I'd say the fact that the characters are talking animals is a pretty good indicator that this story was made for children.
<span>The Victorian Era spanned the rule of Queen Victoria. The Era was a long stretch of peace, thriving, "refined sensibilities" and national fearlessness for the United Kingdom. A few researchers date the start of the period as far as sensibilities and political worries to the entry of the Reform Act 1832.</span>
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.
