Henrik Ibsen: Want

Henrik Ibsen was Norwegian playwright, theatre director, and poet. Explore interesting quotes on want.

Henrik Ibsen: 138 quotes9 likes

“To think it, wish it, even want it —
but do it! No, that I cannot understand.”

Peer Gynt, after he sees a boy cut off his finger to avoid serving in the army, Act III, Scene I
Peer Gynt (1867)

“Nora. Look here, Doctor Rank - you know you want to live.”

A Doll's House (1879)

“I have already told you that what I want to speak about is the great discovery I have made lately - the discovery that all the sources of our moral life are poisoned and that the whole fabric of our civic community is founded on the pestiferous soil of falsehood.”

Henrik Ibsen An Enemy of the People

Dr. Stockmann, Act IV
An Enemy of the People (1882)

“Rank. Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong the agony as long as possible.”

Act I
A Doll's House (1879)

“Mrs. Elvsted: You have some hidden motive in this, Hedda!
Hedda: Yes, I have. I want for once in my life to have power to mold a human destiny.
Mrs. Elvsted: Have you not the power?
Hedda: I have not—and never had it.
Mrs. Elvsted: Not your husband's?
Hedda: Do you think it's worth the trouble? Oh, if only you could understand how poor I am. And fate has made you so rich!”

Act II
Hedda Gabler (1890)

“A forest bird never wants a cage.”

Henrik Ibsen The Master Builder

Hilda, Act III
The Master Builder (1892)