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1855
Henrik Ibsen
1855
A lyrical drama written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around the complexities of relationships among the key characters, including the noble Bengt Gautesøn, his wife Margit, and their sister Signe, as well as the returning hero Gudmund Alfsøn. The backdrop of a wedding feast sets the stage for themes of love, loyalty, and the tug-of-war between social expectations and personal desires. The opening of the play establishes a festive atmosphere in the household of Bengt Gautesøn as they prepare to celebrate the anniversary of his marriage to Margit. However, beneath the surface of merriment, tensions rise concerning Signe’s prospects for marriage and the arrival of Gudmund, who has returned after years abroad. As the characters navigate their intricate relationships, Margit reveals her inner turmoil, longing for a life unbound by her current constraints, while Signe's youthful innocence contrasts with Margit's more complicated emotions. This setting introduces the audience to Ibsen's exploration of individual desires set against societal norms, hinting at the conflicts to come.