Ibsen's Ghosts

Henrik Ibsen’s play Ghosts is concerned with challenging the conventional norms of society, many of which he views as “no longer beneficial”. Through his characters, Ibsen explores the conflict that arises because of the outdated ideas that people cling to, as is the case with Pastor Manders who is subsequently self-righteous and hypocritical. Ibsen also shows the devastating consequences that the past or “ghosts” can have on people’s lives. Osvald for instance, is haunted by his father’s “sins” in the way of inherited syphilis. Furthermore, Ibsen demonstrates how traditional ideas can entrap otherwise progressive people, particularly women such as Mrs Alving, who feels she hasn’t the strength to “go against” an oppressive, patriarchal society. Ultimately, these “conventional ideas and attitudes” are outdated because they impact adversely on people lives.

At the time Ghosts was written (1881), western society was undergoing major changes. Even the Churc...