(79) Symbolism, Realism, and a Nordic Playwright Grudge Match: Crash Course Theater #33

Introduction to Ibsen and Strindberg Rivalry

  • Mike Rugnetta introduces the bitter rivalry between Henrik Ibsen (Norway) and August Strindberg (Sweden).

  • Ibsen referred to Strindberg as his "mortal enemy," illustrating the intensity of their conflict.

Henrik Ibsen

  • Background

    • Born in Skien, Norway.

    • Left school at 15, started working as a pharmacist's apprentice.

    • Had an illegitimate son at 18 but did not meet him.

    • Initially wrote verse dramas while managing a theater.

    • Married and later left Norway.

  • Major Works

    • Wrote influential verse plays:

      • "Brand": about a harsh priest who leads people to death.

      • "Peer Gynt": a fantastical tale exploring identity.

    • Transitioned to prose plays addressing bourgeois issues:

      • "The Pillars of Society"

      • "A Doll's House"

      • "Ghosts"

      • "An Enemy of the People"

    • Philosophy: "People demand reality; no more, no less."

Impact of Ibsen's Plays

  • Ibsen's works radically challenged societal norms and bourgeois values.

    • Presented complex characters and situations.

    • Shifted focus from plot-driven narratives to character depth.

    • Critique of bourgeois family: dramatized the sham of traditional institutions.

  • Controversial Reception

    • "Ghosts" faced harsh criticisms for its raw portrayal of societal issues.

    • His plays revealed uncomfortable truths about morality and society.

"A Doll's House" Overview

  • Written in 1879, notable for its shocking ending.

  • Plot Summary:

    • Centers on Nora Helmer, who has made a forgery to save her husband.

    • Torvald Helmer’s reaction leads to Nora’s realization of the hollow nature of their marriage.

  • Themes:

    • Exploring identity, societal roles, and self-discovery.

    • Provocative ending that culminated in Nora's departure from her family.

Shift to Symbolism

  • In later works, Ibsen adopted mysticism and symbolism, such as in "The Wild Duck" and "When We Dead Awaken."

  • His late plays questioned realism, influencing future playwrights to explore deeper themes beyond reality.

August Strindberg

  • Background

    • Born in 1849, had a tumultuous upbringing with psychological struggles.

    • Worked various jobs including as a librarian and playwright.

  • Initial Works

    • Early successes included realistic plays:

      • "The Father"

      • "Miss Julie": a tragic exploration of power dynamics and societal expectations.

  • Attitude Towards Women

    • Strindberg harbored misogynistic views, claiming Ibsen was an “ignorant women’s writer.”

Strindberg's Contribution to Naturalism and Symbolism

  • Emphasized character development influenced by heredity and environment.

    • Advocated for a more truthful depiction of life.

  • Shifted towards symbolism in later works like "To Damascus" and "The Ghost Sonata."

    • His late plays explored themes of meaning in a chaotic universe, foreshadowing expressionism and surrealism.

Conclusion: Lasting Legacies

  • Both Ibsen and Strindberg established the fundamentals of modern drama despite their personal enmity.

  • Their significant influence laid the groundwork for future theatrical movements and styles.

  • Upcoming discussion will shift focus to Anton Chekhov in Russia.