One of the central themes of Henrik Ibsen's tragic play Hedda Gabler is the illusion of power among social classes. To expound on this theme, Ibsen created a powerful and socially privileged character whom he titled Hedda. It represents the social and cultural freedom believed to be possessed by the upper classes of the 19th century bourgeoisie. At the same time, Ibsen also introduces other middle-class and less powerful characters, such as Auntie Juju, Thea Elvsted and Eilert Loevborg. These characters contrast with Hedda's powerful and often offensively privileged character, demonstrating the costs of acceptance and social control. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay As the plot evolves, Hedda exploits and manipulates the characters. She performs these behaviors in order to maintain the social power and prestige of a higher class. For most of the play, his deceptive moves toward power succeed as the people submit without question. This perversion twists and hurts Hedda when she realizes that she does not have the social power to control those beneath her. Disillusionment with the social system manifests as the reader recognizes that power lies not among upper-class individuals, but within the social order itself. Our first impression of Hedda is not favorable. Although she appears to be a woman of great beauty and exceptional social status, her personality condemns almost every woman who comes into contact with her. Returning from her honeymoon to a new home, Hedda automatically exerts her social dominance over those nearby. Her first reaction ranges from disapproval to offense when she hurls insults at Aunt Juju's early arrival and the plain appearance of her hat (1253-1254). The attacks instill fear and fear of the social status Hedda occupies as a wealthy person. Hedda further propels her social power over the other characters in the play through manipulation and deception. Her husband, George Tesman, complies with all her requests and rejects her disastrous remarks. The reader assumes that Tesman was not born into a prosperous family since he has little wealth and is heavily in debt. We can understand why he is delighted to have the good fortune to have “won” such a favorable wife (1250). This is why he can only notice how “pretty and charming” she is (1254). He is unable to see how indifferent she is because she does not announce the death of his aunt Rena (1295). Tesman is blind to the way she manipulates him by announcing her pregnancy so that he forgets that she took away power from Loevborg by burning his manuscript (1296-1297). Like Tesman, Thea Elvsted and Eilert Loevborg fall into the trap. her trap as she further exploits them to maintain her social power. Hedda uses her social position and seemingly comforting attitude to coerce Thea into telling the story of her marriage to Elvsted and subsequent relationship with Loevborg (1260–1262). Her social status, which generally places her above reproach, lends itself to her overall credibility and supports her manipulations. Hedda's power over Loevborg developed before her encounter with him in the play. As he was one of Hedda's suitors before her marriage, she made him fall in love with her and through this love she was able to control him. When Loevborg meets her later in the play, she still holds some of his love and power. With the knowledge she gained from Thea, Hedda is able to., 1995. 1247-1304.