Hedda, master of manipulation...

I’m pleased to finally see a woman with as a leading character in one of the stories of this class. However, I do not like that the way she empowers herself is by stepping over people being selfish in almost every aspect of her life. Hedda Gabler is I woman of society, everyone praised her, even Miss Tesman mentioned that she was: “General Gabler’s daughter! Think of what she was accustomed to when the General was alive. You remember how we used to see her out riding with her father? In that long black skirt? With her father and her hat?” (Ibsen 1465). Social class is definitely a key element for this story and Hedda’s life. I wonder why she ended up marrying Tesman, after all, it seems like even the judge came from a higher social class. Hedda empowers herself using lies, manipulation and by using tricks to make people tell whatever it is she wants to hear from them. I was amazed by the tactic she used with Mrs. Elvsted, making her feel like she was her friend so that Mrs. Elvsted felt comfortable and told Hedda her story. It took Mrs. Elvsted a while to feel like Hedda was on her side, since they had attended the same school in the past and Hedda had been mean to Mrs. Elvsted. I feel like Hedda trapped Mrs. Elvsted by asking her questions over and over again to see if she would give a different answer, and in some cases, she did, like when Hedda asked her, “Well, if he sends you all the way down her to look for him—[smiles almost imperceptibly.] Besides, you said so yourself to Tesman.” (Ibsen 1476) and then Mrs. Elvsted replied, “[With a nervous twitch.] Did I? Oh yes, I suppose I did. [Impulsively, but keeping her voice low.] Well, I might as well tell you the whole story. It’s bound to come out sooner or later.” (Ibsen 1476). That’s how Hedda traps Mrs. Elvsted into telling her the truth.