| |
| | Brand Summary & Essays - Henrik Ibsen |
 | | Although the play's sources of inspiration have been interpreted in many different ways, it is likely that the work—like Ibsen's exile—was a statement on Norway's failure to join with its Danish neighbors in preventing Germany from taking two of Denmark's duchies in 1864. |
 | | The main character, Brand, is a pastor who holds himself and all of his followers, including his wife, to the rigid command of ‘‘Naught or All!’’ This essentially means that people must be willing to risk their lives and all earthly attachments if they wish to find eternal salvation. |
 | | Brand is tested on this faith, and even though he falters a few times, he nevertheless goes the distance, sacrificing his mother, son, and wife in an attempt to adhere to his beliefs. |
| www.enotes.com /brand (378 words) |
|