The Theme of Devotion in Hedda Gabler In Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, leading female characters who attempt to pursue a purpose in life illustrate the ambition for success that all women share, with the setting of a male dominated society restricting certain achievements. To reflect Ibsen’s disapproval of Victorian era gender roles, he portrays three women who express a motivation to find a sense of belonging, rather by conforming to customary expectations or rejecting tradition entirely. Ibsen uses the theme of devotion in his female characters to show the limitations on women living in a patriarchal society. The first woman who Ibsen introduces in the play is Miss Tesman, the character that devotes her life to maternal instinct. Through
…show more content…
This character devotes her life strictly to herself, with little consideration of others. Hedda is in search of a purpose in life, however, her desire to live independently is the most inefficient way to survive in a patriarchal society. Because she is incapable of conforming to her male dominated society, she is unable to succeed considering her self-serving, independent characteristics. She despises the power that men have over women in her society, but her gender does not allow her to make progressive change. When Hedda chooses to take her life because of her oppression, Judge Brack states “but god have mercy- people just don’t act that way!” (Ibsen 910). The other characters cannot understand Hedda’s perspective because their environment prevents women from considering progression. Patriarchal societies view women who devote their lives to individualism as outcast and induce strong social and political pressures for conformity. In cultures that value traditional gender roles, women who resist their expectations can face severe consequences. For example, women in Pakistan who publically speak about global education rights confront the possibility of disownment from their families, exile from their countries, or, in extreme circumstances, death by terrorist groups. These consequences result in either conformity to customary expectations or suicide, because of
This character devotes her life strictly to herself, with little consideration of others. Hedda is in search of a purpose in life, however, her desire to live independently is the most inefficient way to survive in a patriarchal society. Because she is incapable of conforming to her male dominated society, she is unable to succeed considering her self-serving, independent characteristics. She despises the power that men have over women in her society, but her gender does not allow her to make progressive change. When Hedda chooses to take her life because of her oppression, Judge Brack states “but god have mercy- people just don’t act that way!” (Ibsen 910). The other characters cannot understand Hedda’s perspective because their environment prevents women from considering progression. Patriarchal societies view women who devote their lives to individualism as outcast and induce strong social and political pressures for conformity. In cultures that value traditional gender roles, women who resist their expectations can face severe consequences. For example, women in Pakistan who publically speak about global education rights confront the possibility of disownment from their families, exile from their countries, or, in extreme circumstances, death by terrorist groups. These consequences result in either conformity to customary expectations or suicide, because of