HEDDA GABBLER
Summary
The play starts George Tesman and Hedda Gabbler returning from their six-month long honeymoon. The maid makes a comment on how much Hedda had to be unpacked, revealing that Hedda would appear to need much upkeep. Aunt Julia tell the maid that the upkeep may be well worth it, as George had recently become a doctor, and soon maybe a even ‘greater’ title, hinting that Hedda may be with child.
During a talk with Aunt Julia and George it is revealed that Mr. Tesman is very devoted to his work, because he had done research during the honeymoon. The aunt asks George if there was any big news that she should be informed of, covertly asking about the child. George, being oblivious to the hidden meaning replies that the only noteworthy thing is that he has earned the title of Doctor. The two begin talking about how pricey the upkeep of Hedda’s tastes is, saying the pricey house was only bought because Hedda wanted it. Again Julia says references that there might be children, and again George doesn’t understang. As a departing remark Aunt Julia says that George’s old college, Eilert Lovborg, had recently published a book.
It is revealed that Mr. Lovborg is a recovering alcoholic, as well as a past tutor of Mrs. Elvsted’s children. During a private conversation between Lovborg and Hedda it is shown that they have had relations in the past, through Hedda’s formality with him. Mrs. Elvsted admits that there were growing feelings for Lovborg ever since he had been tutoring her children, and that she had lessening feelings for her true husband. During a conversation between Judge Brack and George the judge informs him that because Lovborg returned the professorship that George had been vying for is no longer a secure position. After this revelation George tells Hedda that they must be frugal, to which she replies that she might think of finding company with her father’s old guns. Frightened, George pleas with her not to do that.
Hedda begins tinkering with the old pistols, watching as Judge Brack approached her she pretended to fire at him. Concerned by this behaviour the Judge engages in a conversation with the woman. The judge begins showing affections towards the woman, which she reciprocates by agreeing to a ‘triangular friendship’, in which Brack could come and go as he pleased. Brack asks about Hadda baring a child, to which she avoids answering directly.
It is revealed that Mrs. Elsted is jealous of Hedda, wishing that Lovborg would only see her. Lovborg declines to go drinking with Judge Brack and Tesman, to which Hedda says to Mrs. Elsted, infront of Lovborg, that she had nothing to worry about because Lovborg was a man of principle. Both Lovborg and Mrs. Elsted were enraged, Mrs. Elsted because Hedda had blatantly said it infront of Eilert, while he was upset that Mrs. Elsted had no confidence in his willpower. As retaliation Lovborg downs two drinks and accompanies the other two men to the party. Mrs. Elsted is worried that he will have a relapse, while Hedda assures her he won’t.
The next day Tesman had returned, informing Hedda of the previous night. Even though they had arrived to the party early the entertainment wasn’t short as Lovborg had begun reading his book to Tesman, which he found quite dazzling. Hedda replied to that part with moderate disdain. Tesman continued describing how at the party Lovborg had in fact become intoxicated and began ranting about his ‘muse’, the woman who inspired him. Piqued, Hedda devised a plan to acquire Lovborg’s manuscript, which went off without a hitch.
Brack arrives and informs Hedda that Lovborg has become furious because his manuscript is missing, as well as that he doesn’t want Lovborg joining the ‘triangle friendship’. When Brack leaves Lovborg arrives, distraught that he had lost he manuscript. He then ‘breaks up’ with Mrs. Elsted, and inform Hedda that he must kill himself. Hedda responds with ‘make it beautiful’. When he leaves with one of her pistols, set on suicide, she burns his manuscript.
Aunt Julia informs the couple that her sister had died, when met with this news George asks what her plans are. Julia replied that she didn’t know, she might even move in with them after Hedda has her child, which Heda replies with revulsion. Concerned that Lovborg didn’t have his manuscript he went to his house, not finding him anywhere. After a short inquiry he asks Hedda if she still had the manuscript, she replied that she had burned it, much to his horror. Hedda explained that she couldn’t stand that her husband, George, was being overshadowed, so she put an end to it. George replies extaticly, believing that this is a sign that Hedda actually cares for him, to which she replies, ‘I can’t stand this.’
Brack soon arrives with more sad news after the aunt’s death, informing them that Lovborg had shot himself in the chest, and is now teetering on the edge of death. Hedda merely inquires for information about the act, Brack tells her that he shot himself near the heart. She comments on how the act had a certain beauty to it, which shocks everyone. Hedda was quickly spiraling out of control. Brack tells Hedda that there will be an inquiry as pistol was hers, she replies ‘You… own me,’ and she left to the room. A shot is heard and George cries out Hedda had shot herself.
Characters
Hedda Gabler is the main focus of the play, she is manipulative and enjoys seeing other’s pain. This could be indicative of the ‘helpless’ feeling she could have developed being a woman during the time period, finding the power over people exhilarating, which would also indicate sever mental instability. At the beginning of the play it is hinted that she is with child, however she replies with disgust every time, almost as if she hates the idea of having a child. As she begins manipulating those around her she becomes more, and more addicted to the manipulation of them, almost like a fire, consuming everything around it, until there’s nothing left. Like a fire, when there is nothing left for her, she commits suicide. She explains her actions as something she did, simply because she was bored.
Setting
The setting was in Kristiania, Norway during the 1890s. The reasoning for the setting was because, as the centric character was Hedda Gabler, she never left the house. This could also be a comment how the entire world ‘revolved’ around her, and how many of the characters were at the beck and call of her. The time is important because during that time it was very uncommon for women to be this influential in the life of others, which made here even more of a ‘iconic’ character. The fact that the setting never really strayed from the house could have also been a commentary on how a woman’s place is in the home, and how she ‘bucked the system’ even though she never left her ‘place’.
Conflicts
The most prevalent is man vs society, this is shown through the fact that Hedda is a woman, whose conventional role is in the house, looking pretty, defied social norms, and affected the lives of so many people.
The second is man vs man, this is shown through the fact that the men were vying for Hedda’s attention, even her own husband had to ‘fight’ for her affection, no one won this fight as she had played all of them.
The most subdued conflict is man vs self, while this isn’t prevalent in Hedda it is prevalent in Lovborg, he’s trying to cope with his inner demons while attempting to carry out a normal life.
Major Themes
Boredom played the largest role in the occurrence of the play. If Hedda had never become bored then nothing would have actually happened, except that life would have gone on as normal.
A woman’s role in the household is another theme. At that particular time in history a woman’s role was to sit inside the house looking pretty. Hedda didn’t follow this, she actually went against convention and meddled with almost everything she could.
The third theme is whether the needs of one outweigh the needs of the many. Hedda believes that her needs outweigh everyone else and as such, continues to go about, manipulating everyone.
Symbols
The pistols represented an outlet, a violent one, but an outlet none-the-less. Lovborg was distraught and could see no other way out, there fore he committed suicide.
Fire was a small symbol, it represented Hedda’s love for destruction, the way it consumed the manuscript was similar to the way Hedda ‘consumed’ the distress of Lovborg.
The unborn child is a symbol of life, however the way Hedda reacts to the child is another symbol, which indicates her distaste for joy or life. When anyone mentions the baby she reacts by avoiding the subject, or replying in distaste.
Images
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-MgaVCUy0
MLA
Summary
The play starts George Tesman and Hedda Gabbler returning from their six-month long honeymoon. The maid makes a comment on how much Hedda had to be unpacked, revealing that Hedda would appear to need much upkeep. Aunt Julia tell the maid that the upkeep may be well worth it, as George had recently become a doctor, and soon maybe a even ‘greater’ title, hinting that Hedda may be with child.
During a talk with Aunt Julia and George it is revealed that Mr. Tesman is very devoted to his work, because he had done research during the honeymoon. The aunt asks George if there was any big news that she should be informed of, covertly asking about the child. George, being oblivious to the hidden meaning replies that the only noteworthy thing is that he has earned the title of Doctor. The two begin talking about how pricey the upkeep of Hedda’s tastes is, saying the pricey house was only bought because Hedda wanted it. Again Julia says references that there might be children, and again George doesn’t understang. As a departing remark Aunt Julia says that George’s old college, Eilert Lovborg, had recently published a book.
It is revealed that Mr. Lovborg is a recovering alcoholic, as well as a past tutor of Mrs. Elvsted’s children. During a private conversation between Lovborg and Hedda it is shown that they have had relations in the past, through Hedda’s formality with him. Mrs. Elvsted admits that there were growing feelings for Lovborg ever since he had been tutoring her children, and that she had lessening feelings for her true husband. During a conversation between Judge Brack and George the judge informs him that because Lovborg returned the professorship that George had been vying for is no longer a secure position. After this revelation George tells Hedda that they must be frugal, to which she replies that she might think of finding company with her father’s old guns. Frightened, George pleas with her not to do that.
Hedda begins tinkering with the old pistols, watching as Judge Brack approached her she pretended to fire at him. Concerned by this behaviour the Judge engages in a conversation with the woman. The judge begins showing affections towards the woman, which she reciprocates by agreeing to a ‘triangular friendship’, in which Brack could come and go as he pleased. Brack asks about Hadda baring a child, to which she avoids answering directly.
It is revealed that Mrs. Elsted is jealous of Hedda, wishing that Lovborg would only see her. Lovborg declines to go drinking with Judge Brack and Tesman, to which Hedda says to Mrs. Elsted, infront of Lovborg, that she had nothing to worry about because Lovborg was a man of principle. Both Lovborg and Mrs. Elsted were enraged, Mrs. Elsted because Hedda had blatantly said it infront of Eilert, while he was upset that Mrs. Elsted had no confidence in his willpower. As retaliation Lovborg downs two drinks and accompanies the other two men to the party. Mrs. Elsted is worried that he will have a relapse, while Hedda assures her he won’t.
The next day Tesman had returned, informing Hedda of the previous night. Even though they had arrived to the party early the entertainment wasn’t short as Lovborg had begun reading his book to Tesman, which he found quite dazzling. Hedda replied to that part with moderate disdain. Tesman continued describing how at the party Lovborg had in fact become intoxicated and began ranting about his ‘muse’, the woman who inspired him. Piqued, Hedda devised a plan to acquire Lovborg’s manuscript, which went off without a hitch.
Brack arrives and informs Hedda that Lovborg has become furious because his manuscript is missing, as well as that he doesn’t want Lovborg joining the ‘triangle friendship’. When Brack leaves Lovborg arrives, distraught that he had lost he manuscript. He then ‘breaks up’ with Mrs. Elsted, and inform Hedda that he must kill himself. Hedda responds with ‘make it beautiful’. When he leaves with one of her pistols, set on suicide, she burns his manuscript.
Aunt Julia informs the couple that her sister had died, when met with this news George asks what her plans are. Julia replied that she didn’t know, she might even move in with them after Hedda has her child, which Heda replies with revulsion. Concerned that Lovborg didn’t have his manuscript he went to his house, not finding him anywhere. After a short inquiry he asks Hedda if she still had the manuscript, she replied that she had burned it, much to his horror. Hedda explained that she couldn’t stand that her husband, George, was being overshadowed, so she put an end to it. George replies extaticly, believing that this is a sign that Hedda actually cares for him, to which she replies, ‘I can’t stand this.’
Brack soon arrives with more sad news after the aunt’s death, informing them that Lovborg had shot himself in the chest, and is now teetering on the edge of death. Hedda merely inquires for information about the act, Brack tells her that he shot himself near the heart. She comments on how the act had a certain beauty to it, which shocks everyone. Hedda was quickly spiraling out of control. Brack tells Hedda that there will be an inquiry as pistol was hers, she replies ‘You… own me,’ and she left to the room. A shot is heard and George cries out Hedda had shot herself.
Characters
Hedda Gabler is the main focus of the play, she is manipulative and enjoys seeing other’s pain. This could be indicative of the ‘helpless’ feeling she could have developed being a woman during the time period, finding the power over people exhilarating, which would also indicate sever mental instability. At the beginning of the play it is hinted that she is with child, however she replies with disgust every time, almost as if she hates the idea of having a child. As she begins manipulating those around her she becomes more, and more addicted to the manipulation of them, almost like a fire, consuming everything around it, until there’s nothing left. Like a fire, when there is nothing left for her, she commits suicide. She explains her actions as something she did, simply because she was bored.
Setting
The setting was in Kristiania, Norway during the 1890s. The reasoning for the setting was because, as the centric character was Hedda Gabler, she never left the house. This could also be a comment how the entire world ‘revolved’ around her, and how many of the characters were at the beck and call of her. The time is important because during that time it was very uncommon for women to be this influential in the life of others, which made here even more of a ‘iconic’ character. The fact that the setting never really strayed from the house could have also been a commentary on how a woman’s place is in the home, and how she ‘bucked the system’ even though she never left her ‘place’.
Conflicts
The most prevalent is man vs society, this is shown through the fact that Hedda is a woman, whose conventional role is in the house, looking pretty, defied social norms, and affected the lives of so many people.
The second is man vs man, this is shown through the fact that the men were vying for Hedda’s attention, even her own husband had to ‘fight’ for her affection, no one won this fight as she had played all of them.
The most subdued conflict is man vs self, while this isn’t prevalent in Hedda it is prevalent in Lovborg, he’s trying to cope with his inner demons while attempting to carry out a normal life.
Major Themes
Boredom played the largest role in the occurrence of the play. If Hedda had never become bored then nothing would have actually happened, except that life would have gone on as normal.
A woman’s role in the household is another theme. At that particular time in history a woman’s role was to sit inside the house looking pretty. Hedda didn’t follow this, she actually went against convention and meddled with almost everything she could.
The third theme is whether the needs of one outweigh the needs of the many. Hedda believes that her needs outweigh everyone else and as such, continues to go about, manipulating everyone.
Symbols
The pistols represented an outlet, a violent one, but an outlet none-the-less. Lovborg was distraught and could see no other way out, there fore he committed suicide.
Fire was a small symbol, it represented Hedda’s love for destruction, the way it consumed the manuscript was similar to the way Hedda ‘consumed’ the distress of Lovborg.
The unborn child is a symbol of life, however the way Hedda reacts to the child is another symbol, which indicates her distaste for joy or life. When anyone mentions the baby she reacts by avoiding the subject, or replying in distaste.
Images
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-MgaVCUy0
MLA
- McLeish, Kenneth. Hedda Gabler. London: Nick Hern Books, 1995.
- Lyon, Charles. Hedda Gabler: Gender, Role and World. London: Twayne Publishers, 1991.
- "Henrik Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabler'." 2006-09-13. <http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/cs6/ibsen.html>.
- "Hedda Gabler, Psychoanalysis and the Space of Play." 2006-09-18. <http://human-nature.com/free-associations/hand.html>.
- "Hedda Gabler, A Play by Henrik Ibsen." 2006-09-17. <http://www.theatredatabase.com/19th_century/henrik_ibsen_006.html>.