Peer Gynt, a boastful and irresponsible dreamer, embarks on a sprawling, surreal quest to define his own identity while fleeing the consequences of his reckless actions. Driven by an insatiable need for self-aggrandizement, Peer navigates a world that blurs the lines between reality, Norwegian folklore, and psychological projection. He encounters trolls, merchants, and historical figures, all while attempting to reconcile his grandiose self-image with his actual failures. The narrative utilizes a non-linear, episodic structure that shifts rapidly between satirical social commentary and introspective, dream-like sequences.

Discussion often centers on the complex, often contradictory nature of the protagonist, who serves as both a charming rogue and a cautionary figure of moral vacuity. Readers frequently highlight the play's linguistic richness and the seamless way Ibsen transitions from biting social satire to profound existential meditation. Critics often note that the work functions as a bridge between Ibsen's earlier poetic dramas and his later, more grounded prose plays. The atmosphere is frequently described as shifting from whimsical to haunting, reflecting the protagonist's own unstable sense of self. Many readers find the final act's focus on redemption and the search for meaning to be the most enduring aspect of the text.