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Pillars of Society

(Samfundets stetter)

Henrik Ibsen - 1871.

Four-act drama set in a small Norwegian seaport.

The crowded action revolves about the schemes Consul Bernick de-vises to maintain his position as a pillar of the social and economic establishment of the town while in fact making a fortune dishonestly. It is a perilous course that almost results in the death of his son. He is saved from the con-sequences of his underhanded dealings by his wife and by his first love, Lona Hessel. He finally confesses to the assembled townspeople that his life has been built on a lie and promises that the income of his railroad speculations will be shared with the town. Truth and freedom are proclaimed to be the real "pillars of society."