What is an inciting incident in Hedda Gabler?

Answer 1

There are many different forms of conflict presented in the play:

1. Internal Conflict

Hedda is propelled by an inner conflict, as she challenges herself with her own expectations and motives. Her desires often contrast with her ability, and her actions contradict her beliefs.

2. Conflict with other characters

As made evident throughout the play, Hedda is never quite grounded and content with her fellow characters; she despises her own marriage, is jealous of Mrs Elvsted's feminity, fears the power of Brack, and controls the actions of Lovborg.

3. Conflict with society

The expectations placed upon a woman of the Victorian era were constraining and limiting upon individual freedom. For a woman like Hedda, this environment only challenged the individual to pursue a path of rebellion. Her reaction to the baby shows her lack of interest in the responsibilties of a mother, and her attitude toward her marriage shows her view of the role of a wife. She wants to taste freedom, yet live with a reputation that integrates her into society.

Answer 2

The inciting incident in "Hedda Gabler" occurs when Hedda, the protagonist, receives a pistol from Lövborg and becomes entangled in a series of events that lead to tragic consequences. This event sets off a chain reaction that drives the plot forward and reveals the characters' motivations and desires.

Answer 3

It is when we see Hedda with her pistols and learn that Hedda is the women with pistols from earlier.

Answer 4

Hedda Tesman (Gabler is her fathers name) can be seen as the protagonist or antagonist.