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Hedda Gabler, Act 2 summary

Act 2 of 4 · 31 min to read the act

In Act 2, Hedda confides her boredom to Judge Brack, renews a secret intimacy with Eilert Lovborg, and provokes him into drinking by exposing Thea’s fears. Lovborg leaves for Brack’s party with his manuscript, while Hedda admits that she wants power over another person’s life.

What happens

  1. Hedda fires a pistol near Brack, then describes her unhappy marriage as he proposes an intimate friendship with the couple.
  2. George Tesman returns with books and reports Aunt Rina’s worsening illness; Hedda admits deliberately insulting Aunt Julia.
  3. Eilert Lovborg arrives with a manuscript about the future and assures Tesman that he does not seek the same appointment.
  4. Behind an album, Hedda and Lovborg discuss their secret friendship, her curiosity about forbidden experiences, and her fear of scandal.
  5. When Thea arrives, Hedda exposes her fears about Lovborg, prompting him to drink and accept Brack’s invitation.
  6. Lovborg leaves with the manuscript; Hedda insists Thea stay and admits her desire to shape someone’s life.

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In this act

Hedda GablerGeorge TesmanEilert LovborgJudge BrackAunt JuliaTheme: Power and freedomTheme: Marriage and expectations

What to notice

Hedda names her motive after pushing Lovborg toward drinking and the party. Her wish for control contrasts with her complaints of having no satisfying purpose.

Quick check

What finally prompts Lovborg to drink the punch?

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