Hedda Gabler: Not a Victim
English 202
Professor Roberts
6 March 2014
Hedda Gabler: Not a Victim Perhaps one of the most controversial works of literature of its time, Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, introduces an interesting cast of characters, with Hedda, herself, the most infamous. Ibsen portrays Hedda as a beautiful young woman, who is ultimately bored and unhappy with her life, but there is a question of whether or not her unhappiness is real or created. From the reading, it is apparent it is definitely created. Hedda proves to be the ultimate antagonist of the story, through her manipulation of the other characters and her cold, unfeeling personality. With her character and moral compass being quite flawed, Hedda Gabler does not, in fact, deserve the sympathy of the audience. Even from the very moment that Hedda is introduced, it is obvious she is not the average, happy newlywed. The first thing she does is start complaining that the maid has left the curtains open and that she is “drowning in all this sunlight” (Ibsen 859). Many critics say this is a hidden symbol. According to Hal and Sweet, “Ibsen uses this miniscene to juxtapose two important aspects of Hedda Gabler 's character--she must control those around her, and she can 't stand the harsh light of reality, a truth that Ibsen will reveal as usurping the very control that Hedda desires” (n.p.) From this point on, Hedda’s character flaws and questionable behavior only continue. During Tesman’s aunt Julie’s visit, she has placed her new hat, which she bought just to impress Hedda, on a chair. When Hedda sees it, she thinks it is the maids, and says, “Look, she’s left her old hat lying there on that chair . . . . What if someone came in and saw that” (Ibsen 860). Tesman’s aunt Julie is mortified, and quickly leaves the scene. Hedda’s brashness and inability to keep her rude comments to herself are seen often throughout the remainder of the play. Hedda’s ability to manipulate those around her is apparent through each of her
Professor Roberts
6 March 2014
Hedda Gabler: Not a Victim Perhaps one of the most controversial works of literature of its time, Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, introduces an interesting cast of characters, with Hedda, herself, the most infamous. Ibsen portrays Hedda as a beautiful young woman, who is ultimately bored and unhappy with her life, but there is a question of whether or not her unhappiness is real or created. From the reading, it is apparent it is definitely created. Hedda proves to be the ultimate antagonist of the story, through her manipulation of the other characters and her cold, unfeeling personality. With her character and moral compass being quite flawed, Hedda Gabler does not, in fact, deserve the sympathy of the audience. Even from the very moment that Hedda is introduced, it is obvious she is not the average, happy newlywed. The first thing she does is start complaining that the maid has left the curtains open and that she is “drowning in all this sunlight” (Ibsen 859). Many critics say this is a hidden symbol. According to Hal and Sweet, “Ibsen uses this miniscene to juxtapose two important aspects of Hedda Gabler 's character--she must control those around her, and she can 't stand the harsh light of reality, a truth that Ibsen will reveal as usurping the very control that Hedda desires” (n.p.) From this point on, Hedda’s character flaws and questionable behavior only continue. During Tesman’s aunt Julie’s visit, she has placed her new hat, which she bought just to impress Hedda, on a chair. When Hedda sees it, she thinks it is the maids, and says, “Look, she’s left her old hat lying there on that chair . . . . What if someone came in and saw that” (Ibsen 860). Tesman’s aunt Julie is mortified, and quickly leaves the scene. Hedda’s brashness and inability to keep her rude comments to herself are seen often throughout the remainder of the play. Hedda’s ability to manipulate those around her is apparent through each of her
Cited: Blythe, Hal, and Charlie Sweet. "Ibsen 's HEDDA GABLER." Explicator 59.2 (n.d.): n. pag. Literary Reference Center. Web. 22 Feb. 2014. Ibsen, Henrik. "Hedda Gabler." 1890. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. 3rd ed. Vol. 2. New York: W.W. Norton and, 2009. 853-910. Print. Lahr, John. "HEDDA, GET YOUR GUN." New Yorker 85.1 (n.d.): n. pag. Literary Reference Center. Web. 22 Feb. 2014. Norseng, Mary Kay. "Suicide and Ibsen 's Hedda Gabler." Scandinavian Studies 71.1 (n.d.): n. pag. Literary Reference Center. Web. 22 Feb. 2014.