In the play, Hedda Gabler, by Henrik Ibsen, the main and title character, Hedda, is manipulative in that she sees people as her playthings. One of the first instances this was demonstrated was when Hedda reveals to Judge Brack how she messed around with and berated Aunt Julie: “I pretended I thought [Aunt Julie’s hat] was the maid’s,” (804). This excerpt stood out to me very much because when Hedda originally mistook Aunt Julie’s hat for Berta’s, I thought she was being rude enough about it. But the fact that Hedda did this on purpose, just to hurt Aunt Julie’s feelings, made her even worse in my eyes. Moreover, Aunt Julie is a kind woman who in no way ever deserved this treatment. Aunt Julie is like a saint figure, taking care of the sick and abandoned; she even took care of George, Hedda’s own husband, when his father died. If anything, Hedda should be kind to Aunt Julie, but she is actually the exact opposite. On top of all this, she brought the hat along in hopes of pleasing Hedda, who wears hats as well. She was never anything but kind to Hedda, who in turn embarrassed and shamed her. Any decent human being would at least regard her peers with resepect, regardless of whether or not she likes them, but Hedda does not adhere to this standard. Instead, she toys with people for her own amusement and enjoyment.
Assignment 3
September 26, 2015 Written by mf152788 | 3 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized
3 responses so far ↓
y.kim // Sep 26th 2015 at 11:19 am
I agree that Hedda Gabler is a manipulative character who tries to control everyone in the play except Judge Brack who knows her misdoing at the end. Miss Tessman appears to be the most kind lady in the play as she takes care of the sick and tries to be generous to her nephew’s wife. However, Hedda, on the other hand, is stuck in her past life and does not try to conform to her current lifestyle. Her lack of manners is evident throughout the entire play as she disrespects her husband and his company. Her condescending tone reflects her character as a person who looks down upon people to bring herself up to a higher ranking. However, her actions of projecting her power solely portrays her hard efforts to cover up her weaknesses that she does not want to admit.
Brandon Andujar // Sep 26th 2015 at 11:40 am
I completely agree with you that Hedda is manipulative. There are various instances throughout the play that can attest to this. The event involving the hat was significant to the character trait that you picked. Not only is she manipulative to Julia, but she is also manipulative to George in the sense that she indirectly makes him side with her. Her manipulative attitude is seen throughout the entire play and through the use of other characters that is easier to see. Her past status and wealth seems to follow her and relationships with other people. When Hedda speaks with Judge Brack, there is a level of respect and status that is coherent between the two. It could be said that is the reason the two get along so well. The one event you portray does a good job of capturing Hedda’s character.
JMERLE // Sep 26th 2015 at 3:13 pm
The first half of your paragraph is very nicely constructed! You stay close to one topic, then develop that topic with an excellent quotation. When you begin discussing Aunt Julie, then you are beginning another topic, however, and you would want to do that in another paragraph.
Grade: 9/10