Rosmersholm

"Rosmersholm" by Henrik Ibsen is a play in four acts written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around John Rosmer, an ex-clergyman struggling with his past and the shadows of his late wife, Beata, as well as his relationship with Rebecca West, his housekeeper and companion. The themes of personal freedom, societal expectations, and the haunting effects of guilt play a significant role as Rosmer navigates his feelings for Rebecca and the implications of his choices. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the tranquil yet charged atmosphere of Rosmersholm, an old manor house, during a summer evening. Rebecca West and Mrs. Helseth discuss the recent return of John Rosmer, who is seen avoiding the mill bridge—an indication of the dark past associated with his wife’s tragic death by drowning. The subsequent arrival of Kroll, Rosmer's brother-in-law, showcases the political tensions and shifting allegiances in their community. As the characters engage in discussions about past grievances and looming political upheaval, the foundation is set for exploring the complex dynamics of Rosmer’s life choices, the lingering influence of the dead, and the struggle between personal desires and societal norms. The opening effectively establishes a tone of introspection and foreshadows the conflict that will unfold throughout the play. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henrik Johan Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright and theatre director. As one of the founders of modernism in theatre, Ibsen is often referred to as "the father of realism" and the most influential playwright of the 19th century, as well of one of the most influential playwrights in Western literature more generally. His major works include Brand, Peer Gynt, Emperor and Galilean, A Doll's House, Ghosts, An Enemy of the People, The Wild Duck, Rosmersholm, Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder, and When We Dead Awaken. Ibsen is the most frequently performed dramatist in the world after Shakespeare, and A Doll's House was the world's most performed play in 2006.