Reader Response of Hedda Gabler

Reader Response of Hedda Gabler

Henrik Ibsen’s play Hedda Gabler depicts the manipulative ramifications of a bored and morally bankrupted woman. The main character, Hedda Gabler, is a selfish and arrogant woman who wreaks havoc on her unsuspecting victims. Hedda leads an empty life of boredom and malice. She is a woman who is unsatisfied with her new life and her unrealized expectations. Hedda seeks amusement by toying with countless lives. At the end of the play, Hedda is forced to confront her diabolical actions and she ultimately takes the easy way out. Hedda Gabler is a portrayal of an unconventional, yet morally hollow woman.

I enjoyed Hedda Gabler, yet I despised Hedda. Hedda is a pampered and manipulative woman. She does not care about the people that continually shower her with worship and kindness. She views her loved ones as pathetic toys. Throughout the play, Hedda displays not a shred of kindness or sympathy. Hedda emasculates her husband and belittles her husband’s family. Hedda intentionally insults the hat of Tesman’s aunt. Aunt Julie buys the hat in order to impress Hedda. Hedda also insults the relationship that Tesman has with his family. She insults Tesman’s attachment to the slippers that his sickly aunt made for him. Hedda shows no concern for Tesman when his job is in jeopardy, she only mourns the loss of her entertainment budget. Hedda uses manipulation as a source of pleasure. She manipulates and poisons the bond between Eilert Lovborg and Mrs. Elvsted. She despises Eilert’s newfound redemption and hates the fact that Mrs. Elvsted was the one that inspired Eilert to make such a change. Hedda destroys his redemption by corrupting him with liquor. In a symbolic and malicious act, Hedda destroys the book that united and caused a remarkable transition in both Eilert and Mrs. Elvsted. She enjoys the power that she has gained.

Even though Henrik Ibsen writes from a feminist point of view, I think Hedda is a character that is insulting and out of touch with today’s