The Lady from the Sea: Questions to Consider

You might consider these questions as you comment on The Lady from the Sea. Do not feel you need to answer all - or even any - of them!

• How do the mechanics of this play – in terms of the plot – compare to the mechanics of A Doll House? Do improbabilities strain the conventions of realism?

• How do Ellida and Wangel define their relationship? How do these definitions differ from each other, and where do they overlap? By what means – if any – do these definitions (and their relationship) change?

• If there is an “issue” or social “problem” addressed by this play, what is it? If this play is not an “issue” or problem play, how might we categorize it?

• One French production, during Ibsen’s lifetime, attempted to give the Stranger a specific, realistic name. Ibsen opposed and resisted this choice, noting that if he had wanted to name the Stranger, he would have. What do you make of this character?

• How do you respond to the Ellida's choice? ... to her having a choice? ... to the ending of the play?