Ibsen Quote by Elizabeth Hardwick
““The social world of Ibsen’s plays is greatly restricted, enclosed in a narrow frame, cut off by the very geography of Norway; the long, dark winters make for social repetition…Everyone else you know is right there, so to speak. This small-town life has moral consequences always; the players live with the threat of trouble over the most petty matters.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Ibsen and the Modern Drama, Elizabeth Hardwick, 1975
Hardwick argues that Ibsen’s Norwegian setting creates a confined social sphere where mundane life intensifies moral stakes.
In simple terms: Ibsen’s narrow setting heightens everyday moral tension.
Key Takeaway
Notice how limited environments amplify personal conflicts.
Themes
social constraints
morality
environment
drama
psychology
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
critical
interpretive
When to use this quote
- theatre criticism
- literary analysis
- teaching drama
- writing workshops
Key Concepts
existentialism
social realism
cultural geography
Questions to Reflect On
- How does setting shape character choices?
- Can similar moral pressure arise in larger societies?
A Different Perspective
The focus on geography may overlook universal themes beyond Norway.
![“I did [Henrik] Ibsen and [Anton] Chekhov for years. Obviously I didn't get the kind of recognition I have now. Somebody once told me, "You ride the horse the direction it's going."” quote by Joe Manganiello](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/76f/joe-manganiello-8246_chekhov_i-did-henrik-ibsen-and-anton-chekhov-for_980127.jpg)
