Peer Gynt and Oedipus: Ibsen on Hegel's Precursors of Modernity

Abstract G. W. F. Hegel sees Oedipus as an epitome of the philosophical quest for self-knowledge. In Hegel's readings Oedipus, latter becomes a distant reflection modern and mature Hegelian self, who consciously takes on this quest. Yet unlike whose search truth about his past is characterized by both metaphorical literal blindness, self knows itself, precisely because it understands its can thus appropriate situate itself in relation to present. For Hegel, self-understanding entails grasping proper relationship between present, which turn necessitates acknowledging own Oedipus. This essay examines Henrik Ibsen's engagement with (Oedipus being one crucial moment story history self-consciousness), focusing most enigmatic scenes 1866 drama, Peer Gynt , where Norwegian protagonist cast The scene drama's past—through dramatic ancestor—and focuses influence fashioning European identity. Moreover, offers critique how utilized creation consolidation that With this, Ibsen implicit understanding encounter Sphinx particular. Revisiting through reception, questions act revealed such put work service particular