Objectives of the Study

The pistols have important meaning for Hedda because they can be good companions when she is lonely and she has nothing to do. Unfortunately, she also uses it to get her own satisfaction and forget others’ safety. She uses to make fun of other’s life and to play God 2000: 25. Another concept of authoritarianism is also discussed in the other undergraduate thesis entitled The Concept of Determinism as Reflected in the Dramatic Character in Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler by Ririn Mardiana. It is stated that Hedda has an influence to make someone inferior and make someone to do something that she wants. Hedda has power toward Miss Tesman. She can make Miss Tesman feels inferior. In order to please Hedda, she buys a new bonnet and parasol. She has bought those things without Hedda’s knowing before. This means Hedda can influence other people to do something to please her. Hence, Hedda has the power over the Tesmans 2000: 36. It is also discussed in Mardiana’s undergraduate thesis that Hedda is represented as a cruel character. It can be seen through the way she dresses in black. In act IV Hedda dresses in black. Besides showing her condolence toward her aunt’s death, her dress shows how dark her heart is. In this act, it presents the darkness of the spirit that she has. She is cold, cruel, and hypocritical. Those characteristics are shown in the other details of her dramatic character 2000: 36. After seeing all the studies that have been quoted above, we can see that there are various kinds of opinions and analysis about the play. Some studies say that the main character has the authoritative sides. Some studies also say that the main character has negative characteristics. However, this study will not only discuss the characteristics of the main character like in the other studies. This study will also give further discussion on the contribution of the characteristics to one aspect in life, in this case, to the tragedy.