Bjørnstjerne Martinus Bjørnson, Redaktøren [The Editor]

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During Bjørnson’s stay in Rome, from 1873 to 1875, he wrote

En Fallit

[

The Bankrupt

] and

Redaktøren

[

The Editor

]

,

both of which were first performed in Stockholm in 1875, and published in that same year. They are early examples of contemporary and problem drama in Scandinavia.

The Editor

is based on Bjørnson’s own experiences as a politician. It raises the issue of the ethical responsibility in politics, and explores the effects of

journalistic persecution and partisan fanaticism.

Act 1

Act 1

The Prosperous distiller Evje lives with his wife and only daughter, Gertrud, in circumstances of “snug comfort” (3). Gertrude is engaged to a politician, Harald Reyn: he is ambitious, hoping to become a cabinet minister, but, on the eve of the election, is attracting negative press. Mr and

1261 words

Citation: Rees, Kathy. "Redaktøren". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 09 September 2016 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=35811, accessed 13 October 2024.]

35811 Redaktøren 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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