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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Hedda marry Tesman?

2. What member of Tesman's family has passed away at the beginning of Act 4?

3. What does Solness plan to hang from the tower of his new home?

4. Why does Hedda tell Tesman she burned the manuscript?

5. What is Solness paranoid really happened to the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Hedda tell Tesman she burned the manuscript?

2. What is Ragnar's ambition?

3. Why does Hedda burn the manuscript?

4. Ultimately, why does Solness finally grant Ragnar's request?

5. Why is Ejlert unable to return Mrs. Elvsted's love sufficiently?

6. What does Solness decide to do in honor of the new house?

7. What are the factors that, combined, mean such despair for Hedda that she must end her life?

8. Why does Hedda refrain from visiting Aunt Rina?

9. How does Hedda convince Lovborg to go to the party?

10. What are Hedda's feelings about Tesman's aunts?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In A DOLL'S HOUSE, Ibsen makes ample use of foreshadowing. Cite at least three of these examples and explain the significance to the plot, characters, and play. Be sure to include correctly cited quotations to enhance your points.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of subtext in HEDDA GABLER. Does this differ from the other plays in the collection? Why or why not? What events or situations in Hedda Gabler are not stated, simply implied? How does this use of subtext contribute to the overall effect of the play from start to finish?

Essay Topic 3

In the climax of HEDDA GABLER, she shoots herself in the temple with her father's pistol. What reversals in Act 4 lead her to this final act? What characters directly contribute to her decision? Is Hedda's suicide a final, courageous declaration of freedom, or has she been left no other choice because of her restrictive, stifling life? Is her suicide an admission of defeat? Why or why not?

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This section contains 706 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample