Ibsen Journal 2

Journal: How does Ibsen treat etiquette? Which characters follow rules of etiquette? Which characters break rules of etiquette? Which characters condemn etiquette? Give specific examples. Then, come to a conclusion about Ibsen’s argument regarding etiquette; be sure your examples justify this argument.

Ibsen treats etiquette as a symbol of class and respectability that is most important for the wealthy to follow. All the characters have both followed and broken etiquette, even if it was unintentional. Petterson tries to follow etiquette by discreetly entering the house during the party; his attempts fail when he, a manservant, must go out the main door and be seen by the guests of the party; the manservant has no respect from the wealthy people. Mrs. Sorby is a servant, but she is treated with more respect than other servants because Old Werler had an affair with her and needs to keep her trust and loyalty to help his secrets remain hidden. She shows etiquette by serving guests, but breaks etiquette by conversing with the guests and servants which is above her class, even though she is treated differently than other servants. Gregers Werle is a wealthy man by his father’s fortune, but Gregers is unable to show complete etiquette. He follows etiquette by throwing a fancy dinner party with his dad. Gregers invites a 13^th guest, Hjalmar, which is looked down upon due to superstitions; he also confronts his father for not telling him he was giving Hjalmar money which breaks etiquette. Even Haakon Werle, a respected wealthy man is unable to have proper etiquette all the time. He follows etiquette by paying Hjalmar money to help him get started in photography; but he hides from his own son that he gives Hjalamr money and kept the friends apart by creating a false fight.  Etiquette is impossible to follow all the time, even for the rich.