1890
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From Act II.
LOVBORG (who has not taken his eyes off
her, says quietly and slowly).
Hedda – Gabler.
HEDDA (quick glance).
Sh!
LOVBORG.
Hedda Gabler.
HEDDA.
Yes, that used to be my name. When we knew each other first. …)
LOVBORG (again in a low voice)
Can’t I call you Hedda – even when we’re alone together?
HEDDA.
Think it. If you’ve a mind to. Only don’t say it.
Transl.by John Osborne.
Hedda Tesman, the daughter of an officer, has entered into a marriage of convenience with a successful young scientist. A friend from her youth and her own circle, Ejlert Løvborg, is also a scientist, but he was reckless and fond of drink when Hedda knew him. Now he has been rehabilitated, and is a serious competitor with Tesman (Hedda's husband) for a new professorate. Mrs Thea Elvsted has become the mistress and benefactor of Ejlert Løvborg, and Hedda envies her for her couragous sacrifices. When Ejlert Løvborg pays them a visit, Hedda entices him into attending a bachelor party with her husband and the house friend, assessor Brack. Løvborg gets drunk and loses the manuscript of his new dissertation. It is found by Tesman; he brings it home to Hedda, who secretly burns it. When a confused Løvborg comes to see Hedda the next day, she tellingly makes him a present of one of her father's pistols. Løvborg is found dead, and assessor Brack tells Hedda that he knows the origins of the gun. Hedda will not be in his power, and in the end she grabs the remaining pistol – to use on herself.