In Hedda Gabler, the dramatic focus is on interlocking couples. The conflict is created by shifting allegiances among the pairings of characters which builds suspense. This results in an explosion of action at the culmination of the play. Tragic characters are destroyed by inharmonious contrasts in their own beings.

Students recognize the importance of foreshadowing. They trace the steps of plot development. They study the play’s relationship to A Doll’s House. Students write essays. They apply concepts of dreams and reality to the lives of characters. They react to critical evaluation.

 

Supplementary materials include a quiz with answer key.