Rosmersholm

Introduction

(1886)

Translated by R. Farquharson Sharp

As expressed by the protagonist, Rosmer, the theme of the play is social and political change, in which the traditional ruling classes relinquish their right to impose their ideals on the rest of society, but the action is entirely personal, resting on the conduct of the immoral, or amoral, "free thinking" heroine, Rebecca, who sets herself to undermine Rosmer's religious and political beliefs because of his influential position in the community. Rebecca has abandoned not only Christianity but, unlike Rosmer, she has abandoned the whole ethical system of Christianity as well. Possibly she may be taken as Ibsen's answer to the question of whether or not Christian ethics can be expected to survive the death of the Christian religion.

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Recent Forum Posts on Rosmersholm

The way Beata went

The way Beata went seems key to the play. Her way combines the centuries-old integrity and solemnity of the house of Rosmer with a modern infusion of liberal idea, espoused by the likes of Rebecca West. In the ending, Rebecca goes the way guileless Beata went to prove her integrity to John Rosmer. More interesting, Rosmer goes the same way out of unfettered love: 'The dead mistress has taken them'.

Posted By Gladys at Tue 22 Dec 2009, 3:26 AM in Rosmersholm || 0 Replies

'For now we two are one'

Rosmer and Rebecca echo the sentiment 'we two are one' before performing a show of unity by falling together into the mill-race. Only this terminal act can dispel all doubt of each other's love. Only by this act, is the integrity of each assured and confirmed. The same need for integrity, earlier, 'swept poor unhappy Beata' into the mill-race. Is this a play about the need for moral certainty amidst ambiguity, doubt and guilt? Is this what Leonard Cohen means by: I saw her wince, I saw her cry I saw the glory in her eye Myself I long for love and light But must it come so cruel, and oh so bright?