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 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.

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.

"Thyestes" is a classic tragedy that centers around the mythological figures of the House of Atreus. The story unfolds as Atreus, the King of Mycenae, seeks revenge on his brother Thyestes for committing adultery with his wife. In a gruesome act of vengeance, Atreus kills Thyestes' sons and serves them to him at a feast. The narrative explores themes of power, betrayal, revenge, and the horrific consequences of unchecked ambition.

The play is a comedic tale set in ancient Greece, where the god Jupiter, enamored with Alcmena, the wife of the general Amphitryon, takes on her husband's form to seduce her while Amphitryon is away at war. Meanwhile, Mercury, the messenger god, assists Jupiter by disguising himself as Amphitryon's slave, Sosia. The resulting confusion and mistaken identities lead to a series of humorous situations, as the real Amphitryon returns home to find his place usurped by the god. The play explores themes of deception, infidelity, and the interplay between gods and mortals, all wrapped up in a farcical package that entertains while it provokes thought about the nature of identity and trust.

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.

"Pseudolus" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the clever and scheming slave Pseudolus, who aims to help his young master Calidorus win the heart of his beloved Phoenicium, a courtesan who is about to be sold to a Macedonian soldier. The play unfolds as Pseudolus concocts a series of intricate and humorous plans to deceive the pimp Ballio, outwit the soldier, and secure Phoenicium's freedom, all while promising his master the impossible. The narrative is filled with witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and satirical commentary on social relations, showcasing the slave's cunning and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

"The Girl From Andros" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the complexities of love and mistaken identity. The plot centers on a young Athenian man who falls in love with a girl believed to be a courtesan from the island of Andros, but who is, in fact, a freeborn woman. As he seeks to marry her, he must navigate the social expectations of his status, the interference of his slave who tries to help him with a cunning plan, and the revelation of the girl's true identity. The play humorously explores themes of class, romance, and the roles of women in ancient society, all while employing the typical misunderstandings and deceptions of comedic storytelling.

"Six Tragedies" is a collection of dramatic works that delve into the darker aspects of human nature and the tragic consequences of hubris, revenge, and passion. These classical plays, written in the Roman Imperial period, reimagine ancient myths and historical events, exploring themes of power, madness, and moral corruption. The narratives often feature protagonists who face overwhelming internal and external conflicts, leading to catastrophic outcomes. The plays are notable for their intense emotional expression, philosophical insights, and the playwright's masterful use of language to probe the complexities of the human condition.

"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.

"The Braggart Soldier" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the farcical misadventures of a pompous and cowardly military man who boasts about his exploits in love and war. The play unfolds with a clever slave scheming to outwit his master and help his friend, a young lover, reunite with his kidnapped beloved, who is being held by the braggart soldier. Through a series of humorous deceptions, mistaken identities, and slapstick humor, the characters navigate a world of social hierarchies and romantic entanglements, leading to a resolution that ridicules the soldier's arrogance and celebrates the cunning of the underdog.

"The Rope" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the mishaps and misunderstandings that ensue when a young man's plan to rescue his lover from a life of servitude goes awry. The play humorously depicts the lengths to which characters will go for love and freedom, featuring a cast of cunning slaves, mistaken identities, and a twist of fate. As the plot unfolds, the young man's father becomes entangled in the scheme, leading to a series of comic situations that culminate in an unexpected resolution. The work is a testament to the enduring nature of farce and the skillful use of dramatic irony to entertain and engage the audience.

"Adelphoe" is a comedic play that explores themes of family dynamics, education, and the challenges of parenting. The story revolves around two brothers who are raised differently by their father and uncle, leading to contrasting personalities and values. The plot thickens with a series of misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and comedic mishaps, all highlighting the generational gap and differing philosophies on raising children. The play ultimately advocates for a balanced approach to parenting, blending strict discipline with understanding and love, and underscores the importance of communication and forgiveness in familial relationships.

"The Brothers Menaechmus" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the hilarious misunderstandings and chaotic events that ensue from a case of mistaken identity. The plot follows the story of two long-lost twin brothers, Menaechmus of Epidamnus and Menaechmus of Syracuse, who were separated in childhood. Unbeknownst to each other, they end up in the same city, where their identical appearances lead to a series of comedic mishaps. Friends, family, and even a wife are all deceived as the twins inadvertently swap places, causing confusion and prompting a comical investigation into apparent infidelity, theft, and madness before the truth is finally revealed and the siblings are joyously reunited.