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1828 – Henrik Ibsen is born on March 20 in Skien, Norway, into a wealthy merchant family, his early years were comfortable.
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1836 – Ibsen’s family begins to face financial difficulties, which forces them to live more modestly and impacts his childhood environment.
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1844 – At 16, Ibsen starts working as an apothecary apprentice in Grimstad. This period is important as he begins writing poems and short plays while working there.
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1845 – During his apprenticeship, Ibsen experiments in depth with poetry and drama, exploring his early interest in writing and storytelling.
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1850 – Ibsen writes his first play, Catiline wasn't as successful but it's a part of his life that marks his entry into serious playwriting.
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1851 – He moves to Bergen and begins working at the Norwegian Theatre, where he gains experience in playwriting and theatre production.
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1852 – While in Bergen, Ibsen writes several plays and takes on directing duties, developing his skills despite limited audience approval.
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1857 – Ibsen is appointed director of the Norwegian Theatre in Christiania (now Oslo), giving him more control over productions and play selections.
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1859 – He writes several early plays during this period that reflect his efforts to develop Norwegian drama, though they receive mixed reviews.
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1862 – Ibsen ends his role as director at the Norwegian Theatre, having gained significant practical knowledge despite not achieving great success.
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1864 – Ibsen leaves Norway for self-imposed exile, mainly living in Italy and Germany, where he focuses on writing and developing his style away from Norwegian audiences.
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1866 – He writes Brand, a verse tragedy about a priest who demands absolute dedication, which earns him recognition in Scandinavia.
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1867 – Ibsen completes Peer Gynt, a poetic and imaginative play based on Norwegian folklore, which becomes one of his most popular works.
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1871 – While living in Italy, Ibsen refines his writing style, moving towards realism and deeper psychological exploration.
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1879 – A Doll’s House premieres, shocking audiences with its critical view of marriage and social roles, sparking widespread debate.
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1882 – He writes An Enemy of the People, which criticizes political corruption and the suppression of truth by society.
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1881 – Ibsen writes Ghosts, a play that confronts social hypocrisy and taboo topics such as inherited disease, facing censorship but gaining critical attention.
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1890 – Ibsen completes Hedda Gabler, presenting a complex female character struggling with societal constraints and personal freedom.
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1891 – Ibsen’s plays gain widespread influence, establishing him as a leading figure in modern realistic theatre.
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1906 – Henrik Ibsen dies on May 23 in Kristiania (now Oslo), Norway, leaving a profound legacy in world drama.