cultural resources in henrik ibsen's early environment - Ibsen.net

BRANDT.
Why? It is only a joke, a bit of fun. Can't one relieve this prosaic life for once with a
bold, poetic idea? . . . All that is required is that we all play our roles naturally. Hanne
must be
instructed really well. You must communicate the matter to her seriously. You can say
that I wish it, that she can do me a service in that way. Or just say that you are afraid that
I will become angry if she does not obey me.
LOUISE.
Certainly not. One must not make it so serious.
BRANDT.
Yes, upon my soul it is serious . . . that is to say, every deception requires art, and art
requires seriousness.
LOUISE (laughing).
Ha ha ha! Adolf's arrival has awakened abilities in you which I had not dreamt of before.
You instruct Johan, and leave my sister to me.
BRANDT.
Good . . . but there is still one more thing. Now you must . . . . I mean, you . . . . Yes,
you must naturally also consider how you will play your sister.
LOUISE.
Well, I should hope that I shall succeed in that.
BRANDT.
Of course you will. You are in a fine mood for just such a little comedy. Yes, you have
real talent . . . I do not say it at all to flatter you. I rather rely on your tact.
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