Hedda Gabler R2

Question 1

Topic

Answer 1

the culturally assumed identity of the “hysterical” woman, not arbitrary, from feelings of oppression

Question 2

Elab:

Answer 2

19th century
“women were expected to have frail dispositions easily prone to ‘nerves’, fainting spells”
Joel L Schiff.

Question 3

Quote Int+ Explanation

Answer 3

“It was as if I had danced myself out, my dear sir… [With a little start.] Ah, no! I’m not going to say that. Nor think it, either,”

stage direction “little start,”
dismissive adverbs “no,” “nor” and “not” indicate a sense of anxiety + imply tone of regret over her aging

Question 4

Quote Int+ Explanation

Answer 4

“[half collapsed in the easy chair]. But merciful God! One doesn’t do that kind of thing!”

lack of explanation at the time for madness

rudimentary nature of the concept of hysteria that men held