During discussion today, we talked about how women are inferior to men in literature and the different ways that Hedda tried to take control in a “manly” world. There are 2 key instances where the struggle for superiority is shown. In the beginning of the play Tesman notices… “how strong and healthy…and how filled out” (Ibsen 1470), Hedda had become since their honeymoon. It does not take a scientist to figure out that Hedda is pregnant with George’s baby. With Hedda wanting to be in control. the pregnancy is seen as almost a death sentence in her mind. She is now forever tied to George - a man that she seems to really loathe. In a sense, she is considered “tainted” material and now she may not have as much control over the male species with a baby on her hip. Will she be as fought over between all of the men after she has had a child; or will the pregnancy make the relationship between her and George seem more permanent and make men ( the judge ) back off from pursuing her? A second key symbol of the power Hedda tries to control is the way she loves to shoot guns. “[Raises the pistol and takes aim.] I’m going to shoot you judge Brack” (Isben 1482). In the time period this play was written women were supposed to be refined and seen as a lady-like figure. Hedda loved to shoot the weapons because it made her feel in control and powerful. In my opinion, she could have been more powerful if she would have just used her sexuality alone. Women in all time periods can be seen as a powerful figure because of the way we can control men with their bodies and in the way they can flirt to take control of situations.