Question

How do social conventions and expectations play a role in the events of act 3? Give at least three examples. What do these examples say about the society in which the play is set? Your answer must be at least 50 words.

Answer 1

It might be said that social convention were really marked and important at that time (1890's), the role of the women was very limited and they were supposed to follow and respond to men's decisions. Hedda seems to be socially repressed and she had a good social and economic position. However, in this act she seems to transcend social limits by being authoritative and demanding. She appears to be in control of the situation without following any men. In fact, she even manipulates and commands people around her, both man like Lovborg and woman like Thea. 

Answer 2

It might be said that social convention were really marked and important at that time this play was written which was around the 1890's, at this time the role of the women was very limited and they were expected to follow and respond to the men's decisions and wants. At this time as we see in act 3 of the play that Hedda does not care about the social expectaions but only cares about herself. Hedda seems to be socially repressed and she had a good social and economic position. However, in this act she seems to transcend social limits by being authoritative and demanding. She appears to be in control of the situation without following any men. In fact, she even manipulates and commands people around her, both man like Lovborg and woman like Thea.  There is many examples of this in the play. One example is when she has the idea that Lovborg should kill himself with a dramatic gesture. Another example is how she speaks tho Brack in The play when it is said "BRACK: No, no, I daresay not. But suppose now that what people call—in elegant language—a solemn responsibility were to come upon you? [Smiling.] A new responsibility, Mrs. Hedda?HEDDA: [Angrily.] Be quiet! Nothing of that sort will ever happen!" And a third example is Thea, the passionate and intellectual woman (she speaks early in the play of how Lovborg brought her mind alive) can give birth, and loves the child she and Lovborg produced. Hedda, the cold, self-indulgent women, wants nothing to do with children. And in the time that this play was written most women wanted children this is also another social norm that Hedda had broken.