What social issues does Henrik Ibsen examine in Ghosts?

In Ghosts (1881), Henrik Ibsen examines several critical social issues, primarily functioning as an attack on conventional morality and the destructive results of social hypocrisy.1

The play explores the following themes:

• Moral Hypocrisy: Ibsen critiques the rigid adherence to social conventions that mask underlying corruption. The play illustrates how ingrained moral contamination can undermine even the most determined idealism.1
• Sanctity of Marriage: Along with A Doll’s House, Ghosts challenged the traditional sanctity of marriage and questioned the extent of the loyalty a wife is expected to owe her husband.2
• Congenital Disease: The narrative addresses the consequences of syphilis, using the physical decay of the son, Oswald, to symbolize the inescapable legacy of his father’s past actions.1
• Social Destiny: The play highlights the tragic trajectories of individuals trapped by their circumstances, such as the illegitimate daughter’s descent toward a life in a brothel.1

By confronting these "sober themes," Ibsen’s work served as a catalyst for the "problem" literature of the late 19th century, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about their own moral positions.32