—Sandeep Kanwal
A woman cares, nurtures, and empowers herself and the people she loves. A woman can mend and break the world. For centuries, however, women have suffered and have been tested. From the Witch Trials to the right to equal pay, a woman has fought for her right to live the life she wants. Our ancestors have given us the right to vote, be confident, and voice our concerns without fear. We take these small achievements for granted today. However, in the nineteenth century, women could not step out without having a male escort her, had no right to their wealth or money and had no opinion in anything other than children and the house. In this difficult time, “Hedda Gabler” was created and it showed how a woman can achieve her goals if she plays her cards right.
“Hedda Gabler” is a story that can relate to every generation at any time. It is a struggle a woman faces throughout time. “Hedda Gabler” is a great work of literature because it portrays the intentions of a woman stuck between two worlds. The story and play create good visual displays for the reader to help them to understand the conflicts the characters face. Hedda’s character is a great work because the author displays the inner conflicts of a woman trying to make a name for herself in a male-dominated society. Hedda craves her own independence and tries to gain that freedom by expressing her frustration in destructive efforts. In a world where a woman has no voice, Hedda feels the need to define herself in a negative role in order to have a status in society.
This great work of literature goes deep into the psychology of a woman tired of men controlling the way she can live in society. Hedda is patient and calculating in her efforts to destroy what she can’t accept. Although Hedda is written as a negative form of feminism, she still wants to empower herself. Hedda was brought up with luxury and got what she desired without much effort. It is right to assume that her thinking of getting her way would result in destroying other people’s success. There is always a Hedda in every society, culture, and generation. When a woman feels she cannot change or persuade people in positive nature, a woman may feel the need to behave in a more aggressive manner in order to achieve her goals. Women who grew up suppressed most of their lives may turn to getting things their way unconventionally.
As I read this text, it felt familiar because I have had experience with some of the characters. George and Thea are two characters that seem relatable and Hedda reminds me of the movie Mean Girls. I learned how a woman who wants her own independence must fight for her freedom by destroying others. It is not uncommon, but it is apparent that every generation faces struggles, and some end up having to achieve their goals by cutting corners. This text was an interesting read about nineteenth-century women.
