Peer Gynt has long puzzled critics about its genre. Ibsen subtitled it a dramatic poem, wrote it in verse, and did not originally intend it for the stage, yet it has been performed many times, often with Grieg's music. This ambiguity makes the play a superb subject for argumentative essays, and it gives teachers a way to assess whether students can define terms and defend a position.

A genre essay asks students to do something more demanding than interpret a scene. They must establish criteria for categories such as tragedy, satire, comedy, or fantasy, then test the play against those criteria with evidence. Strong essays make their definitions explicit instead of assuming that the reader shares them.

Grading such papers requires attention to the logic of the argument as much as to literary knowledge. A student might argue persuasively that the play is a satire because of its treatment of national myths, or that it is a tragedy because of the Button Moulder's final reckoning. Either position can earn high marks if it is defined and supported well.

Evaluating Definitions and Criteria

The first thing to check is whether the student defines the genre clearly. An essay that claims Peer Gynt is a tragedy without explaining what tragedy means, or relying on a vague notion of sadness, has not yet begun to argue. Feedback should ask the student to specify the features of the genre that matter to the case.

• Defines the genre or genres under discussion with clear criteria
• Applies the criteria to specific scenes and characters from the play
• Considers evidence that complicates or contradicts the thesis
• Addresses the play's mix of realistic and fantastic modes
• Reaches a conclusion that follows logically from the evidence presented

Rewarding Counterargument

Because the play defies simple classification, the best essays acknowledge the strongest objections to their position. A student who argues the play is a satire should address the moments of genuine pathos, such as Åse's death or Solveig's lullaby, and explain how they fit the claim. Rewarding this willingness to engage opposing evidence improves the intellectual quality of the whole set.

Teachers can build counterargument into the rubric as a distinct category, so that students know it will be valued. Offering a brief model of how to introduce and rebut a counterpoint, using an example from the play, helps students understand what the move looks like in practice. Many will adopt it eagerly once they see its power.

Common Problems

A frequent issue is the essay that lists features of several genres and never takes a stand. Another is the essay that selects a genre based on personal feeling, such as saying the play is a comedy because it made the student laugh. Feedback should redirect these students toward definitions and evidence, and remind them that the goal is a reasoned claim.

Some students also treat genre labels as fixed boxes and overlook that works can combine modes. A thoughtful essay might argue that Peer Gynt is deliberately hybrid, and that the mixture is the point. Allowing this kind of claim, provided it is supported, encourages flexible thinking.

Supporting Argument Skills With Technology

AI feedback tools can check for the structural elements of an argument, such as a clear thesis, a stated definition, and a counterargument paragraph. They can flag essays that lack these components and suggest questions to guide revision. This first pass allows teachers to devote their attention to the substance of the reasoning.

Combined with clear criteria and thoughtful prompts, this support makes it practical to assign argumentative essays on genre to large classes. Students gain practice in building and defending a position, a skill that carries far beyond the study of one play.