This classic play focuses on the life of Nora Helmer, a woman living in a seemingly perfect marriage with her husband, Torvald. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Nora has been hiding a significant secret related to their finances. The revelation of this secret, and the subsequent fallout, challenges societal norms and expectations of the time, particularly in regards to gender roles and the institution of marriage. Nora's eventual decision to leave her husband and children in pursuit of her own independence serves as a powerful commentary on individual freedom and self-discovery.

"Hedda Gabler" is a dramatic play that centers on the life of its titular character, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage with a dull, reliable husband. She is bored with her life and longs for freedom and excitement. Her desire for control and power leads her to manipulate those around her, resulting in tragic consequences. The play explores themes of societal expectations, personal freedom, and the destructive power of boredom.

The play follows the adventures of its eponymous hero, a boastful and irresponsible Norwegian peasant who embarks on a series of fantastical and often selfish escapades. Throughout his life's journey, he encounters various mythical creatures, engages in business ventures, and pursues romantic interests, all while evading responsibility and the consequences of his actions. His quest for self-realization and identity takes him around the world, only to lead him back home to confront the reality of his wasted life and the love he scorned. The play is a poetic and satirical critique of the Romantic hero and delves into themes of existentialism, self-deception, and the nature of true self-fulfillment.

This compilation includes a selection of plays by a renowned Norwegian playwright, who is often referred to as the father of realism. The collection showcases his talent for exploring complex human emotions, societal expectations, and moral dilemmas. The plays often feature strong female characters, a rarity for the time, and challenge the norms of the 19th-century society, making them timeless and relevant even today.

"The Last Days of Mankind" is a satirical play that provides a critical commentary on the socio-political climate during World War I. The narrative presents a stark portrayal of the absurdity of war and the destructive forces of propaganda, bureaucracy, and nationalism. The author uses a variety of literary techniques, including parody, satire, and direct quotes from contemporary sources, to highlight the folly and tragedy of war. The play is known for its unique style, rich language, and its profound critique of society and culture during a time of great upheaval and conflict.

"The Master Builder" is a play focused on the life of Halvard Solness, a successful yet self-absorbed architect who is haunted by past mistakes and fears the rise of a younger generation. His life takes a turn when a young woman, Hilda, arrives, reminding him of a promise he made to her a decade ago. As Solness grapples with his past, present, and future, the play explores themes of ambition, power, guilt, and the cost of success.

"Kaspar and Other Plays" is a collection of avant-garde, thought-provoking plays that explore deep philosophical questions about language, reality, and the human condition. The titular play tells the story of a young man who learns to speak and, in doing so, is manipulated and controlled by society. The other plays in the collection continue to challenge conventional ideas and push boundaries, offering a unique and profound commentary on the world.

An Enemy of the People is a drama about a doctor in a small Norwegian town who discovers that the local baths, a source of pride and income for the community, are contaminated and dangerous to public health. Despite the potential harm to the town's residents, the doctor's warnings are ignored by the town's authorities and citizens due to the potential economic fallout. The doctor is ostracized and declared an 'enemy of the people,' leading to a critique of the democratic process and the responsibilities of individuals to their community.

The play revolves around the story of a stern and idealistic priest who lives in the harsh, unforgiving climate of rural Norway. The protagonist is unwavering in his religious and moral convictions, refusing to compromise on his ideals even when faced with personal tragedy and the suffering of those around him. His rigid adherence to principle leads him to make decisions that have devastating effects on his own life and the lives of the community members. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, the conflict between duty and compassion, and the quest for true Christian living in a flawed world. Ultimately, the protagonist's journey is a tragic reflection on the cost of absolute integrity.

"The Wild Duck" is a tragicomedy that explores themes of reality and illusion, as well as the destructive power of idealism. The story revolves around a man who returns home after 16 years to find his father married to his former lover. He believes he is doing the right thing by revealing the truth about their past, but his idealistic pursuit of the truth only leads to the destruction of the family's harmony. The wild duck in the story symbolizes the damage caused by harsh reality, suggesting that sometimes illusion is necessary for survival.

"Emperor and Galilean" is a historical drama that centers on the life of the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, who reigned in the 4th century. The play explores Julian's internal conflict as he attempts to revive pagan worship in the face of the growing influence of Christianity. As Julian becomes increasingly disillusioned with Christian doctrine, he seeks to establish a new world order based on a synthesis of Greek philosophy and pagan gods. His quest for spiritual and political transformation leads him on a tragic journey, culminating in his ultimate failure and realization of the futility of his ambitions. The narrative delves into themes of power, faith, and the human struggle between the divine and earthly realms.

The play centers around Ellida Wangel, a lighthouse-keeper's daughter who is trapped in an unhappy marriage with Dr. Wangel. She is haunted by her past and her mysterious attachment to a seafaring stranger who once promised to return for her. As she grapples with her longing for the sea and her duty to her family, the play explores themes of freedom, choice, and the powerful pull of one's origins. When the stranger reappears, Ellida must confront her desires and decide whether to remain on land with her husband and stepdaughters or to yield to the call of the sea and the life she once knew.

"When We Dead Awaken" is a dramatic play that revolves around the story of a renowned sculptor who encounters his muse from the past, leading to a profound reevaluation of his life and work. As he grapples with the realization that his artistic success has come at the expense of genuine human connection and passion, the play delves into themes of artistic integrity, lost love, and the quest for redemption. The narrative unfolds in a series of intense encounters and conversations, culminating in a climactic moment that forces the characters to confront the consequences of their choices and the transient nature of life and art.

This collection brings together an exquisite array of poetry and dramatic works by a prominent figure in the literary world, known for his pivotal role in the development of modernist literature in the German-speaking world. The book showcases the author's linguistic virtuosity and deep understanding of the human condition, with poems that range from the lyrical to the symbolic, and verse plays that explore themes of identity, existential angst, and the interplay between reality and illusion. The works within this compilation reflect the author's evolution as a writer and his ability to blend classical motifs with contemporary concerns, offering readers a rich tapestry of introspective and philosophical musings.

This collection brings together a selection of dramatic works by a prominent figure in the early 20th-century literary world, showcasing his talent for blending poetic language with profound psychological insight. The plays and libretti included span various genres, from historical dramas to adaptations of classic myths, each marked by the author's exploration of themes such as identity, transformation, and the human condition. The works also reflect the author's collaboration with influential composers of his time, contributing to the evolution of opera and theater through his innovative approach to storytelling and character development.

"Plays and Stories" is a collection that showcases the work of a prominent writer known for his incisive exploration of psychology and morality in turn-of-the-century Viennese society. The book brings together a selection of his dramatic and narrative pieces, each delving into the complex lives and intimate struggles of its characters. Through a blend of sharp dialogue, intricate character studies, and a keen observation of social mores, the collection reveals the subtle forces at play in love, desire, and power, often highlighting the ironic twists of fate that can alter the course of an individual's life. The writer's work is celebrated for its nuanced depiction of the human condition and its influence on modernist literature.