About this book
Pillars of Society by Henrik Ibsen is a sharp, unflinching realist drama that exposes the moral compromises behind civic respectability. Set in a small Norwegian coastal town, the four-act play follows Karsten Bernick, a powerful shipowner whose ambitious railway project promises prosperity — and conceals personal secrets that resurface with the unexpected returns of Lona Hessel and Johan Tonnesen. Their arrivals set the stage for a tense, character-driven exploration of reputation, hypocrisy, family loyalty, and the cost of social advancement.
Written at the height of 19th-century realism and first performed in 1877, Ibsen’s play marked a turning point in modern drama, trading romantic melodrama for incisive social critique. Through crisp dialogue and staged confrontation, Pillars of Society probes how public success can rest on private compromises and asks what happens when truth threatens the foundations of a community.
Ideal for listeners who love classic literature, dramatic works, and thought-provoking plays, this audiobook offers a compelling study of power and conscience — perfect for fans of Ibsen, students of theatre history, or anyone drawn to moral dilemmas rendered with psychological clarity.
