Oftentimes in literature, an author can in two works create two characters that are completely different, yet have very similar significance to the plots of their respective plays. An example of this would be two of Henrik Ibsen's characters: Nora, in A Doll's House, and Hedda, in Hedda Gabler. In both of these works, manipulation is a prominent theme, and revolves around these characters. Pseudo-relationships is another prominent theme, which also revolves around Nora and Hedda.

At first, Nora and Hedda appear to be complete polar opposites. Nora always wants to please everyone, especially her husband, Torvald. She will change around her whole personality depending on who she is with and/or trying to please. The mask she assigns to her time with Torvald is that of a child or an ornament. Her friend, Christine, see the mask of a strong independent woman who saved her husbands life of her own initiative. The constant change of face causes both personal and interpersonal conflict. Her Marriage is ended because of it. She is a doll, and is a different character depending on who is "playing" with her. In this sense, she is constantly being manipulated by

miss tesman [trying on the bonnet]. Let me tell you it's the first time I've worn it-the very first time.

tesman. Oh no, unfortunately. It would be out of the question for us to keep a footman, you know.

hedda [with cold eyes]. General Gabler's pistols. [She goes out through the inner room to the left.]

Although this is not directly an attack on George, is it an attack on his background and dignity, as Miss Tesman raised him. Hedda knows it is Miss Tesman's bonnet, she just says such things to make her seem superior. She also refers to him as "Tesman," whereas he calls her "dear." But she will always be polite and passively apologetic afterwards, to make it seem as it were just her nature of being of the upper class. After Miss Tesman is gone, she shows George that she does think it's ridiculous. She does things such as this to stay on top in the relationship, and to make sure George stays vulnerable to her control. He is simply her pawn, ready and willing to please her in any way possible. They lack a meaningful or deep relationship, just as Nora and Torvald did in A Doll's House. I do think that George wants one. However, Hedda does not, and will not allow it, for that would not allow her to so easily manipulate him. He is always too naive to see that she does not love him. He is just there for her entertainment. She is the same with all her acquaintances we are told of as well. She, at one point or another, manipulates every additional character in the play.

tesman. But, Hedda-that's Aunt Julia's bonnet.

hedda [pointing]. Look there! She has left her old bonnet lying about on a chair..

tesman. Good heavens, no! That's as clear as daylight.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Eh Hedda, Torvald Nora, Nora Hedda, Hedda Gabler, Miss Tesman, Hedda Eh, Ah Takes, Hedda Nora, Nora Nora, George Hedda, act 1, miss tesman, doll's 116, doll's house, eh hedda, doll's 116 act, 116 act, 116 act 1, hedda eh hedda, 1 little, play hedda, hedda eh, act 1 little, hedda gabler, doll's house hedda,
Approximate Word count = 1356
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)