Catilina

Name: Catilina
Author: Henrik Ibsen

By Henrik Ibsen

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Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The play unfolds in republican Rome through a sequence of nocturnal scenes — roads, temples, private houses and a rebel camp — centering on a disaffected leader whose conspiracy provokes intense rhetorical confrontations. It follows secret plotting, public accusation and the escalation from private grievance to collective menace, as love, hatred and vengeance shape motives and justify extreme measures. Written in heightened verse and declamatory speeches, the drama emphasizes moral ambiguity, the struggle between individual ambition and communal order, and moves from clandestine meetings to arrest and the prospect of punishment.

About the Author

Henrik Ibsen

Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright and poet, often regarded as the father of modern drama. His works challenged the conventions of 19th-century theatre and explored complex social issues, particularly concerning morality, gender roles, and individual freedom. Ibsen is best known for his groundbreaking play "A Doll's House," which critiques the limitations placed on women in society. Other notable works include "Ghosts," which addresses themes of heredity and societal hypocrisy, and "Hedda Gabler," a study of a woman's struggle against societal expectations. Ibsen's influence extends beyond his time, shaping contemporary theatre and inspiring countless playwrights.