Hedda Gabler
Hedda Gabler is a play written by Henrik Ibsen. It is one of the author's most successful and well-known works and is a realistic and psychological portrait of high society at the end of the 19th century. It is one of the most important works of European theatrical literature
The book, set in a villa in Kristiania (Oslo, today), tells the story of Hedda Gabler. This 29-year-old aristocrat is the daughter of General Gabler and has just married Jørgen Tesman, but she does not love him.
His life is boring and ridiculous and represents the decadent lifestyle of the late 19th century. The cult of the beauty of the young woman and her aestheticism represents the antithesis of the values of the petty bourgeoisie and is contrary to decency and justice.
First premiered in Munich, it is still widely performed around the world today.
Edmund Gosse and William Archer's translation has been used for this digital edition of the book Hedda Gabler
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading Hedda Gabler in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 144
- Reading time
- 2 hours 31 minutes
- Pace
- Intermediate
- First published
- 1890
- Language
- Norwegian
- Downloads
- 2,381
136 years later, still timely
Why Read Hedda Gabler in 2026?
A brilliant woman trapped in tasteful rooms reaches for control with terrible tools. Ibsen stages the collision of talent, boredom, and social design.
Today's connection
Conversations about agency and constraint meet their match here. The play asks how much of a self survives when choices shrink—and what happens when pride refuses terms.
Room as trap
Décor disguises danger.
Agency on trial
Freedom with fine print.
Brilliant, destructive
Genius starved misfires.
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About the author
Henrik Ibsen
Modern drama about truth telling, roles, and the cost of freedom at home and in public.
