Hedda Gabler
October 25, 2010 by nsingh
Ingrid Bergman as HEDDA GABLER
I feel that when it comes to a play, in order to understand the characteristics of the various characters, it is easier when watching them. For me when I am able to visualize the characters movement and hear the tone in their speech, I am able to get a better understanding of the play. However, when I read the manuscript of the play I get confused whose conversing and what is happening. I find myself re-reading the dialogue to make a note of what has happened.
In order to better understand Hedda Gabler, the aristocratic wife of George Tesman, I youtube the play and was able to find videos: Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler (1963-TV Ingrid Bergman). Upon watching ACT I and II in action, Hedda came across as a cold hearted being. She is rude, materialistic, jealous, a big liar, manipulative and flirtatious woman.
A. Rude: She breaks the heart of dear Auntie Juju who is a sweet old lady. Aunti Juju bought a new hat to please Hedda, but Hedda was disrespectful about it referring to the hat belonging to the maid.
B. Materialistic: When George breaks the news to Hedda that they have to watch their spending, she gets upset. She becomes hysterical for not being able to throw parties at the house and entertain guests and also for not getting a horse.
C. Jealous: Knowing that Mrs. Elvstead has a liking towards Eilert, when she comes over to visit when Eilert is also there she tries to sit next to Eilert. However, Hedda tells Elvstead to let her sit between her and Eilert. Hedda becomes a division between Eilert and Elvstead trying to stop them from coming together.
D. Liar: Hedda lied to Judge about intentionally making fun of Aunt Juju’s hat in order to tease her. She also lied about living in the house that she is in because she had only brought up the house for a topic of discussing with George when they were returning from a party and George had nothing to talk about.
E. Manipulative: Hedda gets Eilert to drink even knowing that he has worked hard in giving up his temptations.
F. Flirtatious: When Judge comes to pick up George for the bachelor party, Hedda starts chatting with him. And through their dialogue, her body language is that of a flirtatious woman (as shown in the video).