Vildanden
1884
Vildanden, or 'The Wild Duck,' is a five-act play by Henrik Ibsen first published in 1884. It explores the themes of illusion versus reality through the lives of the Ekdal family, particularly focusing on Hjalmar Ekdal and his struggles with societal expectations and personal delusions. The narrative unfolds during a dinner party, where the idealistic Gregers Werle confronts his friend Hjalmar with uncomfortable truths about their lives, leading to tragic consequences. This work is notable for its deep psychological insight and critique of moral integrity, solidifying Ibsen's status as a pioneer of modern realist drama.
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“Rob the average man of his life-illusion, and you rob him of his happiness at the same stroke.””
— Henrik Ibsen
“The forests avenge themselves.””
— Henrik Ibsen
“Men are funny characters, they must always have something to bemuse them.””
— Henrik Ibsen
“He is suffering from an acute attack of integrity.””
— Henrik Ibsen
“Because there is surely nothing in the world that can compare with happiness of forgiveness and of lifting up a guilty sinner in the arms of love.””
— Henrik Ibsen
“A man who has the inventive genius can't control it exactly as he wishes. Its working depends in great measure on inspiration--on a momentary suggestion--and it is almost impossible to tell beforehand at what moment it will come.””
— Henrik Ibsen
“No, I don't think one ought to be at everybody's beck and call. Anyway, I'm not going to be.””
— Henrik Ibsen
“Most people are ennobled by the actual presence of death. But how long do you suppose this nobility will last in him?””
— Henrik Ibsen
“Werle: "I believe there is no one in the world you detest as you do me."Gregers: "I have seen you at too close quarters.””
— Henrik Ibsen
