Ibsen:Historical Analysis of A Doll's House To view a work of art separately from its environment, ignoring the context, will often undermine important aspects of the work. However, embracing the context will allow one to appreciate the full scope and depth of the piece. In order to fully absorb and understand it, one must consider factors in the artists life and surroundings, i.e. the context. Henrik Ibsen created A Dolls House between 1878 and 1880. Like any significant work of art the context not only influenced the play, but were essential parts of it. Norway, in the early 19th century, was united with Sweden, who maintained seniority in the relationship. Norways crown was based in Sweden, and most Norwegians felt thier freedom was restricted. The linguistic difference that existed prohibited any cultural merging. A good example being the relationship between Denmark and Norway, the latter being a colony of Denmarks until 1814. During the Danish rule of Norway, there was a cultural synthesis involving literature. This influence was still prominant during Ibsens time and throughout his work. During the early part of the 19th century a patriotic movement materialized, mainly sparked by a student named Henrik Wergeland. He studied and popularized neglected folklore and other forgotten art and renewed confidence and pride in the otherwise disappearing Norwegian artists. Wergeland and other patriots, including Ibsen had their opposition. The Party of Intelligence felt that Norway could only be redeemed by staying involved in the Euro- stream, while the patriots preached isolationism and felt that Norway could only find new strength from within itself. The Party considered the patriots crude and violent, while the patriots saw in the Party the future of the establishment they were currently trying to derail. Nasjonalromantikken, or national romaticism, became ...
