🏠 Ibsen’s Biography & Personal Influences

Born 1828, Skien, Norway.

Prosperous family ruined when he was 8.

Father drank and became violent.

Mother self-sacrificing — parallels to Agnes in Brand.

Ibsen fathered child out of wedlock at 18.

Financial instability shaped his focus on money and reputation.

Influenced by strong women in his life (Suzannah, Camilla Collett).

Claimed he wrote about humanity, not feminism.

Inspired by real-life case of Laura Kieler (forgery + asylum).

Earlier play included doll imagery (“dressed me up like a doll”).