The Lady from the Sea

"For the painting "Lady from the sea", see Edvard Munch"

"The Lady from the Sea" (original Norwegian title: "Fruen fra havet") is a play written in 1888 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen.

Plot

Ellida Wangel is married to the much older Doctor Wangel, a widower who already has two daughters not much younger than Ellida. After some years, Doctor Wangel finds his wife increasingly strange and anxious. Fearing for her mental health, he asks his former headmaster, Arnholm, to come and visit them, hoping that he may be able to help Ellida.

Ellida has a secret. She was once engaged to a sailor, known only as the Stranger in the play, and she cannot forget him. That day, the Stranger returns to find her, and Ellida is forced to choose between him and Wangel. Wangel recognizes his powerlessness in the situation and gives Ellida the freedom to choose. This act turns her towards him. Ellida responds by choosing life with Wangel, leaving the Stranger with no power over her or the marriage.

List of characters

* Doctor Wangel
* Ellida Wangel
* Bolette
* Hilde
* Headmaster Arnholm
* Lyngstrand
* Ballested
* The Stranger

External links