Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/754



IBSEN acquired the habit of presenting his characters under a double aspect; as they seem to the compact, unthinking majority, and as they finally appeal to the select minority, so ably represented by Dr. Stockman. In the case of Hedda Gabler, the compact majority proved to be so large, that it has taken longer than the ten years granted by Ibsen, for his real conceptions to become current.

Hedda is the daughter of a general and, as such, is a member of the highest military aristocracy of her home. She has grown up without a mother, but her father has not entirely neglected the duties of a chaperon. Beautiful, talented, and accomplished, this young woman naturally has many opportunities to marry officers. Since she does not do this, it is natural to suppose that the military environment of her girlhood does not appeal to her. It is also quite evident that she might marry Mr. Brack, a wealthy official of her home. Since Mr. Brack might be considered a good match, and since he is not unattractive, the plausible inference is that Hedda objects to his immorality.

She does fall in love with Lövborg, a young genius whose ability as a writer is respected and feared. With him she sits in the same room with her absent-minded father and discusses his escapades. Since she has grown into adolescence without a mother and under the awkward chaperoning of her father, the world of sex is a mysterious and interesting riddle to her, and the escapades of her lover prove attractive. She dismisses Lövborg at the point of a revolver, from which it must be inferred that he makes improper advances to her. This is not altogether unlike Nora's flirtation. The moment she confronts a personal insult, she acts in accordance with sound instincts.