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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 is Tesman in competition with Lovborg?

2. What destroyed Solness and Aline's original home?

3. Where is Mr. Lovborg invited upon his arrival to the Tesmans'?

4. Which of the assistants has ambition of becoming a builder?

5. What excuse does Hedda give about her former relationship with Lovborg?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Lovborg take his leave of Mrs. Elvsted?

3. Why does Hedda burn the manuscript?

4. What imminent threat does Tesman face now that Lovborg has a successful book?

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

6. Why is Solness afraid of youth?

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

8. What does Mr. Brack hint will soon keep Hedda busy, fulfilling her life and abating her incurable boredom?

9. What does Hedda claim spurred her original interest in Ejlert Lovborg, years ago?

10. What does Mrs. Elvsted confess to Hedda?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Mrs. Alving's "ghosts." When do they appear? As whom do they appear? What echoes of her past does she see in the present? Is she able to escape any of her past experiences? What is her character's arc throughout the play? Be sure to provide textual examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the climax and the secondary climax of HEDDA GABLER. In which acts do these events occur? How does the secondary climax lead to the ultimate resolution in the play? What other events lead up to the play's final, climactic moment?

Essay Topic 3

Hedda repeatedly mentions seeing Lovborg with vine leaves in his hair. What do the vine leaves represent for Hedda? Are there any other references to vine leaves in literary history that come to mind? Literally, in today's world, what could vine leaves represent? How does this identification tie in with Lovborg's struggles to right himself?

(see the answer keys)

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