The Conflict between Individual Desires and Social Expectations: A Psycho-realistic Reading of Ibsen’s Female Characters

Peer-Reviewed
The Criterion

The Criterion: An International Journal in English ISSN: 0976-8165

Open Access

World Literature

The Conflict between Individual Desires and Social Expectations: A Psycho-realistic Reading of Ibsen’s Female Characters

Dr. Swarna
Volume / Issue
Vol. 17, Issue 1 · February 2026

Pages
1010-1028

Article ID
2026V17N1019

Abstract

Henrik Ibsen, the father of Modern Drama, is regarded as a social reformer, critic and agitator for women’s rights who explored the inner pressure and conflicts of the individual in modern society through his works. The present study aims to interpret the author’s profound observations of his contemporary society and its effects on human psychology, particularly women’s psychology in his most famous plays: The Pillars of Society, A Doll’s House, Ghosts, Hedda Gabler. His plays delve into the complex interplay between individual desires and social expectations, portraying the psychological struggle faced by his female characters with social conflict, dilemma of freedom and necessity, marriage problems, unwed motherhood and divorce, career and family, and freedom in expression of salvation.

Keywords

psychological realismindividual desiressocial expectationstruth and freedomself-realization

Article History

Received
9 January 2026
Accepted
11 February 2026
Published Online
28 February 2026

How to Cite

Dr. Swarna. “The Conflict between Individual Desires and Social Expectations: A Psycho-realistic Reading of Ibsen’s Female Characters.” The Criterion: An International Journal in English, vol. 17, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 1010-1028. ISSN: 0976-8165. DOI: https://doi.org/10.66376/criterion.v17.n1.66

Back to Vol. 17, Issue 1 · February 2026 The Criterion · ISSN 0976-8165

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