Important Quotes of Hedda Gabler play

Important textual lines of Hedda Gabler play

 

1) "But do you not think it's strange how easily we could have missed each other in life?" - George Tesman, Act 1

George expresses his gratitude and happiness at being reunited with his old friend Eilert Lovborg. This line foreshadows the complex relationship that will form between George, Eilert, and Hedda, and suggests that chance encounters can have a profound impact on one's life.

2) "General Gabler was an aristocrat, to be sure, but he was also a gambler." - Judge Brack, Act 1

Judge Brack offers an insight into Hedda's family background, implying that her desire for control and manipulation could stem from her bitter experiences with her father. This line also highlights themes of social status and corruption that run throughout the play.

3) "I have no talent for life." - Hedda Gabler, Act 2

Hedda's confession to Judge Brack reveals her feeling of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with her married life and her perceived lack of agency. This line underscores the existentialist themes that pervade the play, as Hedda struggles to find meaning and purpose in her existence.

4) "I will not be swerved from my one true path." - Eilert Lovborg, Act 3

Eilert's declaration of intent to live according to his own values becomes a tragic foreshadowing of his downfall. This line highlights the conflict between the characters' desire for personal autonomy and the societal pressures that constrain them.

5) "I am burning your child." - Hedda Gabler, Act 4

Hedda's final act of destruction, burning Eilert's manuscript, reveals the extent of her desperation and frustration as she tries to exert control over her life. This line also underscores the play's dark, nihilistic tone, as Hedda's actions ultimately lead to a tragic and violent end.

6) "People don't do such things!" - Aunt Julle, Act 1

Aunt Julle's exclamation highlights the societal norms and expectations that the characters in the play are expected to adhere to. Her disbelief at the actions and decisions of the other characters also sets up the contrast between their unconventional behaviors and the more traditional values held by the older generation.

7) "I want for once in my life to have power over a human being!" - Hedda Gabler, Act 2

Hedda's desire for control and domination over others is a central theme throughout the play, and this line reveals the extent of her frustration and yearning for agency. However, her attempts to exert power ultimately backfire and lead to tragic consequences.

8) "What a beautiful morning! This will be a day to remember." - George Tesman, Act 3

George's optimistic statement, made after receiving good news about his career prospects, is a stark contrast to the other characters' darker and more tragic outlooks. This line serves as a moment of irony and contrast, as the events of the day ultimately lead to a disastrous outcome.

9) "People don't do such things, Hedda!" - Thea Elvsted, Act 4

Thea's echoing of Aunt Julle's phrase from Act 1 underscores the societal expectations and norms that the characters are expected to adhere to. Her exclamation also highlights the shock and horror at Hedda's final act of destruction, as she burns Eilert's manuscript and ultimately takes her own life.

10) "But, good God, we must live our lives." - Judge Brack, Act 4

Judge Brack's final pronouncement highlights the existential themes that run throughout the play, as the characters struggle with questions of purpose, autonomy, and meaning. However, his statement also underscores the mundane and banal nature of everyday life, as the characters are forced to continue living despite the tragedy that has befallen them.

11) "I'll take my own life. I have the courage for that." - Hedda Gabler, Act 4

Hedda's declaration of her intention to commit suicide reflects her sense of hopelessness and despair at the end of the play. Her desire to control her own fate and escape the confines of societal expectations leads her to make this tragic decision.

12) "We have no lack of weapons, Miss Tesman." - Judge Brack, Act 3

Judge Brack's sinister response to Hedda's suggestion that they should duel reflects the power struggles and manipulations that are happening beneath the surface of their conversations. This line foreshadows the later revelation that Judge Brack has been using his power and influence over Hedda in order to control and manipulate her.

13) "I'm not the sort of man who does anything underhand." - George Tesman, Act 2

George's statement is an example of dramatic irony, as the audience is already aware of his secret plans to secure his academic position. This line also highlights the discrepancy between George's self-perception as an upstanding and honest individual, and his actions and motivations.

14) "My dear, you look splendid." - Aunt Julle, Act 1

Aunt Julle's compliment to Hedda on her appearance highlights the emphasis placed on surface-level appearances and social conventions in the play. This line also reveals the tension between Hedda's desire to present a perfect facade to the world, and her underlying sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction.

15) "I want to be free. I want to be alone." - Hedda Gabler, Act 1

Hedda's declaration of her desires sets up her internal conflicts and motivations for the rest of the play. Her desire for autonomy and independence clashes with the societal expectations and norms that she is expected to follow, leading to tragic consequences.

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