Question

Critics disagree about whether Hedda Gabler is a character study or a tragedy. In your view, is Hedda a victim of society, a selfish manipulator, or a tragic heroine? Consider the definition of tragedy, the reasons Hedda felt trapped, and the consequences of her choices in your response of a maximum of five sentences.

Answer 1

This question refers to the play Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen. In this play, we meet Hedda, a woman who is trapped in a marriage with a man she does not love.

While there are many interpretations of the play, I believe that Hedda is most likely a selfish manipulator. While Hedda is in fact trapped in a marriage, this marriage is of her own choosing, and she engaged in it out of interest, and not love. Moreover, she does not care about her husband in any way except those that affect her. Moreover, Hedda has a very high opinion of herself, believing herself to be an aristocrat and to be entitled to everything. Finally, Hedda appears to get pleasure from the chaos and confusion that she causes, even if this destroys the lives of others.