Reading Notes W6: Isben, Part B

Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906): Born in Norway, Ibsen was known for restoring  interest back in the theatre and with hit he developed a style of adding controversial themes. His style was itroducing realism to the theatre and the people were excited to see his work, they loved it. He made a play in paticular that is best described as on of his closest plays to be compared to a Greek tragedy called, "Hedda Gabler". The play is about a generals daughter who ends up marryig a man who is a scholar. But the realtionship is on edge because Hedda is used to an upper class way of living while Tesman is not.

"Hedda Gabler"

(782-787)

- Miss Tesman is a good lady who is 65 years old.

- Berta is the housmaid.

- Miss and Berta are happy for Tesman but are nervous about him being married to Hedda.

- Tesman is very happy to have married Hedda and they are going on a 5-6 month trip.

- Miss is willing to help Tesman in any way.

- She is paying for all the furniture in his house with her life savings.

- Hedda is 29 who dresses very elegant.

- Miss gives Tesman his old slippers in which he is very happy to receive and while trying to show Hedda she walks away showing no interest.


(788-793)

- Hedda mistakes Miss's hat for the maids and says that it's old and ruggedy, event saying she thinks Berta should be fired. Showing Hedda is a bit arrogant and rude.

- Hedda is the one who wears the pants in their relationship.

- Mrs. Elvsted was an old crush of Tesman and she left them flowers. SHe is a few years younger than Hedda.

- Elvsted is upset that Lovborg who was her step kids old tutor is back in town and that it's dangerous for him to be back in town.

- Elvsted is acting strange about Lovborg.

- Lovborg returned to town after writing a book which is selling very well.

- Elvsted's husband respects Lovbrog which is why she came to Tesman to ask if he will keep an eye on him and be nice to him.

- Tesman and Lovbrog were once friends.

- Hedda sends Tesman off to write a letter to Lovbrog for Elvsted. Hedda does this to get him out of the room so she can speak with Elvsted alone.

- Elvsted reveals to Hedda she feared her but Hedda brushes it off pretending they were best friends.

- Hedda is manipulating Elvsted and she is falling for it.

(Pg. 794-799)

- Elvsted answers Hedda's question showing she doesn't love her husband. Her husband is the sheriff and twenty years older.

- Elvsted has ran away from her husband and home to town where she is speaking with Hedda. Her husband didn't send her to Tesman.

- Elvsted love Lovbrog and is in town for him.

- Brack is the judge who is 45 years old.

- Lovbrog can't make a new book because he has already spent a large amount of the money.

- Tesman's appointment he has been waiting on is in competition with Lovborg stunning Tesman.


(Pg. 800-806)

- Hedda learning that because of the appointment deal she can not have her servants nor horse until it's situated she grabs her fathers pistols and tak a shot in the direction of the judge Brack to intimidate him to come back to the house.

- Hedda is telling the Brack she has been bored and does not love Tesman to the fullist.

- Tesman informs his aunt Reida is sick so Miss won't be coming over, he then leaves the room and Hedda tells Brack she pretended the hat on the table was the maids but knew it was the Miss's.

- Helda never wanted the house and says she is going to be bored loving their. She wants Tesman to get into politics.


Isben, Henrik. (781-800) "Hedda Gabler, Act1", The Norton Anthology World Literature Volume E.