Week 11 Analysis - But did it help? : Hedda's Form of Feminism

Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibson holds strong themes of feminine identity and the challenging of stereotypes, while falling into them at the same time (781-800). In 1891 (the time this play was written), there was a massive push in women's rights in Norway. Wives were tired of being mistreated, having little to no rights, and overall held the same complaints that women in America and all over the world were having. Ibson appears to used his play to address the difficult social issues of the time and show how the relationships and struggles of men and women can play out.

One way he did this was by introducing an obvious nemesis. Eilert Lovborg (786), was meant to be a sort of foil to George Tesman in the way that they are so different yet still common. One has a set way in life while the other, runs about after women and has vices and demons that he wrestles with. However, we not only see this competitive dynamic with the man in the story, but the women too.
There is notable difference between how the men and women act in this play. This may be due to the fact that Ibson was writing from the male prospective and was not a woman, so he was writing about how he saw woman in society interact. In this we find Hedda and Mrs. Elvsted (Thea). Both woman are very set in their ways and stand up for themselves to their husbands. However progressive this sense of feminism, individual wants and needs, is drowned out by the catty dynamic of false friendship that Hedda extends to Thea to get gossip on her misfortune.

Hedda was a bully to Thea in school and even forget Thea's name calling her "... me dear Thora" (793). Yet Thea goes along and admits her sorry situation to Hedda. Hedda is written as enjoying this as the actions direct that she was "Concealing an involuntary, derisive smile." (795). Hedda is an employment of toxic femininity. The theme of femininity is challenged in this play as Hedda acts a bit like a man. She overpowers and plays her husband to get what she wants and to stifle his little joys in life. Like his Slippers (787). She wishes to be strong and in command but in doing so she cuts down everyone around her and forms no meaningful attachments. This is not a message of feminist empowerment, but in a way shows females in a harsh light. The story was indeed progressive for its time, but I do not see how having the lead female role as a brutish gun wielding manipulator without a conscience, would help the women movement.