"Peer Gynt" explores the state of mind of the self, through the adventures of Peer Gynt. It also projects the human soul beyond the limits of time. Peer's words "I don't know what I'm looking for" show that he is a young man experimenting with life. He takes on various roles, poses and even disguises. In this respect, the story of Peer Gynt can be read as a psychological drama. However, the presence of figures such as the trolls, the Boyg and sphinx illustrates that the play is also mythological. "Peer Gynt" is as well characterised by religious concerns and it is also metaphysical to some extent. This is pointed out through the way Peer lives through his dreams and attains salvation through Solveig. Moreover, even the self is a metaphysical entity.

The first part of the play is Peer in his own society, an outcast, who needs...