Eldridge, David

Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian dramatist and poet, who has often been called the father of modern drama. In his mature works Ibsen used naturalistic settings and dialogue to expose the corruption and hypocrisy of middle-class life. His work is valued for its technical mastery, penetrating psychological insight, and profound symbolism. His first play, the romantic "Catilina "(1850), written under the pseudonym of "Brynjolf Bjarme", was followed by several historical dramas in verse; these included "The Burial Mound "(1854) and "The Feast of Solhoug" (1856), inspired by Norwegian folk