Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really liked this, probably more than Hedda Gabler and A Dolls House. I think it was more interesting and the characters were less boring/ irritating. I think that it was more dramatic and was more interesting to read, and the symbolism of fire and ghosts was really fun to read (obviously the subject matter was not fun) Overall, i think the ending shocked me because I was convinced that a female character would die, but in reality it was Oswald who seems about to die in the last pages. This was very interesting to me as whilst this play is mainly centred on Mrs Engstrad, it is her son that dies in part because of her own actions (or her husbands actions, but she believes them to be her own) I think that that guilt was a main part of the play that made me enjoy it. It also, like A Doll’s House, was very claustrophobic, but this time because of the constant stormy weather that happens throughout the play.
This was a good book to end 2021 on
This was a good book to end 2021 on
comparing it to [b:A Doll's House|37793|A Doll's House|Henrik Ibsen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427119396l/37793._SY75_.jpg|10535173] (another of henrik ibsen's works which i happened to read right before this), i found myself a bit less drawn to this play - perhaps because its much darker than i initially expected, or because i was attached to the characters a little less, just as there were fewer lines that really hit me throughout the play. however, i do think that this play would be a lot better expressed visually, so it may be worth a shot watching the film instead.
but, on positives, if there's one thing i now associate henrik ibsen with, it's his immaculate symbolism. from what i've read so far, i think that it is his speciality and the crux of his work. the title of this play, 'ghosts', ended up being such a significant part of the story & i think that the symbolism here was executed brilliantly.
but, on positives, if there's one thing i now associate henrik ibsen with, it's his immaculate symbolism. from what i've read so far, i think that it is his speciality and the crux of his work. the title of this play, 'ghosts', ended up being such a significant part of the story & i think that the symbolism here was executed brilliantly.
I am frightened and timid, because I am obsessed by the presence of ghosts that I never can get rid of.
"Men jeg tror næsten, vi er gengangere allesammen, pastor Manders. Det er ikke bare det, vi har arvet fra far og mor, som går igen i os. Det er alleslags gamle afdøde meninger og alskens gammel afdød tro og sligt noget. Det er ikke levende i os; men det sidder i alligevel og vi kan ikke bli’ det kvit. Bare jeg tar en avis og læser i, er det ligesom jeg så gengangere smyge imellem linjerne. Der må leve gengangere hele landet udover. Der må være så tykt af dem som sand, synes jeg. Og så er vi så gudsjammerlig lysrædde allesammen.”
3.5 stars
It is the very mark of the spirit of rebellion to crave for happiness in this life. What right have we human beings to happiness? We have simply to do our duty, Mrs. Alving!
It is the very mark of the spirit of rebellion to crave for happiness in this life. What right have we human beings to happiness? We have simply to do our duty, Mrs. Alving!
the end of this makes me lose my goddamn mind. really good.