Introductory
Ibsen's Hedda Gabler is a play that hides many meanings as well as a historical context. The title of Hedda Gabler holds both a reference to Hedda's personality, her individuality and the social background in which Hedda was living. The story in Hedda Gabler is centred around a Norwegian woman Hedda Gabler who is "bored to death" because she has nothing left to do that would make her equal to men.
Hedda's Personality
The name Hedda Gabler primarily hints at the protagonist of the play and her personality. Hedda as a character is an embodiment of both good as well as bad qualities. She is utterly manipulative; jealous of other's success as well as hypocrite. We have talked about her dark side in detail in her character sketch that you can see here. But Hedda also has some positive hidden in her. Firstly, she does not fake her feelings. Hedda says it directly to the characters whom she (hardly) trusts. We have seen in old plays how a character reveals his inner self through soliloquies and monologue but Hedda is bold enough to let her surroundings know about her true intentions. For instance, she burns the manuscript in isolation but she does not hesitate to reveal it to her husband on the pretext of her care for him,
Tesman.
But how could you do anything so unheard-of? What put it into your head? What possessed you? Answer me that—eh?
HEDDA.
[Suppressing an almost imperceptible smile.] I did it for your sake, George.
So, it is evident that Hedda does not hide her actions but she can fake her intentions behind it.
Hedda's Individuality
When Ibsen was asked that why did he choose Hedda Gabler as a title for his play, he responded in these words:
My intention in giving it this name was to indicate that Hedda as a personality is to be regarded rather as her father's daughter than as her husband's wife.
But the debate is not limited to the "regard" but to Hedda's Individuality. Hedda is miles apart from George Tesman in regard to her interests. Speaking of interests, Hedda does not take into consideration the things that are of great importance in the eyes of Tesman. That is why Hedda abhors Tesman's slippers. Hedda even dislikes the idea of Aunt Juju that Hedda belongs to the Tesmans. Thus, the play showcases the constant struggle of Hedda Gabler to separate herself from the rest of the crowd.
Social Background
"Hedda Gabler" is a title that is a stout reference to the social and historical background of the era of which the play is a representative of. Yes, we are alluding to the infamous Victorian Era and its dual standards of morality. Hedda's problem is her boredom because she is deemed unsuitable for the fulfilment of her "manly" desires. The character and the title of Hedda Gabler indicates at the horrible outcome of the limitations that are inflicted upon the women of higher class. Freedom is usually their main concern and when it is not fulfilled, unfortunate events are bound to take place.
Conclusion
Consequently, the title of this play hints directly at the main dramatic personage, her individuality and most importantly, the final social message of this play and the final message is obvious, freedom of occupation and life is essential to run the business of life with ensured smoothness.
Sources and Suggested Readings
- Lecture of Sir Hassan Akbar
- https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/hedda-gabler/analysis/title
