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Analysis of the Character Hedda Gabler

In the play, Hedda Gabler, Henrik Ibsen presents a formerly aristocratic protagonist that antagonizes the people in her life. Hedda Gabler is the enigmatic character that is sympathized with but yet is to blame for this twisted tragedy. First of all, Hedda is unhappy and trapped in a relationship with a man she doesn’t love. Secondly, she likes to view people as mere objects or play pieces in her game of life. Lastly, because the audience is not let into her personal thoughts, her actions incite questions of her mental status.

First of all, Hedda is unhappily married in a loveless relationship. Hedda and Tesman do not have a perfect relationship. Ibsen never has it openly stated. He introduces the problematic marriage in the beginning. Tesman, Hedda’s husband, remarks, “Yes, but have you noticed what splendid condition she is in? How she has filled out on the journey?” (Act I, Scene 1). This indicates that she is now pregnant, and Hedda's refusal to acknowledge that sh...

Posted by: Sheryl Hogges

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