Summary
Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen is a haunting psychological drama that delves into themes of power, repression, and existential despair.
The play centers on Hedda, the brilliant but deeply discontented wife of an aspiring academic, George Tesman. Trapped in a stifling marriage and bored by the limitations of her social role, Hedda becomes entangled in a web of manipulation and destruction.
When Eilert Lövborg—a former lover and now a rival to her husband—reenters her life, Hedda seizes the chance to exert influence over those around her. But her games soon spiral out of control, driven by envy, fear of scandal, and a longing for meaning and autonomy. As Hedda struggles to shape her destiny within the constraints of 19th-century society, the consequences become devastating.
Hedda Gabler is one of Ibsen’s most complex and enigmatic works, offering a sharp critique of gender roles and societal expectations.
With its intense character study and tragic inevitability, the play remains a cornerstone of modern drama and a timeless exploration of a woman pushed to the edge.