for a few pages, but I quickly realized what the author intended. The ghosts of the play seem to point out the way peoples personality live on in the bodies of others generally and in the posterity specifically. I felt empathetic towards Regina and Mrs. Alving and wanted to see them freed of their lots in life, but slowly realized that every soul has to stand alone in life. It is as if Mrs. Alving can finally see the light leading out of an abyss of darkness created through social "duty" and then the light is snuffed out by the very freedom she sought. Mr. Manders, the parson, was always telling Mrs. Alving of her so-called duty, Duties to her husband and duties to her children were what Mr. Manders was always telling her and driving into her head. Foolish lies and intangible thoughts were all that Mr. Manderss claimed Mrs. Alving needed to do. Society played an enormous role in the ruling of womens lives then and somewhat still today. Mr. Manders in like that little conscience of society. Ibsen knew what he was doing the entire time Mr. Manders would always say, I thought it my duty to tell you. I am left wondering whether Oswald is really sick or merely tired of the struggle we call life. He represents people who live divergent lifestyles. Does he just give up his will to live? What makes life worth living? He returned home to seek the company Regina and that is taken from him. It is possible that Oswald may have lost the will to live and withdrew inside himself where the only opinion that matters is his own. Symbolism seems very prevalent although I am unclear of the intent. Does the orphanage stand for something? When it burns down, does that demonstrate the resurgence of Captain Alving's grip? Weather is wonderfully manipulated. During the course of action the fjord is obscured by fog and rain, then darkness and at last the dawn is announced over the mountains. These references are very poetic and create a wonderful mood for the...
