Hedda Gabler, Act 1 Summary

Conversation between Tesman and his visiting aunt, Miss Juliane Tesman, reveals that Tesman and Hedda, the beautiful and socially successful daughter of a demanding general, have been on their honeymoon for several months, that Tesman spent most of their time away working on a piece of academic writing, and that he has plans for an academic career. Miss Tesman hints that she, too, has plans - for the many empty rooms in the house. Hedda arrives and greets Miss Tesman with almost rude formality. Tesman comments on how beautiful Hedda is and how much her figure has filled out. Hedda insists she is as she always has been. After Miss Tesman leaves, Hedda promises Tesman that she (Hedda) will try to be more polite, with further tense conversation revealing that Hedda has been upset by the arrival of flowers...