THEMATIC CONCERNS IN IBSEN’S WHEN WE DEAD AWAKEN

Dr. Sandhya Tripathi

ABSTRACT

The present paper intends to analyze the sufferings of the tragic hero of Ibsen. The protagonists choose, act, suffer and eventually through suffering they attain a higher perception or the realisation of their mistakes which caused their suffering. Since God seems to have withdrawn from the dramatic world of Ibsen, the tragedy of man becomes intensely poignant. This aspect of Ibsen’s dramaturgy elicits the erroneous response that his plays are pessimistic. My analysis of the play establishes the validity of the natural human urge for life. Any attempt to throttle or negate this urge is bound to entail suffering and end in frustration.

Keywords: Tragedy, Suffering, Perception, and Life