Although the play Hedda Gabler consists of many issues that are still alive today, they are not handled in the same manner. One large example of this is with the main character Hedda. It quickly becomes obvious to the reader that Hedda has severe psychological issues, however these are ignored or simply not seen by the other characters who adore her. In today's society someone like Hedda would most likely receive treatment for these medical issues that are easily recognizable by the advances in psychological studies today.
Another example of the differences in society between now and when the play was written in the 1890's is the roles of women. Even though many women today take on the position of a housewife, this is no longer expected or forced upon them. Many women today have their own careers or choose not to have families at all. Hedda struggles with being married and with the unwanted pregnancy that is hinted at throughout the play. During the time this was written it would not be understood why a woman would not want to take on the roles of a wife and a mother, however such choices are a more accepted aspect of today's culture.
If a similar play were written today, it would defeat the purpose of the play to change the script so that it fit in with the current freedoms of women. For instance, if Hedda were to divorce Mr. Tesman and have an abortion, she would no longer be faced with the extreme unhappiness that leads to her manipulation of the other characters.
No comments:
Post a Comment