Chapter 4, Henrik Ibsen: 'On the Contrary' Summary and Analysis

Henrik Ibsen is said to have invented modern drama. He affected the social thinking of her generation through his plays. He changed the way of thinking toward inhibitions and prejudices and laid the foundations for a permissive society.

He worked his way through the university and began writing plays, most of which were not produced. His first success was The Pretenders in 1864. Like other dramatists of the time, his plays were first published in book form. His first wave of success was with Brand and Peer Gynt in the 1866-67 period. The second wave began in 1870 with Brand, which involved revolutionary ideas. Pillas of Society, A Doll's House and Ghosts followed, which raised questions about relevant social issues like the oppression of women. His third wave of success was in the...