Peer Gynt - A Dramatic Poem

Peer Gynt, his greatest play in verse, was also to be Ibsen's last. After its publication in 1867 he abandoned poetry to concentrate on realistic plays in prose. However, with its predecessor, Brand, it established Ibsen's reputation as a playwright. Its relaxed gaiety complements the harder-hitting earlier work, and may be seen as a fundamental expression of Ibsen's philosophy of life. The irresponsible, lovable Peer is based on a semi-legendary character of the mountains. Norwegian folklore, with its malevolent and ugly trolls, plays a larger part in his adventures than satire: social comment is present - the caricatures of types and nationalities are self-evident - but it is as light-hearted and genial as the rest of the play.