1. Ibsen gives a detailed description of the stage set. What mood is created by the use of color and light, and by the way in which the room is furnished? [Pay close attention to changes to color and light throughout the play.]
The color scheme created within the first act is dark and somber, with dark tones. This creates an unwelcoming and frigid atmosphere in the home, with everything feeling mismatched and empty. I believe this is reflective of Mr and Mrs Tesman's relationship as their short and cut conversations mirror the cold and distant home. “A spacious, handsome, and tastefully furnished drawing room, decorated in dark colors.” This quote from the screen writer demonstrates the dark color scheme and somber mood, although the text portrays the space as large and luxurious whereas in the recording it is large and lonely.
2. Identify one example of dialogue from early in Act 1 (up until the exit of Miss Tesman) which establishes that Hedda belongs to a higher social class than the family into which she has married.
“Yes, so Hedda needn’t be ashamed of me if we happened to go out together.” This excerpt portrays Hedda was from a high society background to the point that Mr Tesman’s aunt went and bought special clothing in order to not embarrass her and seem upper class.
3. When Miss Tesman asks Tesman whether he has any “expectations,” to what is she referring? What does Tesman understand her to mean? What does his misunderstanding tell you about his character? What do his misunderstandings here suggest about his relationship with Hedda?
Miss Tesman is referring to children and newlyweds expanding their family which is what they would use the extra room for. However, Tesman replies with work related activities and suggests making the extra room a library. This portrays Tesman as a work oriented person who is not in touch with his emotions. It can be assumed that him and Hedda do not have a love filled relationship and are mostly together for status. This is clear where Tesman states “We have married on the strength of these prospects; Hedda and I;” alluding to the fact that him and Hedda married for work rather than love.
4. How does Hedda react to Tesman’s statement that she “has filled out on the journey”? What is significant about the dress that she is wearing? How does this contribute to your understanding of the relationship of Tesman and Hedda?
Hedda is wearing a nightgown but she clings onto the robe throughout the act and has tied it tightly to cover her stomach. This could demonstrate her discomfort towards him as he picks at her weight, she responds harshly and coldly seeming to be hurt by his sayings. When Brack enters she says “Not again” as if Tesman is constantly discussing her weight gain. This strengthens the argument that Tesman does not understand how to be emotionally sensitive.
In my opinion using the foreshadowing for Miss Tesman, I believe Hedda is pregnant.
5. What symbolic significance can you find in Hedda’s comment, “I am only looking at the leaves. They are so yellow – so withered”? What symbolic significance can you find in the earlier example of Hedda’s desire to block out the sunlight from the room?
Hedda could see herself within the leaves, dried out and falling apart, she looks outside and sees the negatives; this introduces the audience to Hedda’s mindset. She does not enjoy the outside environment as she claims to close the curtain this symbolizes how she enjoys the dark which may also explain the home’s color scheme.
6. When Hedda learns that Mrs. Elvsted has left her husband to be with the man she loves, she says, “But then – to take flight openly ... But what do you think people will say of you, Thea?” What does Hedda’s response add to your understanding of her character?
It is clear that Hedda cares a lot about what others think of her, this can be from her upbringing because she is a high society child she cares a lot about her personal image and what people perceive her as.
7. What evidence is there in Act 1 that suggests Hedda is the lost love in Lovborg’s life?
“Your pistols!
HEDDA.
[With cold eyes.] General Gabler’s pistols.”
Previously when Mrs Elvsted was discussing Mr Lovburg’s life she stated that he was in love with a woman who once held a pistol at his face and she had red hair. Hedda has slightly red hair and her pistols which were left by her father are her prized possessions.
8. Consider what we learn of the book that Lovborg has written and that which Tesman intends to write. What do these books tell us about the characters and abilities of the two men? What is particularly ironic about the title of Tesman’s book given what we know of his relationship with his wife?
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