Ibsen uses contrasting aspects of the two characters, Eilert Lovborg and George Tesman, to highlight the wide range of desires that Hedda has when it comes to being satisfied in a relationship. This highlights Hedda’s incapability to be satisfied by only one man, representing how she will always want more than what she can have. These two characters are very different, but they have certain qualities that make them similar. Both characters have feelings for Hedda, and they have been in a relationship with her at one point or another. In addition, the two men are both authors, even though they write about different subjects. The similarity between them signifies Hedda’s attraction to men who are relatively intelligent, as Hedda has no interest in falling for a man who has no skill. Both men being authors represents knowledge, a trait that Hedda highly regards.
Although there are several similarities, Tesman’s marriage is fake compared to Lovborg’s relationship with Hedda, which was portrayed to be more natural. This can be conveyed through many things, for example, Tesman and Hedda’s marriage happened mainly because of social conformity. At that time, it was socially unacceptable for a woman to decline a wedding proposal from an ideal man. Also, Hedda states that her time was up” (pg. 251) and that Tesman was “a thoroughly acceptable choice” (pg. 251), showing how, although she was not in love with Tesman, the decent decision, considering her age and status, was to marry him.
Another reason why Hedda stays with Tesman is the fact that he gives her the freedom she desires. Throughout the play, she exclaims how she is “bored”. However, if Tesman were to demand certain things from Hedda, such as bearing a child, it would upset her even more. Tesman is also absorbed in his work, and little attention is put to the fact that he may be the inferior one in the relationship. As a result of Tesman’s oblivion, Hedda is able to control him to her own content. However, all of this is not enough for her. She still longs for other qualities in a relationship, and what Tesman lacks is what was fulfilled by Lovborg.
Lovborg’s relationship with Hedda was voluntary and meaningful, not just a matter of social conformity. Despite being far from ideal, Hedda chose to be with him. Throughout the play, they had many meaningful conversations and sexual experiences. Ibsen mentions their sexual connection to highlight the excitement and intensity of their relationship, in contrast to Hedda’s relationship with Tesman, where sexual experiences were never mentioned.
Lovborg is the only character in this play who understands Hedda’s reference to vine leaves,” which symbolizes the depth of their connection beyond others. Hedda questions whether it’s wrong for a young girl to want a glimpse of the forbidden world (pg. 265), revealing her personality that enjoys conflicts and taking risks.
Thus, the secret affair with Lovborg fulfilled Hedda’s admiration for forbidden love. However, although Lovborg’s relationship may have seemed appealing, he did not possess the qualities that Hedda desired. For instance, Lovborg was an unsuccessful man who had a drinking problem, which led Hedda to believe that he was not a reliable source of money and stability. Additionally, Lovborg was not open to the idea of marriage, which was a vital requirement for women during that time period and repelled Hedda from him.
It can be concluded that in order for Hedda to be completely satisfied, she needed qualities of both men: the money, marriage, and freedom from Tesman, and the adventure and personal connection from Lovborg. Although she straddled between two men, Hedda was never fully content with either of them or the situations she was in. Because she always wanted more than what she had, she ultimately resulted in suicide without ever being fully pleased with her life.
