"Little Eyolf" is a complete masterpiece and formally represents Ibsen's mature moment. It is an essay on the concepts of guilt and mercy, social destiny and duty.

Under the restrained actions of its heroes flow relentless passions: like in a frozen river, beneath its fragile crust lie torrential bodies of water.

Through the story of Alfred and Rita, we realize that the pursuit of an absolute purpose is the greatest delusion. Ibsen teaches us that the only salvation for humanity is the relinquishment of purposes and the acceptance of the fall, which may lead to resurrection and redemption.