“Hedda Gabler”: A Critical Analysis

Aprideful way of life that led to ultimate amorality and destruction of all that is human is the central factor in the character of Hedda Gabler. As a result of her pride, she was vindictive and brutally egocentric, looking upon others as mere tools for her wishes. She considered herself a deity, above all human considerations and arrogantly contemptuous of those who felt, strove, feared, or were interested. Her belief in this concept of herself stimulated a feeling of being entitled to her claims. As a solution to her own inability to triumph over and defy life, she identified with another person, demanding that he be “courageous” for her. When he disappointed her, and when her need for absolute freedom was thwarted, she killed herself.

Hedda's greatest conflict and torment lay in her relationship to herself—specifically in her inability to evaluate herself truly. She wanted to be one way, the way of a contemptuous, powerful, indifferent Olympian. At times she succeeded, but she was constantly needled by doubt. She behaved toward others as if she were a goddess, demanding unquestioning tribute and homage from them. Her values were those of an arrogant, omnipotent goddess, above human feelings and interests. Her first value was that of power. She considered it her right to have the exclusive say over human destinies, over life and death. Her second value was freedom—freedom from consequences, limitations, responsibilities, human ties, feelings, fear, and from efforts on her own behalf. It was no concern of hers if her husband had no money for the luxuries she desired. He was to get it—willy nilly. She had no relationship with others except as she used them or capriciously manipulated them. She showed no sympathy, kindness nor interest for any one. When people made claims on her or expressed their love for her, she bitterly resented the contact. George's comments on her fine appearance were rudely rejected, Miss Tesman's affection repudiated, and George's concern for