Introductory
Hedda Gabler, a play most renowned for its character Hedda and her quest to end her boredom is often associated with feminism by many critics as well as literary scholars. Although Ibsen did not want to get this play labelled as a feminist play, yet there are certain elements that hint at the feminist outlook but certain elements defy its feministic outlook altogether. To understand whether this play is an outcome of the feminist thoughts or not, we will have to look at the role of female characters that are present in the play and the historical context behind it.
Context
During the 1870s different movements caught fire in Europe, demanding basic rights. For instance, in 1871, Denmark led the Scandinavian countries to establish an organization for the improvement of the status of women in their respective societies. Even Norway had a working organization for women in the 1880s. It is said that Ibsen himself contributed to the movement. However, he denied any charge of being a feminist, said he,
A woman cannot be herself in the society of the present day, which is an exclusively a mescaline society, with laws framed by men and with judicial system that judges feminine conduct from a mescaline point of view.
This statement by Ibsen clearly demonstrates his not-so-feminist outlook.
Feminism means demanding of equal rights like those of men and such scenarios are somewhat present in the play, not in characters.
Role of Aunt Jullia (a.k.a Aunt Juju)
Aunt Juju lead a single life. But with a purpose in mind. Her purpose is vividly presented before us in the form of taking care of the invalids. Before the marriage of her nephew, Aunt Juju took care of her sister, Rina. After the death of Aunt Rina in the play, Aunt Juju decides to look after another will-be invalid, indicating indirectly at Hedda's present pregnancy. Juju's decision of taking care of invalids may or can directly hint at the possibility of Juju's intention of creating a good name in the eyes of others. Because taking care of the invalids hold a significant social boost as compared to her decision of living a life of isolation. Or Juju just accepted the limitations imposed by her society to do what her society permitted.
Role of Thea
The role of Thea Elvested as a woman both represents the acceptance of the boundaries formulated by society and breaking them for the sake of Man in Miss-adventures. Thea marries an elder man because the choices provided through her society are limited. But Thea is couragous enough to break the bond of marriage to become a source of inspiration for a man of stained personality in his corresponding society to give up his meetings with prostitutes and drinking and to rise back in his society as an author and a prophecy maker. Thea Elvested also does not feel shy to work with a married person like Tesman to reconstruct the burnt book.
Role of Hedda Gabler
The role of Hedda Gabler as a woman is not easy. The problem with Hedda is she does not like the conventions set by her society but she is not courageous enough to break them because she is afraid of the fear of scandals and society taking her name in a negative sense. When Loevborg titles her as "a coward at heart", Hedda replies that she is not a coward at heart but she feared society before taking a stance to kill him. Similarly, Hedda's decision to get married to a "rake" like Tesman was not governed by her personal liking of him, but of her society that made it mandatory for a girl of her age to get married. Hedda herself alluded that her time was up. She could not remain independent for long. But her forced marriage turned out to be the biggest reason for her boredom.
Hedda revolted sternly against the concept of being a housewife after marriage. She rejected every single idea that indicated her as her being a housewife. For instance, she did not like to stay awakened late at night for her husband's return from Bachelor's Party. There is no stouter evidence than Hedda's disdainment with her pregnancy. She openly rejected the idea of being a mother:
I don't want any ---- responsibilities.
Here, Responsibilities is used both literally for her upcoming child as well as her domestic duties.
Hedda wanted to do the work that was dedicated only to men, for instance, being a horse rider or taking part in politics. Hedda is the character that gave the play a semi-feminist outlook. But her chief desire to "shape a Man's destiny" did not work out well for her and after being caught in her own trap, she ended her life, thus setting her role as a courageous woman, defying Brack's maxim that "they don't do such things".
Conclusion
The role of female characters in Hedda Gabler or in any other play of Ibsen shows a clear struggle of women to get abreast of men; to get social acceptace in their society and to acquire freedom like men.
Sources and Suggested Readings
- https://persestudio.org/2018/01/23/to-what-extent-is-ibsens-hedda-gabler-a-feminist-play/
- https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/hedda-gabler/themes/women-and-femininity
- Gender in Hedda Gabler - KM Literary Series - Hedda Gabler - Page 306
- Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar
