Tab Article

ratings: (4.8/5)
Genre: Classic Literature, Drama, Social Commentary, Feminist Literature

Book Review:
Henrik Ibsen is often called the ''father of modern drama,'' and this collection of three of his most important plays shows why. His work was revolutionary, tearing apart the conventions of the well-made play and replacing them with a probing, psychological realism that examined the darkest corners of contemporary society. The centerpiece of this collection is, of course, 'A Doll's House,' a play that exploded onto the European stage like a bombshell. Its portrayal of Nora Helmer, a wife and mother who realizes that her marriage has made her a ''doll'' and walks out on her family to discover herself, was scandalous and electrifying. It remains one of the most powerful feminist texts ever written, a searing indictment of the limited roles available to women in the 19th century. But the other two plays are equally rewarding. 'The League of Youth' is a sharp political satire, and 'The Lady from the Sea' is a more subtle, psychological exploration of freedom and commitment. Ibsen's genius is for creating characters who are complex and contradictory, and for placing them in situations that force them to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their society. His dialogue is naturalistic and tense, and his plots are constructed with masterful skill. This Penguin Classics translation by Peter Watts is excellent—readable and idiomatic, while preserving the power of Ibsen's language. The introduction provides helpful context. For anyone interested in modern drama, in feminist literature, or simply in great plays, this collection is essential. Ibsen's work still has the power to shock, to move, and to inspire.