Hedda Gabler in Never too Late to Read Classics

Mar 07, 2013 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2013, scandinavian-literature, fiction-19th-century, drama, audio-books

From BBC Radio 4 - Saturday Drama:
Brian Friel's version of Hedda Gabler throws new light on its two female archetypes - Hedda, the beautiful trapped and doomed heroine; and Thea, the less socially admired, yet much freer, new woman. Both women ultimately take their fate into their own hands, in very different ways.

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Apr 19, 2016 Josh Caporale rated it really liked it

I am happy that I had the opportunity to come across and read one of Henrik Ibsen's plays, which I currently own a collection of six such plays, another of which being A Doll's House, which I was familiar with. While I thought A Doll's House was his most renowned, the B&N Classics argue that this here takes that particular title. Hedda Gabler was an interesting experience and it really takes the woman's role in the household, and in this case the play, in a far more different approach than ever I am happy that I had the opportunity to come across and read one of Henrik Ibsen's plays, which I currently own a collection of six such plays, another of which being A Doll's House, which I was familiar with. While I thought A Doll's House was his most renowned, the B&N Classics argue that this here takes that particular title. Hedda Gabler was an interesting experience and it really takes the woman's role in the household, and in this case the play, in a far more different approach than ever before.

Hedda Tesman just recently married George Tesman, but her feelings about their relationship are somewhat cold. Her heart lies far more greatly with Eilert Lovborg, who has recently published a book that has picked up acclaim among others, though his approach is that of a low self-esteem. Lovborg is engaged in a relationship with Thea Elvsted, who left her husband, because she was in love with Lovborg. In turn, Judge Brack has a thing for Hedda and wants to start a "triangle" with her (ughhhh... the love triangles...). When you mix these jumbled affairs with internal conflicts that create a struggle for each of the characters, the result is an authentic drama.

I am giving this play a solid four out of five stars, though in some cases, I feel that this rating is a bit lukewarm. What I really liked about this play is that the sequential structure made it much easier to follow. I liked how the setting was designed efficiently and how we got a sense of each character in the play, by all means their physical appearance, but in other cases their emotional appearance as well. Love triangles irritate me when they are not done well and I felt that this did not do so much that was special to create such (thought it looks a bit more like a "love diamond." Hedda Gabler's character, especially in demeanor, is something worth checking out. She is very much in control of her destiny, though her disposition is very much a mystery. Next to the others, she possesses a great deal of confidence in interacting with anyone she comes across, whether they be male or female.

Very well put together! ...more

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Jun 03, 2018 Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... rated it liked it

Shelves: plays

Although I am not a big fan of reading plays, I picked this one up after it was chosen by one of my groups. It is witty, funny and smartly written. The story is one that I liked. Unfortunately though the only copy I could locate was a poorly-recorded audio version which made it impossible to fully immerse myself into the story. Hopefully one day I will locate a better copy and can give it a second chance.

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May 31, 2021 Frannie Burd rated it it was amazing

Ibsen was an absolute genius, and Hedda Gabler is one of the best examples. When one takes the time to read and analyze his work, the symbolism etc., there is no other conclusion. His work goes so much deeper than just "the story". His mind utterly blows me away. ...more

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