In Ghosts, it seems as though the higher your social position, the more miserable you are. You probably had to make some painful sacrifices to get there, for example marrying a man you loathe. You can only maintain that position by appearing to be absolutely perfect in every way at all times. Which presents a challenge to most of us. The freest characters in Ghosts are the working-class people. Unfettered by the heavy burden of expectation, true to themselves and untouched by feelings of guilt, they don't seem to be under the same burden.
Questions About Society and Class
- Do you believe that Mrs. Alving only married the Captain for money?
- Why can't the Pastor see the similarities between the Alving and Engstrand marriages?
- Is Oswald affected by class? How is be able to consider Regina as a partner?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In Ghosts, the more socio-economic advantages a character has, the more his or her entrapment increases.
Ghosts chronicles a woman's gradual retreat from society.