Agree/Disagree: Ibsen's main femal characters are some of world literature's most memorable people. Discuss the possible reasons for this, including reference to your play's female character, developmet, actions, etc. Conclude with the reason you will remember her.
Admirers of Ibsen are quick to name Hedda Gabler as an example of a female character not to be forgotten, she is probably the only character though who is unique in Ibsen's plays. Surprisingly, for one who is able to truly bring Hedda to life, Ibsen does a poor job in his other plays. The rest of his female roles are all pampered, whining, man-pleasers, visible throughout the ages and certainly not unique.
In The Master Builder, the only female who shows any obvious backbone is Hilda Wangel, though she dotes on the Master Builder (Solness) without any hesitation. He is her king, promising her a castle and a kingdom to fit. She in turn is his cheerleading squad, "boo Ragnar, rah for Solness!" Even when Ragnar confronts Hilda and tells her that Solness had a relationship with Kaja, Hilda continues to believe Solness, her motto: 'he can do no evil.' Hilda is a ditzy, irrational person.
Mrs. Solness (Aliane) is cold, lonely, lost and hurtled into despair after the loss of her sons, however, she never drags herself out of the pit. She only becomes more depressed and icy, she lets her husband run around with other women and in the end crumbles because she never learned to heal. She never made the effort to continue living. Continue yes, continue living, no.
Kaja Fossili has promised to wed Ragnar Brovik. Not only is she ready and willing to betray that promise, she also facilitates the breaking by encouraging Solness' affections. When she finds herself cut lose, she turns about and blames Solness entirely, "Ragnar, save me from that mean old man!" a typical 'pick the best survivor' attitude gone wrong.
Undoubtedly some critics believe Ibsen capable of creating lasting female roles, memorable and brilliant. Unfortunately those critics judge from a 'high' position. From the 'low ground', Ibsen's female roles are irrational, cowardly, conniving and spineless, not memorable in the least.
Copyright Ayleeandra Rowan, nothing presented here may be used without the author's express permission.