Peer Gynt is the son of the once highly-regarded Jon Gynt. Jon Gynt spent all of his father's money on feasting and living high, until there was nothing left, and he had to go from his farm as a wandering salesman, leaving his wife and son behind in debt. Åse, the mother, wished to raise her son to wield and restore the lost fortune of his father, but Peer is soon to be considered useless for practical tasks.
As the play opens, Peer gives an account of a reindeer hunt that went awry. His mother scorns him for his vivid imagination, and taunts him because he spoiled his chances with the daughter of the richest farmer, Ingrid. …
