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Examples Of Narcissism In Hedda Gabler

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Hedda Gabler: Portrayal of a Classic Narcissist In Henrik Ibsen’s play, Hedda Gabler, the title character evinces traits of classic narcissism. Throughout the progression of the drama, Hedda Gabler lacks empathy, is interpersonally exploitative, and is greatly preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited power. Through her embodiment of these narcissistic traits, Hedda proved to be vastly detrimental to several people, eventually leading to her own self-deterioration. Throughout the play, Hedda’s extreme lack of empathy exhibits her narcissism through her intentional malice and inability to recognize the feelings and needs of others. A prevailing example of Hedda’s lack of empathy is shown through her intentional deriding of Aunt Julies hat …show more content…

Hedda’s need for power is exhibited in many circumstances throughout the play, and eventually proves to be the only reason she has to live. One of the many instances where Hedda’s fantasy of unlimited power is revealed occurs when Hedda and Mrs. Elvsted discuss Hedda’s motive behind wanting Lovborg to come home with “vine-leaves in his hair”. When Mrs. Elvsted asks what her true motive is, Hedda replies, “I want for once in my life to have power to mould a human destiny” (Ibsen 97). By saying this, it is evident that Hedda does not care for the effect something will have on another, but only wants to know that she has power over that person. Hedda fantasizes about being able to completely be in control of someone’s entire destiny and mind. Another example of Hedda’s intense need to be in power is displayed when she discovers Judge Brack has slight control over her and exclaims, “I am in your power none the less. Subject to your will and your demands. A slave, a slave then! No, I cannot endure the thought of that! Never!” (Ibsen 71). Hedda’s extreme exaggeration of the mere thought of another having power over her proves that having unlimited power is the only true thing that stabilizes Hedda. In “Hedda Forever: An Antiheroine for the Ages”, Hedda’s inability to find happiness in herself, but rather in taking control of another, …show more content…

Hedda’s lack of empathy, interpersonally exploitative behavior, and preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited power undoubtedly display her true narcissistic nature. In many instances throughout the progression of the play, Hedda’s behavior, actions, and words all proved successful in portraying Hedda as a classic

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