Before we begin discussing Ibsen’s tale of redemption in the aftermath of an embezzlement, let’s reveal what you kids are reading next. Envelope, Please!
We’ve done highbrow, so we might as well go super lowbrow. Badhatharry has agreed to be your next host, so it’s up to him to remind y’all about book club and stuff for the next two weeks.
Here are a few things to think about when thinking about John Gabriel Borkman
-Can a son redeem his father’s sins?
-Why did Frida tell her father she’d be leaving the next morning knowing he’d go after her?
-Did John Gabriel really relinquish his delusion?
-Did either Ella or Mrs. Borkman have Erhart’s best interests in mind? Or were they acting selfishly?
-Was Erhart spared the shame and soullessness of his parents and aunt because he was a small child at the time of the incident? Or is he stronger and more selfless than his squabbling relatives?
-Mrs. Wilton said she may tire of Erhart. Does she really love him or is she trying to save him from his mother?
-Why is the prodigal son a continuing symbol of salvation?
By all means, do not limit yourself to these thoughts. These are just the initial questions that sprang to my mind after reading the play.
Discuss! Did you like it? Hate it? Indifferent?
