In Harold Bloom's "The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages," he highlights the significance of passion and enthusiasm in the works of playwright Henrik Ibsen. Bloom suggests that Ibsen's emphasis on gusto allows for a broad forgiveness of flaws in character and moral ambiguity. This perspective underscores Ibsen's ability to create complex characters whose driving passions often redeem them despite their shortcomings.

This notion reflects the larger theme in literature where fervor and strong emotions can overshadow other imperfections. Bloom's analysis invites readers to consider how the vitality of a character's desires and motivations contributes to their overall worth in the narrative, prompting a reevaluation of traditional moral judgments in literary criticism.