In 1879 Nora in Ibsen's "A Doll's House" abandons her husband and children with a door slam (bang) that has echoed down the years as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and independence.
Ten years later Ibsen wrote "Hedda Gabler" a strong independent woman who completes her journey of self-discovery, disillusioned, malicious and alienated – and like Nora goes out with a bang.
While sitting in my tub this question occurred to me.
Is Hedda Gable and her craving for life a reincarnation of Nora and what Ibsen thought would be her ulitmate destiny? Is Hedda's tragic failure the destiny of women in a modern world?
Tell me what you think.
From my tub to yours
Carpe Dien,
Carl
Posts
Well, I'm not going to specifically remark on either of these plays, as I've only seen the Doll House, many years ago in college; I was overwhelmingly depressed by it. I was young and idealistic and thought marriage and family life would surely be the happiest form of existence. Why would anyone walk away from that?!??! Now, I'm older, not a lot wiser and I never take baths, so I guess I'll never have a Eureka moment. But, I do enjoy Dixie today.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are young we are all idealistic, and all wiser when we are older. The joy of living is in life's cruel struggle. And, there is real joy in that struggle if we seek it.
Delete