Introduction:
 
 (Background on Ibsen) The famous author, Henrik Ibsen, has made a lasting impact on the world of literature.  He is considered a classic and his plays are still being performed worldwide.  His characters are both individualized and believable, appealing to people everywhere. (thesis)  In considering Ibsen's many works, it is interesting to note how greatly they were influenced by the events in his life.

 (Example I) First, Ibsen was very inspired by the events that occurred in Norway, his native land.  For example, he was caught up by the "spiritual and revolutionary winds" that were sweeping across Europe, calling for change.  The February Revolution of 1848 and his reading of the Latin classics inspired Ibsen to write a play called Catiline.  This was about a Roman rebel and introduced the conflict between "ability and desire", a common theme in Ibsen's works.

 (Example II) Another life event that impacted Ibsen's writing was his early married life.  Ibsen's new family endured many financial struggles, as he received very little recognition or money for his work. This was, in fact,"a period of personal decay" for Ibsen.  As a result, Ibsen wrote Love's Comedy in 1862.  This drama mocked middle class houses and the state of marriage, both of which had greatly disappointed Ibsen.  It was not well received by the public.

 (Example III) Finally, Ibsen was also motivated to write a poem by the state of war in Denmark.  Ibsen was very upset that neither Norway nor Sweden, other Scandinavian countries, did not assist their neighbor in this struggle.  Therefore, Ibsen wrote a poem entitled "A Brother in Need", showing his disapproval of Norway's "slackness and cowardice".

(Conclusion) These three examples demonstrate how closely Ibsen's work reflected events in his life.  It seems that the two were interchangeable in many cases.  Perhaps this is why many people have considered Ibsen's work to be both realistic and pertinent to their own life struggles.