The pillars of society

Definition

The pillars of society refer to the fundamental structures and institutions that support and uphold the functioning of a community or civilization, including family, education, religion, economy, and government. In the context of modern theatre, especially in the works of playwrights like Ibsen, these pillars often serve as a framework to explore social issues, individual struggles, and the moral dilemmas faced by characters as they navigate their roles within society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Ibsen's plays, the pillars of society are often depicted as oppressive forces that limit personal freedom and self-fulfillment.
2. Ibsen challenges traditional views of family and marriage, questioning how these institutions function in society and their impact on individual happiness.
3. The themes of social critique in Ibsen's work highlight the tension between societal expectations and personal desires, revealing the flaws within these pillars.
4. Ibsen's use of realistic characters allows audiences to see how the pillars of society can affect people's choices, leading to conflict and change.
5. The portrayal of these pillars in Ibsen's plays reflects broader movements in modernism, which sought to break away from established norms and address contemporary social issues.

Review Questions

• How do the pillars of society function in Ibsen's plays to reveal individual struggles?
  • In Ibsen's plays, the pillars of society such as family and marriage serve as both support systems and sources of conflict for characters. These institutions often impose societal expectations that limit personal freedom, leading to internal struggles. For instance, characters like Nora in 'A Doll's House' confront the limitations imposed by her role as a wife and mother, ultimately challenging these societal structures to seek her own identity.
• Analyze how Ibsen critiques the institution of marriage through his depiction of societal pillars.
  • Ibsen critiques the institution of marriage by portraying it as a restrictive social pillar that can stifle individuality and personal growth. In plays like 'A Doll's House,' he illustrates how societal norms dictate the roles within marriage, often prioritizing duty over emotional fulfillment. This critique invites audiences to question the validity of such institutions and consider alternatives that promote equality and personal freedom.
• Evaluate the impact of Ibsen's exploration of societal pillars on the development of modern theatre.
  • Ibsen's exploration of societal pillars significantly influenced modern theatre by shifting focus from grand narratives to intimate portrayals of everyday life. His emphasis on realistic characters facing real-life dilemmas highlighted the complexity of human experiences within societal structures. This approach paved the way for future playwrights to address social issues through drama, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own roles within society and sparking conversations about reforming oppressive systems.

Related terms

Social Norms: The unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior within a society, influencing how individuals interact and fulfill their roles.

Dramatic Realism: A theatrical movement that aims to represent everyday life and society accurately, often highlighting the complexities of human relationships and societal issues.

Critical Realism: A literary movement that seeks to depict societal conditions accurately while critiquing social injustices and exploring the impact of societal structures on individual lives.