Hedda Gabler

Hedda Gabler cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 4576
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781408121306
  • Publisher: A&C Black
  • Published: 2014-05-29
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

Hedda Gabler is a profound tragedy that delves into the stifling limitations placed on women by the societal conventions of its time. The play critiques the upbringing and expectations that confine women to lives of purposelessness, highlighting the internal struggles and desperation that arise from such constraints. Initially met with criticism and misunderstanding, the play has since become one of Ibsen's most celebrated works, renowned for its sharp social commentary and complex characters. /n/n The story follows Hedda Gabler, a woman trapped in a marriage she did not want, as she navigates the oppressive expectations of her society. Her actions and decisions reflect the broader themes of the play, offering a poignant critique of the era's gender roles and the lack of agency afforded to women. Through Hedda's journey, Ibsen masterfully illustrates the tragic consequences of a life lived under such restrictive conditions.

Reviews
London Pub Theatres · 2023-10-06
compelling 4.25

Hedda Gabler is an anti-heroine with a magnetic charisma that draws others to her dark soul. Her imperious nature adds to her complexity.

The reviewer finds Hedda Gabler to be an anti-heroine with a magnetic charisma that draws others to her dark soul. Her imperious nature adds to her complexity and makes her a compelling character. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the character and the play's ability to explore themes of charisma and darkness. However, they also note that Hedda's actions can be difficult to understand and sympathize with.


Quick quotes

    Hedda Gabler, our anti-heroine, while intensely unlikeable, has a magnetic charisma that draws others to her dark soul.

    Played as imperious and magnetic, she commands the stage with a presence that is both captivating and unsettling.

    Her actions, though often cruel and manipulative, are driven by a deep-seated desire for control and meaning.

Fox Clouds · 2017-03-25
intriguing 4.00

Hedda Gabler is a complex play with a character who is ahead of her time. The multiple layers make it a compelling read.

The reviewer finds Hedda Gabler to be a fascinating play with a character who is both intriguing and ahead of her time. Hedda's complexity and the multiple layers of the play make it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the character and the play's ability to explore themes that are still relevant today. However, they also note that the play can be challenging due to its complexity.


Quick quotes

    Hedda Gabler is a very interesting play with multiple layers.

    Written in the 19th century, it shows us a character of Hedda who is quite obviously ahead of her time.

    The multiple layers make it a compelling read.

Helen Callaghan · Helen Callaghan · 2012-07-11
fascinating 4.50

Hedda Gabler is a complex character who defies easy categorization. Her intelligence and cruelty make her both fascinating and pitiable.

Helen Callaghan delves into the character of Hedda Gabler, highlighting her complexity and the difficulty in categorizing her. Hedda's intelligence and cruelty make her both fascinating and pitiable. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the character and the play's ability to explore themes of intelligence and cruelty. However, they also note that Hedda's actions can be difficult to understand and sympathize with.


Quick quotes

    Hedda Gabler, the ferociously intelligent, dangerously cruel, yet ultimately pitiable protagonist defies easy categorisation.

    Her intelligence and cruelty make her both fascinating and pitiable.

    The play's ability to explore themes of intelligence and cruelty is remarkable.

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