Analysis of Feminism and Societal Expectations in Hedda Gabler

This essay examines the presence and role of feminism in Henrik Ibsen's play, "Hedda Gabler." It explores the societal treatment of women in the context of 19th-century Norway and the rise of feminist perspectives. The essay analyzes Hedda Gabler's character, contrasting her with other female characters like Mrs. Elvsted, and discusses the limitations and opportunities available to women during that period. It addresses the play's themes of gender inequality, societal expectations, and the protagonist's dissatisfaction. The essay concludes that while feminist elements are present, Hedda's actions and the play's ending are not solely attributable to gender inequality. The analysis considers the complexities of the characters and the social context, providing a nuanced perspective on the play's feminist interpretations. The essay utilizes references from Ibsen's work to support its arguments.

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Feminism in Hedda Gabler
The purpose of the following essay is to determine the role of feminism in the play Hedda
Gabler by Henrik Ibsen. The background of the play is set in Scandinavian region (Ibsen: 23).
The treatment of women in the contemporary society and their condition will be evaluated in this
essay. Therefore, the rise of feminism will be a very important aspect in this discourse. It must be
understood that feminism has changed many things regarding the disposition of women in the
society.
Thesis statement
The treatment of women and rise of feminism is very prominent in the play Hedda Gabler by
Henrik Ibsen. He has produced the view on how women should be treated within the society.
Feminism is one of the central aspects in the modern society regarding this play by Ibsen.
He has effectively pointed out the position women were in during the 19th century in Norway and
other parts of Europe (Ibsen: 23) The two women protagonists in the play shared a progressive
point of view as they did not go by the common standards of the society that were specified by
people. One example regarding this background can be given i.e. very similar. It is of the
disposition of Medea in Greece that can be compared with Hedda Gabler in Norway in the

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beginning of nineteenth century. During those times, women were supposed to be weaker than
men in every aspect.
Thus, the dominance of the patriarchal society was very much prominent. It had been
seen in some rare cases that women came in front and did not go by the roles that they were
asked to do (Ibsen: 33) Therefore, they rejected their roles and wanted their own identity that
was stronger than men. The society did not accept this and conflicts begaun to arise. In this play,
Hedda Gabler this same thing has been noticed in some situations as well. In this play, the
protagonist Hedda Gabler has been represented as a member of a society where she has been
deprived if several opportunities. In other words, she has also been shown as a woman who is
perverted.
During the times the play was written, there was no freedom given to women in the
society. Women in those times were not at all allowed issues outside of their families. Therefore,
the rise of feminism in these circumstances came to be necessary (Ibsen: 43). Hedda went on to
urge for her individual independence but she was not able to acquire it. Therefore, it was
completely significant that Hedda was not the symbol of the 19th century women like others. On
the contrary, she was completely different from those women.
Hedda’s role can be contradicted to that of Mrs. Elvsted who was a housekeeper or a
maid like aunt of George (Ibsen: 44). In this scenario, it is quite probable that Hedda Gabler is a
feminist play that has highlighted the positions and conditions of women in the society.
However, it has not achieved the universal recognition as a feminist play as yet. There are
several reasons to be sympathetic and compassionate towards Hedda since she has been

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dominated by the patriarchal society. In many cases it has also been seen that Hedda is
completely unsympathetic to different factors of the society.
Some critics have also pointed out the fact that this disposition of Hedda in society is
probably caused by her weak character (Ibsen: 53). This is not caused by something like gender
inequality in the society. This play has pointed at the social customs like marriage and defining
femininity in its conventional manner. The entire scenario of back to back incidents concerning
Hedda, Thea and Lovborg are quite interesting.
The suicide of Lovborg opens up a new dimension of evaluating this play. Therefore,
dissatisfaction of Hedda has tempted her to commit things that she should not have done (Ibsen:
89). So, it is quite clear that Hedda is quite whimsical and not being able to make up her mind.
This is why the entire blame cannot be put on social and gender inequality. The play eventually
ended when Hedda committed suicide. After discussing these events and whimsical mindedness
of Hedda, it can be said that some aspects of feminism and gender inequality are there but it is
not the only thing for Hedda’s psychological dissatisfaction (Ibsen: 47)
In the concluding section, it should be said that Hedda has been the central character of
the play and her activities have a strong influence on the plot. On a whole, it is not all a complete
feminist play since Hedda herself had some faults of her own.

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Reference List
Ibsen, Henrik. Hedda Gabler and other plays. Penguin UK, 1961.