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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. Which of the following best characterizes Mrs Elvsted's feelings regarding Lovborg?

2. What state of mind is Mrs Elvsted in when she arrives?

3. Why does Hedda tell Brack is the reason she told Tesman she wanted to live in this particular house?

4. What does Tesman thank Brack for when Brack arrives at the house for the first time in Act 1?

5. What are Mrs Elvsted's plans for the future?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lovborg say the only option open to him now is? How does Hedda respond?

2. What reason does Hedda give Brack for her marrying Tesman?

3. How much interest does Hedda show in getting along with all the Tesman family? Give an example.

4. What reason does Hedda give Tesman for burning the manuscript?

5. When Tesman and Julle are discussing future prospects, they are talking about different things. What does Tesman talk about, and what does Julle talk about?

6. What leverage does Brack acquire over Hedda?

7. What is the main question of importance that Lovborg has for Hedda when they are talking in private?

8. When Julle and Tesman discuss Hedda, what do they usually focus on?

9. What does Hedda learn from Mrs.1Elvsted when they speak alone in Act I of Hedda Gabler that Mrs Elvsted had concealed from Tesman?

10. What does Hedda tell Lovborg that other people may think if Lovborg continued to refuse to drink at all?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the play HEDDA GABLER, Lovborg is inspired by Mrs. Elvsted and reforms his life for her. Despite this, he says she is "stupid" in interpersonal matters that he discusses freely with Hedda. Indeed, Mrs. Elvsted, like Tesman, seems blind to much of the social happenings going on around her. Write an essay about these four characters and discuss how they inspire and motivate each other.

Part 1: Why is Hedda inspired by Lovborg? Why does Hedda long for influence over Lovborg but doesn't care for the influence she has over Tesman? How are Hedda and Lovborg alike? How are they different?

Part 2: How are Mrs. Elvsted and Tesman alike? In what way is this a strength and in what way are their similarities a weakness?

Part 3: Why is Lovborg inspired by Mrs. Elvsted, but Hedda is not inspired by Tesman? Is the difference in Lovborg and Hedda or in Mrs. Elvsted and Tesman?

Essay Topic 2

For the title character in HEDDA GABLER, having power and influence over someone is of immense importance.

Part 1: Describe Hedda's need for power or influence. Why did she feel it? Was she particular about who she influenced? Was she well meaning in her attempts to influence? Was she responsible with her power?

Part 2: Write an essay about the people in your life that you have influence over and those that have power over you. Discuss the roles of responsibility and power in each relationship. What happens when power is not handled responsibly? What are some of the outcomes of the power or influence in your life and in the life of those around you?

Essay Topic 3

What is realism in theatrical performances? Think about all the specific limitations and possibilities in realism.

Part 1: Explain what realism is and how it differs from other genres, such as romanticism.

Part 2: As a form of art, what advantages and disadvantages does realism have? Do you think it might be easier or more complex to perform? What about to produce? To write? Support your arguments with reasons and examples.

Part 3: Does it lend itself to some subject matters more than others? Which ones? Why might an author choose realism to best deliver their message? Make sure to use the example of the play HEDDA GABLER in your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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