The theme of divided consciousness in Ibsen's later plays

Abstract

Ibsen employs several techniques in his plays and each of these serves an essential purpose— the examination of the nature of consciousness. Hence, an analysis of this theme is crucial to the better understanding of Ibsen's plays. This study is confined to Ibsen's later plays The Master Builder (1892), Little Evolf (1894), John Gabriel PQrKman (1896) and When We Dead Awaken (1899) which are closely related in their sub-group. These psychologically oriented plays exhibit the concept of 'disintegrated' and the 'split' personality. The 'divided vision of self' in these plays is revealed by the exploration of the concept of 'consciousness'.