Drama and National Life

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Questions and Answers

What was Henrik Ibsen's role in the newly established Norwegian Theater in Bergen?

Actor

Stage manager and producer (correct)

Director

Playwright

What was the outcome of Ibsen's work in Bergen?

He became financially independent

He was criticized by the audience

He was offered a scholarship to study abroad

He concentrated on romantic and folkloristic themes (correct)

What was Ibsen's weakness as a producer?

He was too critical of actors

He was too amiable and timid to criticize actors (correct)

He was too involved in financial management

He was too focused on writing plays

What was Jones' goal for drama?

To make it representative of an age, illustrative of national tendencies, and current of thought Signup and view all the answers

What was the limitation of Jones and Pinero's work?

They failed to devise a new technique for the new drama Signup and view all the answers

Why did Ibsen leave Norway in 1864?

He was facing financial debts and worries Signup and view all the answers

Who provoked a fierce controversy on the English stage?

Henrick Ibsen Signup and view all the answers

Who assisted Ibsen in obtaining a small scholarship?

His friend, Bjornson Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the controversy sparked by Ibsen's work?

Victory was gained by the Ibsenites Signup and view all the answers

How long did Ibsen spend in voluntary exile?

25 years Signup and view all the answers

What is important to consider when studying Ibsen's work?

The development of Ibsen the dramatist together with that of Ibsen the man Signup and view all the answers

What did Ibsen experience during his lifetime?

A series of happenings that affected the future of mankind Signup and view all the answers

What was Ibsen's approach to character development?

He employed prose and realistic observations to portray human beings. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Ibsen's contemporaries label him a social propagandist?

He tackled social issues, but did not offer solutions. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ibsen's daily routine include?

Observing people and writing down notes Signup and view all the answers

How did Ibsen view his role in addressing social issues?

As an artist expressing feelings and views Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of Ibsen's influence on other writers?

It raised awareness of dramatic technique Signup and view all the answers

What kind of drama did Ibsen write?

Tragedy in the ancient acceptance Signup and view all the answers

What literary style is evident in Shaw's work, particularly in Heartbreak House?

Symbolism Signup and view all the answers

What is peculiar about Clara Eynsford Hill's character?

She is a useless wannabe with no character of her own Signup and view all the answers

Why did Shaw employ comedy in his works?

To produce greater effects when conveying a social message Signup and view all the answers

What literary element is characterized by paradox, wit, and humorous characters?

Comedy Signup and view all the answers

Why does Higgins have difficulty recalling the Eynsford Hills?

They have no distinct characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of Shaw's work, particularly in relation to idealism?

Anti-idealism Signup and view all the answers

What does Act IV of the play show about Higgins' limitations?

He cannot change his natural traits Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people, according to Shaw, are Philistines?

700 out of 1000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying tone of Act III?

The critique of polite Victorian society Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of realists, according to Shaw?

To strip masks off reality Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of Eliza's character in contrast to Clara's?

Eliza is a strong willed person Signup and view all the answers

Where do the trio return to at the end of Act III?

Higgins' laboratory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Henrick Ibsen's Early Life and Career

Ibsen's second work, "The Warriors Mound" (1850), improved his financial position.
He became the stage manager and producer at the Norwegian Theater in Bergen, where he wrote plays in the fashion of the day.
Ibsen's work in Bergen allowed him to go on a study tour to Copenhagen and Dresden, where he learned from French plays by Scribe and Sardou.

Founding of the Norwegian Theatre in Christiania

In 1857, Ibsen was offered the directorship of the newly founded Norwegian Theatre in Christiania, which he accepted.
He married Susanna Thoreson, who helped him navigate the theatre's practical difficulties.
The theatre struggled financially, and Ibsen incurred many debts, but his friend Bjornson helped him obtain a small scholarship to leave Norway and go abroad.

Ibsen's Voluntary Exile and Dramatic Development

Ibsen left Norway in 1864 for nearly 25 years, which molded his life and art.
During this time, he developed a new dramatic technique, which provoked a fierce controversy on the English stage.

Ibsen's Dramatic Style and Themes

Ibsen's plays tackled real social problems, making him a pioneer in dramatic material.
He used prose to portray realistic characters and explored themes like the emancipation of women, political and social corruption, and social determinism.
Ibsen was an artist first and foremost, expressing his feelings and views about social problems without offering solutions.

Influence of Ibsen on Other Writers

Ibsen's influence on dramatic technique was significant, and his work made other writers more conscious of social problems.
Symbolism in Shaw's "Heartbreak House" shows traces of Tebekov and Ibsen.

Bernard Shaw's Comedy and Themes

Shaw used comedy to produce greater effects, particularly when dealing with social messages.
His comedy lies in paradox, wit, humorous characters, unconventional behavior, and dialogue.
Shaw's major themes include anti-idealism, reacting against idealism in favor of realism.

Shaw's Anti-Idealism

Shaw believed that realists stand against dead conventions, worn-out ideals, and render a great service to mankind.
He argued that idealists set up fancy masks between themselves and reality, living in a visionary world.
According to Shaw, only one realist in every 1000 people strips the masks off reality, facing persecution and opposition.

Analysis of "Pygmalion" by Shaw

The play exposes the clumsiness and vapidity of polite Victorian society, questioning the making of a duchess out of a flower girl.
Higgins is incapable of being the romantic hero of the play, and his inability to change is ironic.
The play highlights the contrast between the feisty and opinionated Eliza and the useless wannabe Clara Eynsford Hill.

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Description

Explore the role of drama in representing national life, tackling social problems, and the importance of technique. Learn about Jones and Pinero's contributions to the field.