James Huneker
Iconoclasts: A Book of Dramatists
Ibsen, Strindberg, Becque, Hauptmann, Sudermann, Hervieu, Gorky, Duse and D'Annunzio, Maeterlinck and Bernard Shaw
"Iconoclasts: A Book of Dramatists" by James Huneker is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The book analyzes the works of notable playwrights such as Henrik Ibsen, August Strindberg, and George Bernard Shaw, among others. Huneker delves into the themes, styles, and philosophies of each dramatist, positioning them as pivotal figures in the development of modern theater. The exploration of their unique contributions seeks to illuminate the transformative power of their dramatic art. The opening of the book begins with a discussion of Henrik Ibsen, highlighting his significance as a dramatist whose works are soul dramas deeply embedded in emotional and ethical struggles. Huneker emphasizes the importance of Ibsen's characters and the symbolic nature of elements within his plays, such as the recurring motif of the "open door," representing freedom and new beginnings. Through an examination of Ibsen's techniques and philosophical underpinnings, Huneker sets the tone for a broader analysis of how these dramatists challenge societal norms and explore complex human emotions.