Since Peer Gynt was conceived as a poetic fantasy, Ibsen did not prioritize crafting a realistic story. Peer's actions are often unrealistic and absurd, beginning in Act I. The play opens with Peer's imaginative and clearly exaggerated hunting story, which his mother believes. Another instance occurs shortly after when Peer lifts his mother and places her on the roof of their house. A further absurd episode is Peer's encounter with trolls in the forest, where he is willing to become one of them, even agreeing to wear a tail and consume their natural food. Through these absurd scenarios and characters, Ibsen satirizes society. The playwright suggests that the ridiculous situations Peer encounters are as absurd as some aspects of Ibsen's own society.

When Peer abducts Ingrid on her wedding day, it's clear that love isn't his motivation. Peer's self-absorption prevents him from being moved by love for anyone or anything. His desire for Ingrid stems from her dowry, which he sees as an opportunity to avoid working. However, the play does portray genuine love, embodied by Solveig. She sacrifices her family, friends, and home to live with Peer, isolated in the forest and shunned by society. Although she can only be with him for a short time, Solveig patiently awaits his return. Peer never informs her of when he'll come back, and he remains away for many years. Despite this, Solveig waits alone in the cabin, and when an elderly Peer finally returns, she welcomes him with love and gratitude, thanking him for enriching her life. Solveig symbolizes unwavering, devoted love for someone who evades commitment throughout most of his life.

The trolls' promotion of organic living reflects a 19th-century inclination towards a return-to-nature movement and a more natural way of life, which Ibsen humorously critiques. The trolls adopt a "simple, homey lifestyle" centered around natural foods. Although the food might taste unpleasant, the fact that it is "local produce" holds more significance than its flavor. Their clothing must also be locally sourced, with nothing imported, which they call "Christian clothes." Peer's beliefs are deemed acceptable because the trolls focus solely on outward appearances; as long as Peer aligns with their style, he can hold any belief, even if it "gives the trolls the creeps." Ibsen portrays a world where what is natural, regardless of taste or appearance, is valued over ideas or intellect.

Peer's kidnapping of Ingrid, the bride, leads to widespread condemnation and retribution. Much of this punishment is simply an act of revenge against someone whose boastful and outrageous actions have defied societal norms. The consequences, however, also fall upon Peer's mother, Ase. She loses everything to cover the fines imposed on the only family member available for punishment. Ase gives up her farm, inheritance, belongings—everything she owns. She becomes dependent on the town's charity, receiving a house to live in until her death. Peer can only remain at liberty if he stays hidden in the forest; venturing out risks capture. As a result, Solveig, if she wishes to be with him, must also endure Peer's punishment.

Peer frequently grapples with the challenge of defining his moral identity. He often cites William Shakespeare's Hamlet , reciting, "To thine own self be true," yet he actually lives according to the troll's philosophy, "Be true to yourselfish." As he grows older, Peer comes to understand that despite quoting the former, his actions aligned with the latter. Throughout his life, Peer has been self-centered, prioritizing only his desires and needs. When confronted with Solveig's steadfast loyalty, he finally admits to his moral failings. The essence of humanity, the very...