Hedda Gabler, Act 2 Summary

That afternoon, Hedda uses one of the pistols to shoot playfully at the arriving Brack, who puts the gun back in its case. Conversation reveals that Hedda is already bored with both marriage and her husband. Brack assures her of his ongoing friendship, and hints that in a short time she'll have something to keep her both busy and happy. Hedda tells him in no uncertain terms that is never going to happen.

Lovborg arrives, and Tesman comes in to greet him. Polite conversation about Lovborg's new book reveals that he's finished a second and has brought the manuscript to show Tesman. He adds that he won't publish it until after Tesman has been given the university job. As Tesman and Brack have a private conversation, Lovborg speaks intimately to Hedda about their previous relationship, in particular, his deep...