Henrik Ibsen The Father of Modernism in Theatre Essay

Henrik Ibsen: The Father of Modernism in Theatre Rank, deadly pessimistic, a disease, evil to be deprecated (Bordman and Hischak 1). Who would have thought such words would be used to describe the work of the man who swept modernism into theatre? Henrik Ibsen’s life was not one to envy. The shame the surrounded his childhood and seeped into his adulthood greatly impacted his writing. Infusing his plays with highly controversial themes, which lacked the current sunny air of Victorian values which Europe held in such a high regard, which led him to make a lasting impact on theatre. However despite the depression and poverty that surrounded Ibsen’s life, as well as having his work often dubbed pessimistic and unwanted, he left an every†¦show more content†¦During Ibsens life him home land of Norway was rejoicing after gaining independence from Sweden, and therefore being allowed to have a separate monarchy. This time of celebration influenced Ibsen’s writi ngs, filling his works with a great sense of nationalism (Powers 1). Nineteenth century Europe was dominated by Victorian values, something all of Ibsen’s work clearly went against. Victorian values bubbled down to proper families and sexual restraint. Ibsen’s plays were full of cheating couples and illegitimate children, not exactly material considered welcome in theatre at the time (Bordman and Hischak 1). Henrik Ibsen published several plays that were highly recognized, sometimes for the level of disgust they caused, and sometimes for their sheer brilliance. One of Ibsen’s better known works, An Enemy of the People, not only bashed Victorian right views but liberal views in showing how one person can stand against society. The Wild Duck, known as one of Ibsen’s most prominent works, highlights on affairs, clearly steeping against Victorian values. Whereas his Peer Gynt is not only disturbing realistic, but also explores folk lore and the unconscious . These plays, among Ibsen’s work greatly stirred the emotions of their audiences. Many found Ibsen’s plays disgusting, immoral and dreary. Not only did Ibsen’s plays clearly contradict Victorian values, but they forced people to question everyday norms. Audiences tended to think of theatreShow MoreRelatedHerik Ibsen: Father of Modern Drama1459 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Shivany Condor Mrs. Besnard IB English HL2 21 November 2013 Henrik Ibsen as â€Å"The Father of Modern Drama† Henrik Ibsen has long been referred to as the Father of Modern Drama, and such title has rightly been given so. Mr. Ibsen was one of the pioneer theatre dramaturges that began the Modernism Movement, primarily known as the Realism Movement. Modernism/Realism was a revolutionary idea back in Ibsen s time. 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