44 pages • 1 hour read
Hedda Gabler
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Book Brief
144
Play • Fiction
Norway • 1890s
1890
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Hedda Gabler tells the story of a woman in an unhappy marriage, her complex relationships with three different men, and her desire for control over her own life and over the destinies of others. Hedda Gabler’s death by suicide and the ambiguous death by suicide or accidental death of Ejlert Løvborg are prominent themes. The play also discusses alcohol addiction.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
37,853 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler is widely praised for its complex characterizations and sophisticated exploration of societal constraints. Critics highlight the depth and nuance of Hedda's character, although some find the play's pacing slow and the ending unsatisfactory. Overall, it's acclaimed for its psychological depth and enduring relevance.
Who Should Read Hedda Gabler?
Readers who appreciate complex character studies and psychological drama will enjoy Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler. Fans of classics like Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert and A Doll's House by Ibsen himself will find Hedda's manipulations and tragic flaws compelling and thought-provoking.
37,853 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jørgen Tesman
Jørgen Tesman
An academic and Hedda's husband, Jørgen aspires to secure a professorship and provide a comfortable life for his new wife. Proud of his upward social mobility, he is dedicated to his career and maintaining appearances.
Mrs. Elvsted
Mrs. Elvsted
A nervous and shy woman from Hedda’s past, Mrs. Elvsted seeks a new life and purpose by leaving her husband and assisting Ejlert Løvborg with his work. She contrasts with Hedda in her willingness to support others.
Ejlert Løvborg
Ejlert Løvborg
A former colleague of Jørgen Tesman, Ejlert returns to town intent on academic redemption. Known for his troubled history and past relationship with Hedda, he is working on a manuscript he considers his true masterpiece.
Judge Brack
Judge Brack
A powerful figure and former lover of Hedda, Judge Brack seeks to maintain influence over those around him. He desires a close relationship with Hedda despite her marriage to Jørgen Tesman.
Miss Juliane Tesman
Miss Juliane Tesman
Jørgen Tesman’s devoted aunt, Juliane, is an important support figure in his life. Traditional and caring, she holds different values and expectations compared to Hedda, particularly regarding family and caregiving.
144
Play • Fiction
Norway • 1890s
1890
Adult
18+ years
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