3 Review(s)

The book explores Ibsen’s most famous plays, such as "A Doll's House," "Ghosts," "Hedda Gabler," and "An Enemy of the People," examining the themes of individualism, societal expectations, and moral conflict that pervade his works. Firkins provides historical context for these plays, showing how Ibsen’s themes often reflected the cultural and political climate of 19th-century Europe, particularly in relation to issues like gender roles, family dynamics, and the power of institutions."Henrik Ibsen" by Firkins is both a literary study and a biographical account, offering a comprehensive view of the playwright’s personal life and artistic development. Firkins delves into Ibsen's complex character, his struggles with his contemporaries, and the lasting legacy of his works. As one of the early critical studies of Ibsen, the book helps establish the playwright as a central figure in the history of theater, shedding light on the significance of his contributions to the evolution of modern drama and his role in the cultural movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.