The Characters Analaysis and Themes Analysis in Ghost by Henrik Ibsen

The Characters Analaysis and Themes Analysis in Ghost by Henrik Ibsen

Arranged by:

Name: MUHAMMAD FARUQ BUKHORI

Student Number: 13020117140087

E-mail: mfaruq.bukhori@gmail.com

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

S1 Sastra Inggris

Faculty of Humanity

Diponegoro University

SEMARANG

2019

Abstract

In this report, I would like to analyze Ghost  by Henrik Ibsen  this study aim to analyze the character and theme. The aim of this research is to know and recognize the characteristics of All characters and theme in  Ghost by Henrik Ibsen. The writer uses close reading method.

Keywords: Analyze, Ghost, writer, Henrik Ibsen, close reading.

I. Introduction

Ghost is one of Henrik Ibsen’s play. Ghost  is a tragedy genre. Ghosts is a play by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. It was written in 1881 and first staged in 1882 in Chicago, Illinois, in a production by a Danish company on tour. The method of character and theme assessment performed by the author is through close reading.

After reading ghost by Henrik Ibsen, the writer found the messages and the ideas that are delivered thorught ghost. Henrik’s ideas and messages on his work, Ghost generally acceptable by the people from different culture. It make us curiosity to explore the values in Ghost.

The aim of this research is to know the moral values in Ghost and recognize the characteristics of All characters and theme in  Ghost by Henrik Ibsen.

II. Playwright Biography

1.1 Henrik Ibsen

Henrik Ibsen was born in Norwegia on 20 March 1828. He was a leading Norwegian playwright, theater director, and poet of the 19th century. He is often referred to as the "father of prose drama" and is one of the founders of Modernism in theatre. His main works include Brand, Peer Gynt, An Enemy of the People, Emperor and Galilean, A Doll's House, Hedda Gabler, Ghosts, The Wild Duck, Rosmersholm, and The Master Builder. The work of Ibsen examined the realities behind many facades, revealing much to many contemporaries that was disturbing. It used a critical eye and free investigation into living conditions and morality issues.

III. Summary of The Play

As a monument to her husband, Mrs. Alving builds an orphanage. The next day the building will be dedicated and the ceremony was performed by her old friend Parson Manders. In a private conversation, Mrs. Alving tells the Parson that her husband had been a complete degenerate, and she is using the rest of his money to build the orphanage so that she can leave only her money to her son Oswald, who has just arrived home from years and years abroad.

Oswald admits in private talk to his mom that he has an incurable disease inherited by the physicians. However, Oswald thinks that his dad was a ideal guy. So, Mrs. Alving must admit that Mr. Alving was a degenerate guy, indeed, and that Oswald has caught his father's sickness. The girl, Regina, is going to offer him poison when he is next hit by this disease, and Oswald knows him is dying and will take her maid as his mistress. Then Ms. Alving describes that in fact Regina is his half-sister. Oswald does not bother that, but Regina does not wish to remain. Then Oswald informs his mom that when the next attack comes, she must use the medication.

IV. Theory and Methods

2.1 Theory

Theory is An assumption of concepts to explain something, in particular one based on general values autonomous of the explanation. It can be a theoretical thought idea that can be defined as how and why relationship statements can be interconnected.

2.2 Methods

In this report I use the close reading method. Close reading is keen, basic examination of a content that centers on noteworthy subtle elements or designs in arrange to create a profound, exact understanding of the text's frame, create, implications, etc. It may be a key prerequisite of the Common Center State Benchmarks and coordinates the reader's consideration to the content itself.

V. Analaysis

3.1 Characters

Character List:

1. Mrs. Alving             : Widow of Captain Alving.

2. Oswald Alving        : Mrs. Alving’s son, a painter.

3. Pastor Mander         : A friends of Mrs. Alving.

4. Regina Engtstrand  : Mrs. Alving’s maid.

5. Engstrand                : Cloven-hoofed devil character.

6. Jacob Engstrand      : A carpenter.

7. Captain Alving        : Mrs. Alving’s husband (unseen character).

8. Johanna                   :  Alving’s servant

Characterization

1. Mrs. Alving

The characteristics of mrs. alving is described as a person who is not resilient and easily turns away this can be seen when his household life with mr. alving is not going well and mrs. Alving instead turned his heart to Pastor Manders who was the person he liked at the time.

2. Oswald Alving

The characteristic of oswald himself is described as a talented painter but pastor mander saw it as an aberration like his biological father who was an immoral.

3. Pastor Mander

The characteristics of pastor mander are described as wise and mature people because this can be seen when mrs. alving likes her and abandons her husband and mander instead tells mrs. Alving to go back to her husband and don't abandon him.

4. Regina Engstrand

Regina is the son of Captain Alving and Johanna who are servants of the Alving family home. Regina is an attractive young girl but her morality is seen from her character who is so depraved because she is willing to have sex for whatever she wants.

5. Jacob Engstrand

He was a carpenter with a deformed leg, he married johanna when pregnant with a child impregnated with captain alving, he was described as a generous and generous person this was seen when he raised funds for orphans and married johanna but he was also a drink addict

6. Captain Alving

This one character is not visible in the story and minimal information about him. but as his wife, mrs. Alving said that her husband was a lazy and lewd person. Captain Alving's character is also an immoral person because he impregnates his own house servant, Johanna. Captain Alving also died of venereal disease syiphilis.

7. Johanna

This one character is described as a poor innocent girl impregnated by her own master, captain alving. This character also never appeared in the staging because it was described as dead.

3.2 Theme

A. Sex

There is a lot of dirty sex in this match. We are talking about prostitution, we are talking about infidelity. Well, we don't really talk about it, and that's the problem. Protagonists of ghosts treat sex with your parents as you treat sex: they say there is no sex. But the large irony is that it really does exist. However, the big irony is that it does exist. It is a great time. With no space for sex in this moralistic up-and-coming culture, somewhere has to go the overwhelming natural force. A filthy place is the only place remaining for it. Like the Engstrand home of the Sailor.

B. Moral Corruption

Ibsen uses Oswald's disease as a symbol of past generations ' corruption. When he informs his mother that he has been diagnosed, Oswald even quotes the doctor as stating that he has a moral judgment beyond his medical judgement: the sins of the parents are visited upon the kids.'' This makes sense because it is Captain Alving's blood, in a purely physical sense, that has infected his unborn son.

VI. Conclusion

4.1 Summary

In this conclusion I can give that this one Ibsen's work is very interesting and extraordinary, Ghost gives a tragic drama. Captain Alving was regina’s father.

4.2 Suggestion

My advice that I get from this story is don't leave your husband like mrs. Alving do to her husband and stay excited in life and do not feel hopeless.

VII. References

1.         Hossain A. ( 2016, February). Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts: A Critical Study of Hereditary Genetics. Review article open access. DOI: 10.4172/2161-1041.1000162.

2.         Chowdhury K (1978) “Ibsen’s Ghosts: A brief critical study”, Нe Dacca University Studies. Dacca: Dacca University.