Hedda Gabler's Beautiful Illusion Anonymous

Henrik Ibsen depicts Hedda Gabler as a woman who is trapped in her own life. Hedda has a thirst for life which she has not satisfied. She prefers a life filled with excitement, thrills and courageous situations: "There was something really beautiful and fascinating - and daring, it seems to me - about our secret closeness" (265). However, Hedda is reluctant to step outside her boundaries and experience the world the way she desperately wants to. Fantasy is the only way for Hedda to escape the realities of her life: "Of this beautiful illusion" 298). Ibsen uses Hedda as a vehicle to show that people need something in life to live for. Hedda Gabler's "beautiful illusion" is a life where the mind and body can be set free to live a life which is meaningful, exciting, and distinct.

Hedda Gabler wants a meaning to her life. In her present situation, Hedda is not satisfied with her life: "I often think I have talent for only one thing in life... boring myself to death" (257). She is desperately searching for something that has meaning in her life, something to live for. Hedda discovers Mrs. Elvsted and Lovborg share a "child" between one another, something that is significant to the...