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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is becoming clear about Brack's motives with Hedda?

2. What are Mrs. Elvsted's plans when she leaves the Tesman household in Act 3 of HEDDA GABLER?

3. When does Hedda do with Lovborg's manuscript when she hears the maid admit Lovborg into the house?

4. What reason does Hedda give for refusing to go with Tesman to Rina?

5. What time of day is it when Lovborg arrives at the Tesman household?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the play HEDDA GABLER, Hedda is distraught about the loss of power she has over her own life. She confesses to marrying because Tesman could take care of her and wasn't ridiculous. The society she lives in gives her few choices about her life, and the only option she has is to marry despite the fact that she quite clearly does not want a family. Write an essay about the roles and responsibilities of society and the individual.

Part 1: Hedda ends up by destroying both a brilliant man and herself. Was she a pawn to an unjust society or careless and self centered?

Part 2: Given the society that Hedda lived in, and her fear of scandal, what options did she have to avoid the loveless marriage she found herself in? What opportunities might there have been for a lady of wealth and intelligence to maintain a semblance of her lifestyle if she chose not to marry?

Part 3: Does this understanding make her character more understandable and tragic? Is Hedda's behavior at all justified by the times and society that she lived in? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about suicide.

Part 1: Discuss different views of someone taking their own life. Has it ever been acceptable or condoned? Do different cultures see it differently? In what circumstances has it been seen as acceptable or even advisable?

Part 2: What are your own views on someone taking their own life? Is there any circumstance that it is understandable or ok?

Part 3: In the play HEDDA GABLER, is Hedda's final act a liberating act of courage or a cowardly avoidance? How does Hedda see it?

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.

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