegian dramaIbsen, Henrik, 1828-1906

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About this book

"The Collected Works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 07 (of 11)" by Henrik Ibsen is a collection of dramatic works from the late 19th century. This volume includes the renowned plays "A Doll’s House" and "Ghosts," both of which explore complex themes of morality, social norms, and the intricacies of human relationships. The main character in "A Doll’s House," Nora, is portrayed as a seemingly frivolous woman who undergoes a profound personal awakening, while "Ghosts" delves into familial legacy and societal hypocrisy. The opening of "A Doll’s House" introduces us to Nora Helmer, who is bustling about her home in the excitement of preparing for Christmas. She engages in playful banter with her husband, Torvald Helmer, showcasing their seemingly happy but complex relationship. As Nora remembers her past struggles, including the sacrifices she made for Torvald's health, we glimpse her inner turmoil and the weight of a secret that threatens to disrupt their domestic bliss. The scene sets up the tensions that will unravel as the plot progresses, hinting at Nora's journey of self-discovery and the challenging realities of her marriage.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 07 (of 11), written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • dark
  • thought-provoking
  • tragic

This volume, 'The Collected Works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 07 (of 11)', showcases two of Ibsen's most revolutionary and enduring plays: 'A Doll’s House' and 'Ghosts'. Both dramas are masterclasses in realism, dissecting the restrictive social conventions and moral hypocrisies of 19th-century bourgeois society. Through the profound personal awakenings of Nora Helmer and the tragic disillusionment of Mrs. Alving, Ibsen challenges prevailing notions of marriage, family, and individual freedom. The plays collectively represent a pivotal moment in dramatic literature, exposing the painful truths hidden beneath polite facades and advocating for a more authentic existence.

“I must stand quite alone if I am ever to understand myself and my relation to things.”

Key themes

Social Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Both plays savagely critique the 19th-century bourgeois obsession with maintaining a respectable facade, even at the cost of truth and individual happiness. Characters live lies to conform to societal expectations, leading to immense personal suffering and tragic consequences.
Individual Freedom vs. Societal Expectations
A central conflict in both plays is the struggle of individuals, particularly women, to assert their autonomy and find their true selves against the crushing weight of societal norms, traditional gender roles, and familial obligations.
The Burden of the Past / Heredity
Especially prominent in 'Ghosts', this theme explores how the actions, lies, and moral failings of the past continue to haunt and destroy the present. It suggests a form of determinism, where characters are victims of inherited traits, diseases, or the consequences of previous generations' deceptions.

Worth discussing

How do Nora's and Mrs. Alving's journeys challenge the traditional roles of women in 19th-century society and how relevant are these challenges today?

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