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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Ibsen plays with the dilemmas: heredity (Oswald), hypocrisy and bourgeois morality (Manders), women's duty (Mrs. Alving), respect for parents (Regina, again a very angelic woman) and euthanasia (Oswald). It didn't quite captivate me.
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed reading Ghosts. Ibsen's frank discussion about social expectations and taboos completely convinces you of their utter ridiculousness and most of the time he twists it on you in such a way that you don't realise exactly what's coming. Although this play is at its core, very tragic, and none of the characters come out of it better off, it's a very enjoyable read along the way and surprisingly witty. I did find Manders a little too ridiculous (well, unbelievable) at times, but I appreciated the point Ibsen was making that men are believed with the most inconsistent justification, while women are simply dismissed, even when painting a thoroughly convincing and real portrait of their motivations. A very quick read with a lot packed in, and an even more abrupt and turbulent ending - an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse
reflective
tense
a remarkable play about many complex social factors brilliantly conveyed in an everyday conversation style. I am stunned that these women were written by a man. an interesting take on how it's not just family influencing us but also simply the environment we live in
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Incest, Sexual harassment
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this was to me a slightly more interesting continuation for a doll's house. the energy and sequences of this play are gothic and dramatic in their dissection of family and duty and guilt, and the prevailing mother/son relationship was interesting to digest! talk about boymom! uh oh! also i really like the way ibsen ends his plays. some great writing in here too.
"The longer I live the more convinced I am that we're all haunted in this world - not by the things we inherit from our parents - but by the ghosts of innumerable old prejudices and beliefs - half-forgotten cruelties and betrayals - we may not even be aware of them - but they're there just the same - and we can't get rid of them."
"The longer I live the more convinced I am that we're all haunted in this world - not by the things we inherit from our parents - but by the ghosts of innumerable old prejudices and beliefs - half-forgotten cruelties and betrayals - we may not even be aware of them - but they're there just the same - and we can't get rid of them."
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated