The collected works of Henrik Ibsen Vol. 10 (of 11)

Key themes

Individual vs. Societal Expectations

Both plays critically examine the suffocating pressure of societal norms and expectations on individual freedom and desire. Hedda Gabler is trapped by the conventions of marriage and domesticity, while Solness is constrained by professional expectations and the judgment of his community. Their struggles highlight the destructive consequences of conforming or rebelling against societal roles.

Ambition and Legacy

The destructive nature of ambition is a central theme, particularly in 'The Master Builder.' Solness is driven by a relentless desire to build and to maintain his legacy, which comes at a great personal cost, including his marriage and his children's lives. Hedda's ambition, though less conventional, is to control and shape human destiny, which also leads to tragic outcomes. Both characters are obsessed with leaving a mark or asserting their will.

Gender and Power

Both plays offer incisive critiques of gender roles in 19th-century society. 'Hedda Gabler' is a powerful exploration of a woman of intelligence and spirit trapped by the limited options available to her, leading her to seek power through manipulation and destruction. 'The Master Builder' features Hilda Wangel, a young woman who challenges traditional female passivity, acting as a catalyst for Solness's actions, demonstrating a different kind of female agency, though still within a framework of influencing a man.

Worth discussing

Discuss the concept of 'freedom' as portrayed by Hedda Gabler and Halvard Solness. What does freedom mean to each, and how do their pursuits of it lead to their downfall?