Henrik Johan Ibsen is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in literary history, often referred to as the "father of modern drama." Born in Skien, Norway in 1828, Ibsen is celebrated as a national symbol by Norwegians and is held to be the greatest of their authors. His profound impact on modern drama is largely due to his development of modern realistic drama, a genre that delves into the realities that lie behind many facades.
Ibsen spent much of his adult life in exile, and his work was considered scandalous to many of his contemporaries. This is unsurprising, as Ibsen's plays challenged the Victorian values of family life and propriety that held sway in Europe during his time. His revelatory nature was disquieting to many of his contemporaries, as he shattered the illusions of his audiences and forced them to confront the realities of their lives.
Victorian-era plays were expected to be moral dramas with noble protagonists pitted against darker forces, and every drama was expected to result in a morally appropriate conclusion. Ibsen's work deviated significantly from this norm, as he introduced a critical eye and free inquiry into the conditions of life and issues of morality. His plays were instrumental in breaking away from the tradition of morally didactic works and paved the way for the development of modern drama.