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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Not sure why this is called Ghosts or why it has been produced so much really. I am obviously missing a lot of subtext. I found this a very dull read; nothing happens and I didn't care about any of the characters.
Searing indictment of moral hypocrisy that shares some themes with Ari Astner’s “Hereditary”. As always, Ibsen writes epic monologues. The tension is palpable and deftly sustained throughout.
I'm astonished Ibsen wrote and produced a play about venereal disease and euthanasia in 1881. It's like he thought: what is most controversial nowadays and how can I fit it all in? Let's see: a mother abandoning a child and husband (implied that she went to be with the family priest, but he shuns her and sends her back home), a case of barely avoided incest, etc.
I love how the text is decidedly against religious moralism and social conservatism. In fact, you could say it all goes wrong (a character is agonizing with syphilis) because his mother has been pressured to conform with patriarchy and social mores. He got it from his father, not because he was a "libertine". The tragedy comes from not being able to rebel against traditionalism, and not because of "promiscuity", as you might expect from nineteenth century writing.
Also, an interesting discussion about ghosts - what is inherited from previous generations (aside from venereal disease) in terms of social constraints and how these ideas, even not being our own, still haunt us.
Especially enjoyed seeing a judgmental priest get his fill. Really liked Mrs. Alving.
I will try to read more plays by Ibsen next month.
I love how the text is decidedly against religious moralism and social conservatism. In fact, you could say it all goes wrong (a character is agonizing with syphilis) because his mother has been pressured to conform with patriarchy and social mores. He got it from his father, not because he was a "libertine". The tragedy comes from not being able to rebel against traditionalism, and not because of "promiscuity", as you might expect from nineteenth century writing.
Also, an interesting discussion about ghosts - what is inherited from previous generations (aside from venereal disease) in terms of social constraints and how these ideas, even not being our own, still haunt us.
Especially enjoyed seeing a judgmental priest get his fill. Really liked Mrs. Alving.
I will try to read more plays by Ibsen next month.
Just reading this was unsatisfactory, need to see this on stage - asap.
Dull dull dull but has interesting and symbolic conventions which resonate more clearly when performed.
From BBC Radio 3 - Drama on 3:
Helene Alving, a widow, is delighted that her son has returned home to Norway from his artist's life in Paris. The orphanage founded in her husband's name is about to open with the blessing of the local pastor, but there are family secrets and ghosts of the past beneath the surface of her ordered life which are about to come out to devastating effect.
Helene Alving, a widow, is delighted that her son has returned home to Norway from his artist's life in Paris. The orphanage founded in her husband's name is about to open with the blessing of the local pastor, but there are family secrets and ghosts of the past beneath the surface of her ordered life which are about to come out to devastating effect.