Upon watching Hedda Gabler, and reading the play, there are subtle differences in how each work portrays and represents each character. Firstly, in the beginning of the written version of the play, there is a detailed paragraph describing the house that Mr. Tesman and Hedda are living, which works to acquaint the audience with the lavishness and splendor of the house. On the contrary, in the beginning of the televised play, the audience is rather shown Berta just doing regular duties around the house, like tending the fire, shortly before conversing with Miss Tesman. Additionally, as we continue to read the beginning, Miss Tesman does not fully enter the house before making her appearance in the play. On the other hand, in the televised play, Berta and Miss Tesman are already shown interacting in the middle of the house. Furthermore, the way in which the televised showcases Miss Tesman and Mr. Tesman’s relationship is much more heartwarming and close-knit, and the aesthetics that are provided with this adds an aspect of familial fondness that was not conveyed as much in the written play. I think the interpretation the televised play takes on Ibsen’s original play adds a more familial depth and fondness to the relationship between the characters of Berta, Miss Tesman and Mr. Tesman. I believe this perspective of their relationships also dramatizes the impact Hedda’s crass and distasteful words are toward Berta and Miss Tesman, and portrays her overall character in a more unlikable light, because as we see these characters showing familial love and comfort toward one another, as Hedda’s character is presented in such a starkly different way, this contrast emphasizes Hedda’s negative character traits.
