"Ghosts" by Henrik Ibsen Analysis
Inescapable Fate
Destiny is the predetermined course of events considered as something beyond human power or control. Many people think of destiny or fate as unavoidable and bound to happen. They feel there is a specific role chosen for them before birth which they must play, no matter what their personal choice. Some people try to change or alter their destiny by choosing different paths throughout their lives; only to find out the different course of action nonetheless leads them back to the same predetermined fate. No matter what a person does to avoid his or her fate, the certainty of his or her destiny follows through. Henrik Ibsen believes in this theory; he believes that a person’s life is predetermined and that person cannot do anything to change his or her fate. People “can’t get rid” of their already determined destinies (74). Whether it is a character’s prearranged life or just a simple situation, Ibsen incorporates destiny into one of his most memorable plays. In Ghosts, Ibsen proves his theme of inescapable fate.
Ibsen utilizes symbolism throughout the play to demonstrate one cannot escape his or her fate. Constant referencing to the weather hints that the conditions outside might act as some sort of a symbol. The “gloomy fjord landscape” (62) symbolizes the hidden truth, while the “bright sunshine” represents the truth (87). Throughout the beginning of the play, Ms. Alving hides the truth from her son, and accordingly, there is “never a ray of sunshine” (78). Osvald complains of the skies “veiled by steady rain” (62) and “shrouded in rain and mist” (72). He insists for his mother to “give [him] the sun,” meaning he wants the truth (87). There is no way Ms. Alving can prevent the sun from rising every day, just like there is no way she can prevent Osvald from knowing the real truth. Eventually the sun has to rise, and eventually Osvald will figure out the truth, his fate. When Ms. Alving finally accepts that she cannot escape the fate of the truth
Destiny is the predetermined course of events considered as something beyond human power or control. Many people think of destiny or fate as unavoidable and bound to happen. They feel there is a specific role chosen for them before birth which they must play, no matter what their personal choice. Some people try to change or alter their destiny by choosing different paths throughout their lives; only to find out the different course of action nonetheless leads them back to the same predetermined fate. No matter what a person does to avoid his or her fate, the certainty of his or her destiny follows through. Henrik Ibsen believes in this theory; he believes that a person’s life is predetermined and that person cannot do anything to change his or her fate. People “can’t get rid” of their already determined destinies (74). Whether it is a character’s prearranged life or just a simple situation, Ibsen incorporates destiny into one of his most memorable plays. In Ghosts, Ibsen proves his theme of inescapable fate.
Ibsen utilizes symbolism throughout the play to demonstrate one cannot escape his or her fate. Constant referencing to the weather hints that the conditions outside might act as some sort of a symbol. The “gloomy fjord landscape” (62) symbolizes the hidden truth, while the “bright sunshine” represents the truth (87). Throughout the beginning of the play, Ms. Alving hides the truth from her son, and accordingly, there is “never a ray of sunshine” (78). Osvald complains of the skies “veiled by steady rain” (62) and “shrouded in rain and mist” (72). He insists for his mother to “give [him] the sun,” meaning he wants the truth (87). There is no way Ms. Alving can prevent the sun from rising every day, just like there is no way she can prevent Osvald from knowing the real truth. Eventually the sun has to rise, and eventually Osvald will figure out the truth, his fate. When Ms. Alving finally accepts that she cannot escape the fate of the truth
Cited: Archer, William. “Introduction to Ghosts.” Introduction to Ghosts. Vol. VII. New York: Scribner’s, 1917 Levin. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1960. 201-02. Fergusson, Francis. “The Idea of a Theater.” The Idea of a Theater. Princeton: Princeton UP, 1949 Worth: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1960. 207-11. Ibsen, Henrik THEORY, AND CRITISISM. By Richard Levin. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1960 Tennant, Peter F. D.. “Ibsen’s Dramatic Technique.” Ibsen’s Dramatic Technique. Cambridge, Eng: Bowes & Bowes, 1948 Richard Levin. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1960. 205-06.