Project Action Plan Week 14: Characterization of Hedda Gabler


I am excited about analyzing the character of Hedda Gabler. In my planning, I am re-reading important elements of the Hedda’s background to get a better insight to her character. I want to see if she was always manipulative or if it’s because of her upbringing. I will be looking into the author’s attitude towards her and how the other characters see her in contrast or comparison to my view of her. 

Upfront, we know that Hedda Gabler is a daughter of a general.  She comes from an upper-middle-class family. Therefore, I will be using the literary device of characterization, using the author’s description of Hedda to reveal why I’ve concluded my view of her.  I will also be utilizing the dialogue between other characters and Hedda to show how they viewed her.  For example, Miss Tesman perceives Hedda as shallow and vain individual. She purchases an elegant hat so that Hedda won’t be embarrassed when she walks in public with her.  – “Yes, so Hedda won’t feel ashamed of me if we go out for a walk together” (784)

  • ·       I will be focusing on the class difference between Hedda and her husband- Her main concerned about not being able to live the life of the social elite. She is concerned about her the attire of her servants and her disappointment with not being able to own a horse. She is self-centered and is worried about her outcome and her appearance. She has no sympathy for her husband, who went into debt trying to give her the life she desired on nothing more than prospects (799).
  • ·       Hedda’s subtle ways of manipulation and discontentment towards others.

  • ·       I will also be discussing Hedda’s relationship to Lovborg- This relationship also gives insight to her character.  Was she driven by regret and jealously? Or did her past relationship with reveal how she uses men to fulfil her boredom and create a life of fantasy.  

It is obvious as a reader to see the Hedda’s character for what it is, but I find it interesting to figure out the why?


Comments

  1. Hello Tiffany!
    You have an interesting topic for your third project! I found Hedda's character to be quite intriguing as well, I'd even compare her to a more modern Lady Macbeth! One thing worth noting is that it seems that her husband was also a bit more interested in his work at times so she may feel neglected at times, such as on their honeymoon where George explains to his aunt about the research he did but didn't really go into detail about what he and his newlywed wife did. While George is proud of his trophy wife, he seems to be a bit more into his work and this may have planted a seed of discord for Hedda, but like you said, she may have always been like this and George's light neglect isn't helping at all! I think you have a great idea of what to do with your project so it seems that you just need to dig for more quotes, info, and discuss her character.

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  2. Hey Tiffany,
    This sounds like it will be a fun paper to write! It will definitely be interesting to analyze such an intriguing character. Hedda seemed to grab the attention of a number of our classmates, I’ve noticed a lot of people have written about her. Your outline is great and I think you’re off to a really good start! I especially like the part where you plan to dive into her relationship with her husband because I found that to be a curious relationship. One thing I would suggest putting into your paper is a reference to the prompt you’re addressing. Also, giving an arguable thesis based on what your analysis of Hedda shows. This is a part that I always have trouble with! Sometimes the prompts don’t lead directly to an arguable thesis so for me, it can be difficult to develop one. You have a great outline and I think your project will turn out great!

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  3. Hi Tiffany! By the looks of it, you have a really good grasp on what you want to write on and how you want to write about it. I think it is a great idea that you want to look into why Hedda Gabler is who she is. I also think its great that you plan to make comparisons between your view of her and the other character's views of her. It is a great way to further develop an essay. In general, this character should give you good material to write about and analyze. I cannot wait to read what your argument is in the character of Hedda Gabler. Maybe in your project submission, you can summarize a bit into how Hedda's manipulation and discontent towards others is portrayed in the story. Overall, you did an amazing job on your project action plan. I cannot wait to read your project submission!

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  4. Hi Tiffany,
    You seem to have this under control. I am also writing about Hedda but addressing a different prompt. I chose to focus on the class differences between Hedda and the Tesman family. I like how you are addressing this prompt though. The only suggestion I have, is to address the prompt in the beginning of your paper. I can easily see people getting confused as to which prompt you are addressing, they could think you are addressing the one I am doing.
    -Patrick

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