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Hedda Gaber Symbolism

This use of a fourth wall realism works to mimic the appearance of a culturally recognizable space, in this case a family drawing room. This works to subvert traditional conventions and shows the way an individual is bound to society and can never be free from the social pressures and cultural assumptions that surrounds them. .
             The symbolism associated with the Tesman's house is strongly contrasted with the audiences expectations of a newly married couple and serves to develop the protagonist's sense of entrapment and psychological distress. The set is characterized by its use of dark colour in the furnishings and the lighting progressively becomes darker throughout the play. This is symbolic of Hedda's growing depression and the reducing opportunity for she has for freedom and power over her own life. The house is also termed by the smell of lavender and dried roses which Hedda says.
             "It reminds one of the departed all right. Like one's bouquet the day after the ball." (Act II, p305).
             The old bouquet can be seen to be symbolic of Hedda's fading of her youth "I had simply danced myself out my time was up"(Act II, p299). This also adds to the suffocation and the motif of death and decay and combined with the symbolism of flowers serve to contrast the audiences expectations of a newly wed couple. .
             The stage set also contains an "inner room" positioned at the back of the stage which represents Hedda's repressed inner self and psyche and also her history. Within this room are General Gabler's portrait and Hedda's piano that link Hedda to her history and premarital identity as Hedda Gabler, the aristocratic daughter of a general as opposed to the ornamental wife or trophy wife of Jorgen Tesman. General Gabler's portrait symbolically demonstrates how Hedda and her psyche are defined in terms of patriarchal authority. Hedda's use of this room signifies her need to retreat from the bourgeois environment and represents Hedda's alienation from the society she is trapped in.


Essays Related to Hedda Gaber Symbolism

1. The Symbols of Hedda Gabler

Symbolism is a device used in drama and writing that exerts meaning beyond its literal sense. Henrik Ibsen uses symbolism in his work of Hedda Gabler, to attach deeper meaning to familiar objects used in the play. ... Similarly to the symbolism behind the piano, the glass represents Hedda's longing to escape the confines of her life. ... The symbolism used by Ibsen allows the reader or viewer to gain an intricate view of his work, especially the character of Hedda Gabler. Hedda's complex character is hidden behind the symbolism written into these objects. ...

  • Word Count: 1107
  • Approx Pages: 4

2. Hedda Gabler

In Henrik Ibsen's play Hedda Gabler, the main character, Hedda Tesman represents a manipulative and powerful young woman seeking to control the lives of those around her. ... Hedda destroys the things which she cannot accept. ... When Hedda and Thea are conversing in the parlor, Hedda insist that they use the familiar form of you when speaking to each other, "No, not at all! ... You must say du to me and call me Hedda- (15). ... In Act III, when Lovborg comes to Hedda, distressed at the loss of his new book, Hedda does not tell him that she possesses it. ...

  • Word Count: 1104
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

3. Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen

This sentiment is emboldened in Hedda's lust for self-expression and freedom. ... Hedda derives a sadistic pleasure at the use of pistols. ... Thus her use of pistols also shows Hedda's cold-heartedness. ... It shows how the horror of the present seems asphyxiating for Hedda. ... Hedda, in the end was forced to succumb. ...

  • Word Count: 1624
  • Approx Pages: 6

4. The darkness that Hedda brings

The darkness that Hedda brings to others. ... "Hedda- Look at that! ... And it doesn't happen to be old, Hedda dear."... Hedda's disapproval of Aunt Julle's hat saddens Aunt Julle. ... Hedda- Eilert Loevborg, listen to me. ...

  • Word Count: 1029
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

5. Role of Hedda Gabler Paper

What is the role of Hedda Gabler and how does Hedda control everyone's life? ... In truth Hedda is jealous of Mrs. ... Hedda is of a loose character. ... Often described as Hedda's alter ego, Lovborg had an intense relationship with Hedda during childhood. ... Hedda was in control; Lovborg could not resist himself from not telling Hedda everything. ...

  • Word Count: 976
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Comparing Antigone and Hedda Gabler

In Hedda Gabler, Ibsen's use of sarcasm is comedic and is used in many scenes where Hedda is flirting with different male characters. ... The main character involved with the flirting is Hedda herself. ... Judge Brack then comments to Hedda, "Of course. ... Hedda then comments," Oh, I"m sure you"re an exception, Judge." ... In Ibsen's Hedda Gabler Hedda is a very deceiving character who is also very flirtatious and lustful. ...

  • Word Count: 1350
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: High School

7. Commentary on Hedda Gabler Act 1

Ibsen: Hedda Gabler Act 1 Throughout Act 1, the setting takes place in Tesman's living room. ... Hedda Gabler from early on in the play shows that she is of a much higher class that Tesman. ... This shows that Hedda Gabler is of a very aristocratic class and is difficult to please. ... This critical nature of Hedda got Tesmans attention and he commented that Hedda should be nicer to Auntie Juju. ... There is a strong sense in the first act that Hedda craves control. ...

  • Word Count: 340
  • Approx Pages: 1
  • Grade Level: High School

8. Role Of Society In Hedda Gabler

Hedda Gabler Society and social issues play an important role in the outcome of the novel, "Hedda Gabler." ... Ibsen, in writing the play of Hedda Gabler, showed observations on society at the time period of that setting. ... Also, In Act 4, when Hedda discovers that Ejlert met a horrible death, she is disgusted. ... It is interesting to notice that Hedda is such a powerful character. ... To conclude, Hedda is a powerful character and shows the hypocrisy of society in Ibsen's novel, Hedda Gabler. ...

  • Word Count: 629
  • Approx Pages: 3

9. Hedda Gabler

Hedda in Hedda Gabler presents herself as a purely evil woman, with no goals in her life but to destroy those that surround her. ... Hedda wants only one thing in her life which is control. ... Instead of soothing him or talking him out of it Hedda tells him to do it "beautifully". ... This is the only time we see Hedda's true feelings and see what kind of person she is. ... Edna and Hedda are both morally ambiguous....

  • Word Count: 796
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

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