Opinions of Hedda

[Dinarzade]

Did you like her or not? As a character, I found her hard to get to grips with, and I thought her actions were wildly out of control and yet carefully chosen at the same time. I've read the play twice now, and I still can't make up my mind whether I like her or not.

Any thoughts?

[Gladys]

Arrogant, manipulating, and dangerous, Hedda wants excitement in life, without the scandal. She counts as nothing: work, home, family and friends; and in the end her 'beautiful' suicide is simply pathetic.

The character of Hedda is in stark contrast with frail Thea and weak Jorgen, who prevail gloriously at the close of the play. The play ends with a glowing nativity scene around the manger with the newborn child: at last Thea Elvsted and her messianic child find a happy home with her Joseph: her old flame, the orphan, Jorgen Tesman. A truly happy ending.