Henrik Ibsen (20th March; 1828 ndash; 23rd May; 1906) is often referred to as the father of realism and ranked just below Shakespeare as Europersquo;s greatest ever playwright especially as his plays are performed most frequently throughout the world after Shakespearersquo;s. He was Norwegian and although set his plays in Norway; he wrote them in Danish and lived most of his professional life in Italy and Germany. His affect on the theatre is still evident today and shapes the distinction of plays being art as opposed to entertainment since he broke down all previous traditions and explored issues; developed characterisation; revealed uncomfortable truths; challenged assumptions and brokedown facades in ourselves as well as society. These factors are clearly demonstrated in Little Eyolf a play that explores the complex family dynamics surrounding the Allmer family through their injured son Eyolf. Alfred; Eyolfrsquo;s father decides to abandon his work to concentrate on looking after Eyolf who has lived a sheltered life due to the paralysis in one of his legs. Whilst Eyolf yearns normal boyish pursuits; Alfred wants to develop his mind so he can satisfy himself and overcome his physical restrictions with intellectual pursuits. Tragedy befalls and the ensuing exploration of grief and guilt make for a revealing and poignant drama.
#101984 in eBooks 2008-11-18 2008-11-18File Name: B00I0GHKNQ
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. In response to the criticism of being "dangerous" because "crushingly sad"By A fellow with a keyboardThe introduction to this book is the best thing that has been written about dogs; Im convinced of it. I dont believe a word of it could be changed that would make it any better. It is perfection.The only qualifier is that it isnt really "about" dogs; old or otherwise. Weingarten says in the introduction to The Fiddler in the Subway that a story "will never be better than pedestrian unless it can use the subject at hand to address a more universal truth." Those universal truths always come around to a favorite maxim of Weingartens; one that he cribbed from Kafka: "The meaning of life is that it ends."---One reviewer said the book can be dangerous if you have an old dog because "it can be crushingly sad;" and suggests that you should only get this book after you lost your dog so that you can reminisce and mourn. I agree with the crushingly sad part; but I profoundly disagree that you should wait until your dog is gone. Why wait until after he/she is gone to appreciate your major and minor moments together?2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. If youve ever had a dog...By John DaughertyIm a veterinarian; and Ive seen thousands of old dogs over the span of my career. This book does a great job in illustrating the incredible bond that people feel for their dogs. Anyone who has ever watched a beloved pet grow old owes it to themselves to get this book. I bought copies for family and friends; and one for the waiting room in my animal hospital. I love this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Old Dogs: Are the Best Dogs by Gene Weingarten (Author) and Michael S. Williamson (Photographer)By MarieThis is absolutely wonderful light reading for the dog lover or rescuer since it shows pieces of each of the dogs photographed within it with such beautiful photography. Its wonderful when a photographer and author such as these can get together and actually pull off something truly enjoyable when working together. Of course; this is often because the publisher refuses to use the photographer/illustrator of the writers choice but in this book the two are obviously made to work together!
