Rosmersholm: Analysis of Major Characters
"Rosmersholm" is a play by Henrik Ibsen that delves into complex themes of morality, politics, and personal relationships through its major characters. The protagonist, Johannes Rosmer, is a former clergyman who grapples with his identity as a freethinker while seeking to engage in liberal politics. He faces condemnation from both conservative and liberal factions, each accusing him of past misdeeds, including driving his wife Beata to suicide. Beata, who has already taken her life before the play begins, is portrayed as a tragic figure who sacrifices her existence for Rosmer's potential future with Rebecca West, a strong-willed woman intent on claiming Rosmer for the liberal cause and eventually succumbing to her own tragic fate.
Rebecca's actions are pivotal, as they intertwine personal desire with broader ideological struggles, leading to her own suicide as a testament of love for Rosmer. The character of Rector Kroll, Beata's brother, represents the conservative viewpoint, bitterly opposing Rosmer and accusing him of infidelity. Similarly, Peter Mortensgard, a liberal newspaper publisher, is initially drawn to Rosmer’s potential but quickly turns against him upon learning of his outcast status. The character of Ulric Brendel embodies disillusionment with the liberal movement, while Mme Helseth, the housekeeper, provides a more grounded perspective amidst the unfolding tragedy. Collectively, these characters illustrate the intense personal and political conflicts at the heart of "Rosmersholm," making it a rich study of human motives and societal pressures.
Rosmersholm: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Henrik Ibsen
First published: 1886 (English translation, 1889)
Genre: Play
Locale: A small coastal town in Norway
Plot: Social realism
Time: Mid-nineteenth century
Johannes Rosmer, a former clergyman who has become a freethinker. He wants to work for the liberal cause in politics, but he is denounced by both sides. The conservatives believe that he has forsaken his class, and the liberals think he will be a political liability. Both sides also accuse him of forcing his wife to commit suicide so he could marry Rebecca West. When Rosmer asks West to die to prove her love for him, he commits suicide with her, as punishment for loving a woman other than his wife.
Beata Rosmer, Johannes' dead wife. She kills herself before the action of the play to make way for Rebecca West in her husband's affections, after being told falsely by the other woman of the imminent birth of a child by Johannes.
Rebecca West, a freethinking woman who uses her charms to try to claim Rosmer for the liberal cause. She also wants him as a man and drives his wife to suicide. She comes to love Rosmer deeply and commits suicide to prove her love for him.
Rector Kroll, Beata Rosmer's brother, the local school-teacher. He is an ardent conservative who tries to encourage Rosmer to forget the liberals. When he is rebuffed, he accuses Rosmer of adultery with Rebecca West and of driving his wife to suicide. Kroll is a bitter, narrow man.
Peter Mortensgard, a liberal newspaper publisher. He solicits Rosmer's help until he learns that Rosmer, a former pastor, has left his church and become something of an outcast. Then, like Kroll, he accuses Rosmer of adultery. He is a practical politician and an amoral one.
Ulric Brendel, a liberal. He goes penniless and unrewarded, but happy, until he becomes disillusioned by the actions of his fellow liberals.
Mme Helseth, Rosmer's housekeeper.