The duality of Loevborg in performance Eleanor Morrison College

Typical of his work, Henrik Ibsen's ‘Hedda Gabler' challenges social convention through deeply flawed and simultaneously, progressive characters. Eilert Loevborg is one of the more unconventional characters in the play, and as a man who has solely managed to capture the imagination of the eccentric Hedda Gabler herself it is important that he is played so that the audience too can feel mystified by, and drawn to, him. Although nineteenth century Norway was a patriarchal society, Loevborg was by no means safe from social expectations and judgement, and Loevborg should thus be presented as flawed but likeable. The same could not be said for the character of Hedda, but given Ibsen's aims to challenge the audience's views, it is necessary to still create a likable eccentric so as to make the audience question that which is ‘normal' and acceptable.

Prospects were bleak for Loevborg, who had become somewhat washed up as a result of alcoholism and his general nonconformity, and yet there is still a small glimmer of hope in his words and actions. Following his entry, which in itself is similar to Hedda's due to the length of discussion and the creation of mystery leading up to his arrival, Loevborg clearly acts as a foil to the men...