Furthermore, the characters isolated themselves due to their self-destructive nature. This common trait shared by all the characters is due to their failure of being alone. Firoz Mahmud Ahsan, all Ibsenian characters “are much prone to self-destructiveness mostly because of their failed attempts to stand alone against the domineering majority” (2013). Moreover, according to critics such as A. Ibsen’s play demonstrates how patriarchal societies oppress females and treat them as lower-class individuals. When one closely observes the characters of the play, their disturbing traits and thoughts start to increasingly reveal themselves. Thus, these themes can be linked to the sado-masochism of the story’s characters. Most of these themes are present in Ibsen’s Ghosts and have been elaborated on by numerous critics. Some link these disorders to sexuality, others to one’s background and childhood, trauma, oppression, self-destructiveness, repressions, or even the escape from oneself. These disorders are continuously studied and researched by psychologists and psychiatrists all over the world. However, when one dives into masochists or a sadist’s psyche, one realizes that these so-called “disorders” are deeply rooted in the unconscious. It is “a taste for suffering.” Medically, both sadism and masochism are considered sexual disorders. It is when an individual derives pleasure from the pain inflicted on him (masochism) or from the pain inflicted on others (sadism). Masochism and sadism are both defined as one’s enjoyment of pain.

He was also portraying the ideologies and truths, creating an accurate representation of contemporary life.

Ibsen used to give his female characters a voice in a society that oppressed and silenced them. He is also the father of modern drama who introduced Realism to the world. Ibsen was known as being a fierce fighter for women’s rights and a strong supporter of individuality and individual rights. Ibsen’s portrayal of patriarchal society and hereditary guilt between father and son challenge conservative thoughts and beliefs. The list goes on from sexually transmitted diseases, hypocrisy, and corrupt families to incest and failed marriage. Ibsen sheds light on gender discrimination and contrasts the gendered power of the Norwegian Bourgeoisie. The play tackles various unconventional subjects that were considered taboo, especially during the 19th century. “Ghosts” by Henrik Ibsen has attracted the attention and focus of many critics throughout the years and became one of the most famous plays in English Literature.

Saga of the swamp thing book 3