Henrik Ibsen

Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright, poet, and writer born in 1828 in Skien and died in 1906 in Christiania. He is widely regarded as the father of modern drama and a pre-eminent figure of nineteenth-century literature. Ibsen pioneered theatrical realism, shifting the stage from romantic verse to the examination of bourgeois life and moral issues. His works often revealed the disquieting realities behind social façades, influencing generations of writers and critics worldwide.

Ibsen established his reputation in the 1860s with epic works like Brand and Peer Gynt. He later abandoned verse for realistic prose, producing plays that challenged contemporary norms of family and propriety. Although he lived much of his adult life abroad in Italy and Germany, his dramas remained deeply rooted in Norwegian settings. His critical inquiry into human conditions and morality has secured his place as one of the most frequently performed dramatists in history.

Reading Henrik Ibsen in translation

On Paralelo, you read Henrik Ibsen’s original Dano-Norwegian texts aligned phrase by phrase with German translations, using your English as an anchor. Ibsen’s realistic prose offers clear, direct dialogue and description, making his style accessible compared to earlier poetic works. You will find his examination of social morality engaging, though the specific cultural context of nineteenth-century Norway may require attention. We recommend starting with A Doll's House, the shortest work in our catalogue. It takes about 120 minutes to read. This play is an ideal entry point, allowing you to grasp Ibsen’s dramatic power and realistic style without the complexity of his longer epics.