Authority In Hedda Gabler

557 Words3 Pages
In Hedda Gabler, by Henrik Ibsen, we encounter people who like to control others or particular situations. Hedda, the heroine of the play, struggles to satisfy her own ambition and sense of judgement within society. Unable to have the power that she craves, Hedda’s anticipations become disastrous both to others and herself. Is it possible that so much authority can cause a devastating outcome?
Hedda Gabler uses power to manipulate her husband Tesman in three ways. First, she tells Tesman that he should write his rival, Lovborg a long letter, but then immediately reveals to Mrs. Elvsted that she only did that to get rid of him. Second, while talking to Judge Brack, Hedda say that she really does not care for the house Tesman has bought for