View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Lovborg's plan for his future at the end of Act 3 of HEDDA GABLER?

2. What is Mrs. Elvsted's state of mind after the gentlemen leave?

3. What reason does Hedda give Lovborg for not following through on a threat she made a long time ago?

4. At Brack's party, what information does Lovborg withhold?

5. What does Tesman confess to feeling about Lovborg's book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is realism in theatrical performances? Think about all the specific limitations and possibilities in realism.

Part 1: Explain what realism is and how it differs from other genres, such as romanticism.

Part 2: As a form of art, what advantages and disadvantages does realism have? Do you think it might be easier or more complex to perform? What about to produce? To write? Support your arguments with reasons and examples.

Part 3: Does it lend itself to some subject matters more than others? Which ones? Why might an author choose realism to best deliver their message? Make sure to use the example of the play HEDDA GABLER in your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Write a full analysis comparing and contrasting the two characters of Mrs. Elvsted and Hedda.

Part 1: Compare and contrast the motives, personalities, the effects of their actions, the fears, and other attributes of the two characters. How are they alike and how are they different? Does one embody what the other needs? How?

Part 2: What point do you think Ibsen was trying to get through to the audience by putting these two women in contrast with each other? Is there a greater message about femininity or the female role he is trying to bring up by putting these two women in contrast with each other? What would that be?

Essay Topic 3

The play HEDDA GABLER was first published in 1890. Write an essay about the world as it was then.

Part 1: What was the society and culture like that first received the play HEDDA GABLER? What, in his society, was like ours and what was different? What aspects have changed but still show influence after all these years?

Part 2: What aspects of his culture influenced Henrik Ibsen to write the play HEDDA GABLER? What message was he trying to send with his plays? Was there a part of society that he felt was unjust and reacted to in his work?

Part 3: How well was his work and his message received? Did most of his society accept and agree with his message or was it controversial? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 516 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample