Henrik Ibsen

Date of Birth: March 20, 1828

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: May 23, 1906

Biography

Henrik Ibsen, often referred to as the “father of modern drama,” was a Norwegian playwright and poet whose works revolutionized the theater of the 19th century. Born on March 20, 1828, in Skien, Norway, Ibsen’s early life was marked by financial difficulties after his family’s business failed. This instability influenced many of his later works, which often explored themes of societal issues, personal morality, and the human condition. Ibsen initially worked as an apothecary’s apprentice before moving to Christiania (now Oslo) to pursue a career in writing. He found success with his verse drama “Brand” in 1866, followed by the even more successful “Peer Gynt” in 1867. However, it was his prose dramas, such as “A Doll’s House” (1879), “Ghosts” (1881), and “Hedda Gabler” (1890), that cemented his reputation as a pioneer of realist drama. Throughout his career, Ibsen’s works were often controversial, challenging the morals and conventions of the time. He spent much of his life abroad in Italy and Germany, where he continued to write and refine his craft. Ibsen returned to Norway in 1891 and continued to write until a series of strokes ended his literary production. He passed away on May 23, 1906, in Christiania.

5 Interesting Facts about Henrik Ibsen

1. Henrik Ibsen is considered one of the founders of Modernism in theater.

2. “A Doll’s House” was groundbreaking for its critical view of marriage norms and is one of the most performed plays globally.

3. Ibsen wrote his plays in Danish, the common written language of Denmark and Norway at the time.

4. He spent 27 years living in various European cities, including Rome, Dresden, and Munich.

5. Ibsen’s play “Ghosts” was so controversial that it was initially banned in many countries due to its critical take on religion and morality.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henrik Ibsen

1. “The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.”

2. “A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed.”

3. “The majority is always wrong; the minority is rarely right.”

4. “You see, the point is that the strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.”

5. “A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henrik Ibsen’s net worth is difficult to quantify in modern terms, but he was financially successful enough to live comfortably and support his family through his writing. Adjusting for inflation and the value of his works today, his estimated net worth at the height of his career would be in the range of several million dollars.

Children

Henrik Ibsen had one child, a son named Sigurd Ibsen, who was born on December 23, 1859. Sigurd later became a prominent Norwegian politician and served as the Prime Minister of Norway in Stockholm from 1903 to 1905.