
Set in a sun‑drenched garden on the outskirts of a bustling town, the opening scene gathers a colorful mix of widows, young scholars, a hopeful playwright and their assorted acquaintances. Light‑hearted banter quickly gives way to a jaunty song that mocks the lofty promises of love, while the characters’ idle chatter hints at deeper frustrations with marriage and social expectation. The vivid description of blooming apple trees and the sparkling fjord creates an almost theatrical playground where every glance feels charged with unspoken desire.
Beyond the pleasant summer backdrop, the play explores how romantic idealism collides with the practicalities of everyday life. Ibsen’s sharp dialogue and witty verses lay bare the contradictions of nineteenth‑century courtship, inviting listeners to question whether love is a genuine emotion or a convenient performance. With its blend of humor, lyrical interludes and keen social observation, the drama remains a lively, thought‑provoking experience that resonates long after the curtain rises.
Language
no
Duration
~2 hours (133K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Starner, Louise Hope and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
2005-05-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1828–1906
A master of modern drama, this Norwegian playwright reshaped the stage with fearless, realistic plays that challenged social rules and private hypocrisies. His work still feels startlingly alive in classics like A Doll’s House, Ghosts, and Hedda Gabler.
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