Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Hedda Gabler summary
Henrik Ibsen
Brief summary
Hedda Gabler is a play by Henrik Ibsen that delves into the inner turmoil of a woman trapped in a society that restricts her desires and ambitions, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome.
Table of Contents
Hedda Gabler
Summary of key ideas
Introduction to a Complex Character
In Hedda Gabler, Henrik Ibsen presents us with a multifaceted protagonist, Hedda, and her complicated relationships. The story begins with Hedda and her husband, George Tesman, returning home from their six-month honeymoon. Tesman, an ambitious young scholar, is excited about his research prospects. Hedda, on the other hand, is discontented and bored in her marriage – a stark contrast to her husband's enthusiasm.
Hedda's former suitor, Judge Brack, pays a visit and adds spice to their mundane life. Brack, aware of Hedda's manipulative nature, is interested in forming a "triangle" with Hedda and George, which Hedda takes as a proposition for an illicit affair without Tesman's knowledge – an idea that she finds appealing.
An Intricate Web of Relationships
The plot thickens as an old flame of Hedda's, Eilert Loevborg, reappears. Loevborg, who has transformed from a reckless alcoholic to a successful writer, is also in a close relationship with Thea Elvsted, Tesman's childhood sweetheart. Loevborg's success and his bond with Thea ignite a fire of jealousy in Hedda.
In an attempt to regain control over Loevborg, a bored and envious Hedda manipulates him into drinking once again, leading him astray from his reformed path. She even goes to the extreme of burning the manuscript Loevborg and Thea were working on, a symbolic act of destroying their intellectual baby.
A Tragic Downfall
The regretful Loevborg, believing he's lost his manuscript, spirals out of control. Even though Tesman recovers the manuscript, Loevborg is unaware of it. He finds himself entrapped in another of Hedda's manipulative ploys wherein she hands him one of her dueling pistols and indirectly blesses his "beautiful act", hinting at suicide.
Loevborg, succumbing to his faith, gets fatally wounded with the same pistol. Restricted by the norms of the society of her time and her manipulative mess, Hedda then feels the walls closing in on her.
Conclusion: A Desperate Exit
When Brack reveals that he knows it's Hedda's pistol that caused Loevborg's death, he essentially gains a hold over her, further tightening the noose. Terrified of the scandal and Brack's hold over her, Hedda sees no way out of this twisted scenario of her own making.
Finally, in a desperate act of escape, Hedda resorts to using the other dueling pistol on herself, putting an abrupt end to the manipulative games she had been playing. Thus, Hedda Gabler ends with a tragic example of the devastation that manipulation and constant pledging for control can wreak in individuals' lives.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Hedda Gabler about?
Hedda Gabler is a play written by Henrik Ibsen that delves into the complex and tragic life of the title character, Hedda Gabler. Set in 19th century Norway, the play explores themes of power, control, and societal expectations as Hedda navigates her unhappy marriage and the constraints placed upon her as a woman. With its gripping plot and thought-provoking dialogue, Hedda Gabler is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences.
Hedda Gabler Review
Hedda Gabler (1891) is a classic play by Henrik Ibsen that explores the complexities of human desires and the consequences of suppressing them. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It delves into the inner turmoil and psychological depth of its characters, offering a captivating insight into the human condition.
- The play presents a sharp critique of societal expectations and the limitations placed on women during that era, making it incredibly thought-provoking.
- With its tense atmosphere and unpredictable plot twists, Hedda Gabler keeps readers engaged from start to finish, ensuring that it is far from boring.
Who should read Hedda Gabler?
- Individuals intrigued by complex and morally ambiguous characters
- Readers interested in psychological dramas set in 19th-century society
- Those who appreciate exploring themes of marriage, identity, and societal expectations
Categories with Hedda Gabler
Book summaries like Hedda Gabler
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Hedda Gabler FAQs
What is the main message of Hedda Gabler?
The main message of Hedda Gabler is the struggle for personal autonomy and the consequences of societal constraints.
How long does it take to read Hedda Gabler?
The reading time for Hedda Gabler varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Hedda Gabler a good book? Is it worth reading?
Hedda Gabler is a compelling and thought-provoking play. It's definitely worth reading for its examination of complex characters and human nature.
Who is the author of Hedda Gabler?
The author of Hedda Gabler is Henrik Ibsen.
What to read after Hedda Gabler?
If you're wondering what to read next after Hedda Gabler, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda