great works ii – 2850 jta 12:25-2:05: love letters from the world

Throughout the play, Hedda Gabler, George Tesmen holds an important role and can easily be characterized as submissive. An example of this can be seen early in the play during his conversation with Aunt Julia. He says that his wife, Hedda, said, “that she couldn’t imagine living anywhere but here- in Prime Minister Falk’s house ” (785). Being that he is submissive and obedient, he made her wish come true at a significant price. The price being that all of the luxuries that he and his wife possess are based on his appointment, as he says, “We went and got married on this very prospect, Hedda and I. Went and got ourselves heavily into debt. Borrowed money from Aunt Julia too. I mean, good Lord, I was as much as promised the position” (799). With him saying, ““We went and got married on this very prospect,” it shows how hallow their relationship really is. Though it is hallow, he tries to fulfill his duties as a husband by giving her anything that she desires, even if that means getting themselves “heavily into debt”. The risk George takes shows his submissiveness to Hedda and their marriage. The dynamics of their marriage can be seen in exchange they have shortly after Aunt Julia’s departure. Hedda is angered by Aunt Julia simply leaving her hat on the chair and says “But where did she get her manners, flinging her hat around any way she likes here in the drawing room.” (789). George, siding with his wife to ease tensions, says that she should be sure Aunt Julia wouldn’t do it again. This small event shows George’s submissive nature toward his wife. He will do or say anything, even to his long time caretaker Aunt Julia, to satisfy Hedda. Though minute, this exchange proves that George has only one purpose, which is to submit to Hedda and fulfill his duty as her husband.