Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright in the latter half of the 19th century. He was considered ‘the father of modern drama’ as he used the newly emergent realist form of the time. The realist form is a conscientious way of ‘reflecting’ real life by rejecting ‘idealization, escapism, and other extravagant qualities of romance’ and recognising ‘the problems of life’ (Baldick, 2008). This is done by implementing aspects of real life on the stage through various techniques, focusing on the interior world of the main character, his/her attitudes, thoughts and feelings as opposed to the plot. However, Ibsen also tests the limits of realism by breaking certain conventions such as the fourth wall convention and the use of symbols to present truth
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As a result of this, symbolism is an important technique utilised in the play ‘Hedda Gabler’ and has a profound effect on it.
‘A symbol is literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning’ (Literary Devices, 2010).
Symbolism is implemented in writing to add significance to the meaning of mundane, everyday objects and is used ‘to convey human feelings and ideas greater than those the words’ (Styan, 1983, 2). On a surface level symbols stand for one thing, however there is also a more significant understanding present, a hidden meaning of some kind. It is this hidden meaning that portrays to us authenticity, a truth of some sort and it is used to ‘clothe thought with a sensory form’ (Styan, 1983, 2).
Furthermore, symbols are used to depict the psychological state of the individuals and further emphasise the main themes. Ergo, it is through the symbols that we become accustomed to different aspects, values, rituals and beliefs of society and of the
As a result of this, symbolism is an important technique utilised in the play ‘Hedda Gabler’ and has a profound effect on it.
‘A symbol is literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning’ (Literary Devices, 2010).
Symbolism is implemented in writing to add significance to the meaning of mundane, everyday objects and is used ‘to convey human feelings and ideas greater than those the words’ (Styan, 1983, 2). On a surface level symbols stand for one thing, however there is also a more significant understanding present, a hidden meaning of some kind. It is this hidden meaning that portrays to us authenticity, a truth of some sort and it is used to ‘clothe thought with a sensory form’ (Styan, 1983, 2).
Furthermore, symbols are used to depict the psychological state of the individuals and further emphasise the main themes. Ergo, it is through the symbols that we become accustomed to different aspects, values, rituals and beliefs of society and of the