Hedda Gabler Essay

Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler is a captivating tale that encompasses the struggles of a 19th century Norwegian woman who longs for escape from her unexciting life and loveless marriage. But what makes this text so captivating? Perhaps it is as simple as the craft of the theatre set, a fundamental element of plays that can often be overlooked due to an attention-grabbing plotline. In western theatre, character and plot take centre stage, but Ibsen demonstrates the true power of the set, using it as an aid in communicating Hedda’s emotions, identity, and desires. Hedda comes from an aristocratic line of blood, as she is the daughter of General Gabler. When she marries the utterly unimpressive George Tesman, the way of life she knew is challenged and she is expected to adapt to a less affluent lifestyle. In Hedda Gabler, Henrik …show more content…
During the time that Ibsen wrote Hedda Gabler, society viewed marriage as a change in possession of a woman from father to husband. Although now adapting to life as a married woman, Hedda still bears strong ties to her background. The opening description of the set includes “a portrait of a handsome, elderly man in a general’s uniform” (221), implying from the very beginning that it is a significant part of the play. Hanging high on the wall of the inner room as if he’s watching over her, the portrait of Hedda’s father is observable by the audience throughout the play. This ensures that everyone is reminded he has a powerful influence on her identity. Before the audience is even introduced to Hedda herself, Aunt Julie first refers to her as “General Gabler’s daughter” (222). It is as if she is not her own person, but instead lives in the shadow of her father. After all, she chooses to go by his name, not her husband’s, conveying that she is still the property of General Gabler, with a persistent connection to him and her aristocratic