"Hedda Gabler" is the maiden name of the character we meet in the play as "Hedda Tesman". However, we often hear her referred to by other characters as "Hedda Gabler" and the play itself is named HEDDA GABLER.

Part 1: What do you think was Ibsen's purpose in this? Is he making her connection to her father, or her unmarried life, stronger than her connection to her husband? We see many contrasts between Hedda's maiden life and her married life, are there any parallel changes in her, or, like her name, is she stuck how she was before getting married?

Part 2: Throughout the play we hear people refer to "Hedda Gabler" with deference and admiration. Hedda was clearly successful at what was expected of her before marriage. What happened? Why is she having such a hard time now? Does Hedda have a way to continue her own legacy, or in the play is she merely the shadow of herself?

Part 3: What role has society played in causing this discrepancy in Hedda's life? Does she have many choices that would lead her to happiness or self fulfillment?

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

In the play HEDDA GABLER, all the characters surround the title character and in their own way add to the entrapment that she feels. Write an essay detailing the trap that Hedda ultimately feels she must escape at any cost, and the role each of the surrounding characters played in the trap.

Part 1: What role did society play in creating the situation that Hedda finds herself in? What other paths were available to her that she could have chosen that would not have left her feeling so limited?

Part 2: What role did Hedda play in creating the trap for herself? Does she have weaknesses that keep her from happiness? What attributes might she have that would have kept her from feeling this way?

Part 3: All the other characters in the play, including her unborn child, aid in tightening the trap around Hedda. Discuss how the actions of each of the other characters affect Hedda and cause her to feel constantly more trapped.

(see the answer keys)

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