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

As you read the play, Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen, characters like Hedda standout with unique personality traits. Hedda is extremely manipulative in the way that she takes advantage of the people around her. One example of her trait is when she easily is able to extract information and secrets from whoever she wants to.  In Act 2, you see this when Lovborg talks about secrets he told her and asks “what kind of power was in you that drew these confessions out of me?” (pg 812) Lovborg feels as if she has a control over him and this is how she is able to get secrets. She avoids his questions and answers him with more questions which are also a sign of her manipulative trait. Another example is when she manipulates Lovberg by constantly reminding him of his alcoholism and the loss of his work. She even gives him a gun during his time of weakness so he can commit suicide and to satisfy her boredom. In the 1800s, women did not have any type of power so this could be one of the reasons that Hedda tries so hard to control people. She uses this manipulation to get her power the only way she can and for pure entertainment.