Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Hedda Gabler Tragedy 2

The tragedy that occurred at the end of Hedda Gabler, the tragedy of Eilert Loevborg's death, was viewed by a few characters as a mystery. One could certainly question whether or not it was a indeed a mystery. Perhaps it was not a mystery. Perhaps someone knew secrets about the death that no one else did. It sure did seem as though someone did indeed know certain details about the death that other characters in the story did not know about. The character with knowledge about the death was appear to be none other than Hedda Gabler.
Hedda gives herself away on this one. Whenever questions arise about what happened to Eilert Loevborg, she seems to know, or have a clue about what might have happened to him. It is apparent that she knows something when Tesman asks, "He hasn't tried to do anything to himself? What?" (Isben 1513). Hedda replies to Tesman's question and says, "Yes, he has. I'm sure of it." (Isben 1513). At this point it is clear that Hedda knows about his death although no one around her has told her anything about it. The conversation about his death continues and Tesman says, "Attempted suicide! Fancy that!" (Isben 1513). After Tesman makes this comment Hedda replies, "Shot himself!" (Isben 1513). Brack replies to Hedda saying, "Right again Mrs. Tesman." (Isben 1513). In Brack's reply, it seems as though he is noticing a trend in the conversation, and that trend is that Hedda knows more than anyone else in the room. Then once it is mentioned that Loevborg shot himself in the breast Hedda replies, "Not in the head?" (Isben 1513). After it is clarified that the shot was indeed in the chest she replies, "The breast. Yes;yes. That's good, too." (Isben 1513). She says this as if to reassure herself that this is a noble, courageous thing for Loevborg to do. Later on Hedda finds out that Loevborg had actually shot himself in the stomach, which she did not seem to deem courageous. It seemed as though now that she knew he shot himself in the stomach she was not impressed, and she was somewhat disappointed. It is safe to say she is somewhat disgusting to not grieve his death and to wish he had died a more courageous death. This goes to show what kind of person Hedda Gabler was.

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