Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Henrik Johan Ibsen: A Norwegian playwright and theatre director, widely regarded as one of the founders of modernism in theatre. He is celebrated for his realistic, often controversial plays that critically examined social norms, political issues, and the human condition in 19th-century society.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The works of Henrik Johan Ibsen, such as "A Doll's House," revolutionized modern drama.
  • Our literature class is studying the social critiques in plays by Henrik Johan Ibsen.

Advanced Usage

• "Ibsenian" or "Ibsenesque" (adj): Characteristic of or resembling the works, themes, or style of Henrik Ibsen, particularly in terms of psychological realism and social criticism.
  • The playwright's Ibsenian approach to domestic drama was both praised and condemned.

Variants and Related Words

• Ibsen (n): The common shortened form of the playwright's surname.
  • Ibsen's influence on theatre is immeasurable.

Synonyms

• The father of modern drama: A common epithet for Ibsen.
• Realist playwright: A descriptor highlighting his contribution to theatrical realism.

Related Phrases

• An Ibsen play: A phrase used to refer to any drama written by Henrik Ibsen, often implying a serious, problem-based narrative.
  • Watching an Ibsen play is always a profound experience.

Related Idioms

• To pull an Ibsen: A colloquial and less common idiom meaning to introduce a shocking truth or to dismantle a social facade, reminiscent of the climaxes in Ibsen's plays.
  • In the meeting, she really pulled an Ibsen by revealing the company's hidden practices.

Noun

1. realistic Norwegian author who wrote plays on social and political themes (1828-1906)