Monday, October 27, 2008

Thoughts On Hedda Gabler


The title that is, not the character.

Photo: http://www.ibsen.net/

I thought that it was curious that Ibsen would use Hedda's maiden name for the title. By using her maiden name, Ibsen plants the idea that Hedda isn't really Tesman's girl even before the first page is turned. We don't go into the play expecting some woman that fits into some type of stereotypical model, but a woman that belongs to no one, and ultimately that is what we get. When Brack thinks he has her, she goes and shoots herself to prove him wrong.

1 comment:

Montrell said...

The title is a great foreshadow to Hedda's personality and individuality. Even though she is married to Tesman, Hedda doesnt act like a good wife. And because Hedda does not fit stereotypical models, we know that George will not either. He is suppose to be the man of the house hold but does not act like it. I wonder if Ibsen could have used "George Gabler" as the title. This would signify that the man and woman in the story would trade places and go outside their stereotypes.