Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen. Summary of the book.

by

Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen

Summary of the Book

Hedda Gabler is a play written by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1890. It centers on the main character, Hedda, and her relationships with the men in her life. The story follows Hedda and her husband, George Tesman, as they return home from their honeymoon and begin to settle into their new life together. Hedda is bored and frustrated with her mundane life, and she soon begins to stir up trouble in her new home. She manipulates her husband, his family, and her old flame, Eilert Lövborg, in her attempts to find some excitement. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Hedda is desperate to break free from the confines of society and find some freedom.

Ibsen’s play is a tragedy, and it shows how Hedda’s manipulation and selfishness lead to her downfall. Despite her attempts to find freedom and excitement, Hedda is unsuccessful and, ultimately, doomed to a life of unhappiness and regret. Through Hedda, Ibsen explores the themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the struggles of finding freedom in a restrictive world.

Interesting Facts about the Book

  • Title: The title “Hedda Gabler” is an allusion to the play’s main character. “Hedda” is a common Norwegian female name, while “Gabler” is a German word meaning “do-gooder.”
  • Characters: Hedda is the protagonist of the play, but there are five other major characters: George Tesman, Judge Brack, Eilert Lövborg, Miss Tesman, and Berta.
  • Themes: The play examines themes such as gender roles, societal expectations, love, and the struggles of finding freedom in a restrictive world.
  • Genre: Hedda Gabler is a tragedy, and it is often considered Ibsen’s best work.

FAQs about the Book

Who wrote Hedda Gabler?

Hedda Gabler was written by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1890.

What is the plot of Hedda Gabler?

The plot of Hedda Gabler follows the main character Hedda and her relationships with the men in her life. She manipulates her husband, his family, and her old flame, Eilert Lövborg, in her attempts to find some excitement. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Hedda is desperate to break free from the confines of society and find some freedom. Despite her attempts, Hedda is unsuccessful and, ultimately, doomed to a life of unhappiness and regret.

What are the main themes of Hedda Gabler?

The themes explored in Hedda Gabler include gender roles, societal expectations, love, and the struggles of finding freedom in a restrictive world.

What is the genre of Hedda Gabler?

Hedda Gabler is a tragedy and is often considered Ibsen’s best work.

Related books:

  1. Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen. Summary of the book.
  2. A Doll’s House : a play by Henrik Ibsen. Summary of the book.
  3. An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen. Summary of the book.
  4. The Odd Women by George Gissing. Summary of the book.
  5. Cheri by Sidonie-Gabrielle Collette. Summary of the book.
  6. Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Summary of the book.
  7. The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles. Summary of the book.
  8. Novel on Yellow Paper by Stevie Smith. Summary of the book.
  9. The Group by Mary McCarthy. Summary of the book.
  10. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Summary of the book.
  11. A House for Mr Biswas by VS Naipaul. Summary of the book.
  12. The Three Sisters by May Sinclair. Summary of the book.
  13. Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner. Summary of the book.
  14. Look At Me by Anita Brookner. Summary of the book.
  15. Declutter Now!: Uncovering the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life by Lindon Gareis. Summary of the book.
  16. Mrs. Warren’s Profession by Bernard Shaw. Summary of the book.
  17. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Summary of the book.
  18. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Summary of the book.
  19. The Victorian Chaise-longue by Marghanita Laski. Summary of the book.
  20. Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott. Summary of the book.
  21. Perfect Madness: Escaping The Confines Of Conformity, Making The Impossible Possible And Redefining The Road To Success In Your Life! by Alastair Macartney. Summary of the book.
  22. My fight for Irish freedom by Dan Breen. Summary of the book.
  23. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin. Summary of the book.
  24. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster (1908). Summary of the book.
  25. The Passion of New Eve by Angela Carter. Summary of the book.
  26. My Bondage and My Freedom by Frederick Douglass. Summary of the book.
  27. Freedom by Jonathan Franzen (2010). Summary of the book.
  28. Passing by Nella Larsen. Summary of the book.
  29. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (1817). Summary of the book.
  30. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray (1998). Summary of the book.
  31. Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin. Summary of the book.
  32. East Lynne by Ellen Wood. Summary of the book.
  33. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (1856). Summary of the book.
  34. Alberta and Jacob by Cora Sandel. Summary of the book.
  35. The Blue Castle: a novel by L. M. Montgomery. Summary of the book.
  36. The Grass is Singing by Doris Lessing. Summary of the book.
  37. Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy (1891). Summary of the book.
  38. Twelfth Night; Or, What You Will by William Shakespeare. Summary of the book.
  39. The Fortunes of Richard Mahoney by Henry Handel Richardson. Summary of the book.
  40. Finding youth : by Gertrude Nelson Andrews. Summary of the book.
  41. Two Serious Ladies by Jane Bowles. Summary of the book.
  42. The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde. Summary of the book.
  43. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (1985). Summary of the book.
  44. Freedom from Bosses Forever by Tony Robinson. Summary of the book.
  45. The women of the Mayflower and women of Plymouth colony by Ethel J. R. C. Noyes. Summary of the book.
  46. Life in the Iron-Mills; Or, The Korl Woman by Rebecca Harding Davis. Summary of the book.
  47. The Millstone by Margaret Drabble. Summary of the book.
  48. Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh. Summary of the book.
  49. Womanarchy by Khurt Khave. Summary of the book.
  50. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg (2013). Summary of the book.

Leave a Comment