On multiple occasions, the manuscript is symbolically referred to as a child, and when it is destroyed, recognized as "child-murder." The manuscript is a representation of the love and passion between Thea and Lovborg, as he describes Thea as "the inspiration" behind his work of creative genius. When destroyed by Hedda, it is as though she has "killed a little child" and along with it a deep connection between Lovborg and Thea. In a sense, the manuscript may also be interpreted as a root of evil in the play. It is the manuscript that personifies Hedda's jealousy and malice toward Thea. It is also a threatening force, as a demonstration that Lovborg's creative genius embodied by the "precious, irreplaceable manuscript," is superior to the work of of Tesman, which eventually in turn leads to the death of Hedda and Lovborg. In this sense, the manuscript is a form of power, and represents the power that Hedda longs for, but slowly loses. .
Universally, a pistol indicates masculinity, a desired power and imminent destruction. Hedda Gabler's pistols do just that. Passed down from her father, "General Gabler's pistols" reinforce the idea that in Hedda's own heart she is not a true wife to Tesman, but a daughter of her father. Pistols are not widely understood to be a woman's object, especially in the times of Henrik Ibsen. Hedda's possession of the pistols emphasizes her character as unorthodox, bold, fiery and unafraid. They also represent her spirit of aggression, and are instruments in which Hedda holds and exerts control and power over others. Hedda toys around with the pistols, joking, "Now I'll shoot you, Judge Brack!" she undermines their extreme capabilities, which may serve as a portrayal that Hedda finds joy in manipulating and toying with others for her own mere amusement. With the sense that she uses the pistols to hold power, they also serve as the key to Hedda's longing freedom, and her constant desire to be under the rule of none but herself, as she uses the pistol to indirectly kill Lovberg, and eventually herself, after she comes to the realization that Barack holds a form of power over her.
