Hedda Gabler as Artist of Manipulation Nicola King

In the play Hedda Gabler by Isben, Hedda works as a type of artist of life. In an attempt to create a sense of beauty which she obsessively strives for, she creates her art by manipulating the lives and wills of the other characters around her. Through the character of Hedda the play offers a unique perspective on the definition of art, as she works as both the artist and part of the art that we are reading. As a work of art, it both critiques the cultural framework of love, marriage, and femininity, and offers a clear-cut escape from these repressive cultural restraints.

Hedda creates beauty as an artist through the medium of manipulation of others. She seems to find joy and a sense of power in being able to control and manipulate those around her. Throughout the drama, she interferes in the lives of other characters, easily bending their wills to meet her own needs. Mrs. Elvsted states, ÃÂÂThereÃÂÂs something behind what youÃÂÂre doing HeddaÃÂ?. To which she answers, ÃÂÂYes there is. For once in my life I want to have power over another human beingÃÂ? (288). She manipulates others as if they were just puppets in a play that she has created making her both the creator and participant in a work of art.

She is surrounded by...