Ibsen and Suicide

[Sitaram]

I am starting to read some plays by Ibsen:

http://www.med.uio.no/ipsy/ssff/engelsk/menuculture/Ystad.htm

[Sitaram]

http://www.med.uio.no/ipsy/ssff/engelsk/menuculture/Ystad.htm

Emma Goldman, author of The Social Significance of Modern Drama, describes Henrik Ibsen in this colorful way:

Uncompromising demolisher of all false idols and dynamiter of all social shams and hypocrisy, Ibsen consistently strove to uproot every stone of our social structure. Above all did he thunder his fiery indictment against the four cardinal sins of modern society: the Lie inherent in our social arrangements; Sacrifice and Duty, the twin curses that fetter the spirit of man; the narrow-mindedness and pettiness of Provincialism, that stifles all growth; and the Lack of Joy and Purpose in Work which turns life into a vale of misery and tears.

[byquist]

Ibsen, along with Chekhov and Shakespeare, are my favorites. Which one are you now reading? Was somewhat recently in a "Enemy of the People" which is a lark; great play, powerful, theatrical. I don't much associate the word, suicide, with Ibsen but some experts might; I don't know why. There is a short book of a few years ago that is very strong: "Ibsen: The Dramaturgy of Fear" by Michael Goldman. "Lady from the Sea" is one of the sweetest plays, so although maybe perceived as gruff and grumpy, Ibsen had a soft side too. His was not an easy life; few accolades until late in his life.

[byquist]

Well, I guess he does have a few suicides, what Hedda does to Lovborg and herself, plus the two heading out to the drawbridge or waterfalls in Rosmersholm, although it's been pointed out that it may not be a joint plunge, but something else entirely. Then there's the guy in his last play going into the mountains, and I forget what happened to Brand, something not good I know. So you make a point there. But, he was far more focused on the fire of life, facing life, etc., rather than departing from it.

[Ranoo]

Hi,
Biography
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0824842.html

Hedda Gabler
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/cs6/ibsen.html
Ghosts
http://endeavor.med.nyu.edu/lit-med/lit-med-db/webdocs/webdescrips/ibsen1054-des-.html
Little Eyolf
http://www.blackmask.com/books121c/7eylfdex.htm
The Master Builder
http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/hibsen/bl-hibsen-master-intro.htm
http://www.curtainup.com/masterbuilder.html
I read The Master Builder. It is really magnificent .Suicide is showing up in there. I don't want to spoil the play to you. I loved Hilde Wangel as a charcter who adds life to the whole play , albeit it seames queer person to me :confused: .
By the way, I have something to say about Ibsen in general. Yet, let us Waite till you finish.

Enjoy reading Sitaram :banana: !

[Sitaram]

Ranoo, by all means, speak your mind about Ibsen.... I have no real specific agenda or schedule. What you say may help me in my reading and thinking...

[Ranoo]

Sitaram,I'll promise to do so A.S.A.P .

[Ranoo]

Hello sitaram,

I couldn't remember exactly where I had read these couples of information about Ibsen.; which seemed to me interesting and new;. I tried hardly to look for it , in order to write the reference to you for , you might get use of it more .Unfortunately I end up with nothing. Anyhow here you are the summary of what I wanted to say about Ibsen
.
I had read that Henrik Ibsen used to write about an experience, which he wants to express ,in more than one literary form. For example, he writes a poem and a play that share one theme and talk about the same experience. To me he is absolutely a very genius writer because he could do so.

Also , since my concentration was on The Master Builder , it is said , that it is based on a real love story between Ibsen ,,at the last part of his life , he was about 60s ( am not sure about the age)and one young girl whom he met in Switzerland .

Doll's house is one of his most read plays. I recommend it


Rana

[Sitaram]

So nice to hear from you, Ranoo! It is nice to be in touch with young people from Arabia, and Sumatra, and so many different parts of the world. The Internet is such a wonderful force and potential in our lives today.

When I have some time, I shell investigate these matters which you bring up regarding Ibsen more deeply.