The Model, the Artist and the False Dilemma : A comparative analysis of When We Dead Awaken

Abstract

The aim of this project is to analyze and understand When We Dead Awaken from different angles, especially in comparison with the nineteenth century sculptor Auguste Rodin and his models. Looking at previous study on the relevant topic, my intention is to explore whether When We Dead awaken can be seen as an important approach to the relation between model and artist in the late nineteenth century, by investigating how Ibsen’s play gives voice to a model’s contribution. As part of finding the correct key to the question, I want to deduce how Irene’ psychological duality and complexity can be understood from a realistic point of view, by juxtaposing her with Camille Claudel, Rodin’s model and Muse, and another of Ibsen’s female characters, Hilda Wangel. Since the protagonist Rubek’s underlying problem is a recurring theme in Ibsen’s plays, I make a comparative analysis between Rubek and Ibsen’s previous fictional characters as well where I interpret the problem as “the inception of false dilemma”.