Henrik Ibsen (1828 - 1906) is one of the very greatest names in world literature. He was a central figure in the modern break-through in the intellectual life of Europe, and is considered the father of modern drama. His plays are still highly topical, and continue to be staged in all parts of the world. It is said that Ibsen is the most frequently performed dramatist in the world after Shakespeare.
Ibsen had altogether 26 plays and one collection of poetry published. His works are often divided into four parts:
- National-romantic and historical dramas
The dramas from Catiline (1850) to The Pretenders (1863).
- Dramas of ideas
Love`s Comedy (1863), Brand (1866), Peer Gynt (1867) and Emperor and Galilean (1873)
- Realistic contemporary dramas
Pillars of Society (1877), A Doll`s House (1879), Ghosts (1881) and An Enemy of the People (1882).
- Psychological and symbolical dramas
The Wild Duck (1884), Rosmersholm (1886), The Lady from the Sea (1888), Hedda Gabler (1890), The Master Builder (1892), Little Eyolf (1894), John Gabriel Borkman (1896) and When We Dead Awaken (1899).
By Jens-Morten Hanssen / ibsen.net