In Act I, towards the end of the duologue between Hedda and Mrs Elvsted, when Mrs Elvsted exclaims, “I must live here, where Ejlert Lovborg is living… if I had to live at all.” Ibsen here reveals the strong emotional tie she has with Lovborg, explaining the reason that she has abandoned her husband to come here and look for Lovborg. 

Mrs Elvsted, also appears to be “animated” when Hedda mentions “two good companions”, because she values highly a meaningful relationship, in which she is able to influence her companion Lovborg by helping him to reform. She is able to share ideas on a spiritual or maybe academic level.  Although her desires to learn about the knowledge as well as to learn how to think are forbidden by the society, she is able to fulfill them in the shared relationship.  The audience hear Mrs Elvsted “he’s made me into a sort of real person.”, “And then came that beautiful happy time, when I shared his work! Was allowed to help him!”  Mrs Elvsted’s jubilant and ecstatic tone, is shown through two repeated exclamations, Ibsen shows Mrs Elvsted’s raising passion from the short, straightforward phrases, and joyful words like fantastically and beautiful.  

Drama: Mrs Elvsted “I got a sort of control over him.” (Turning point: Hedda’s control is challenged, she is again shocked, “Really?”  Hedda is disdainful/contemptuous of Mrs Elvsted trying to reform the debauched/dissolute Lovborg. We see this from Hedda (concealing an involuntary sneer) Ibsen here foreshadows Hedda and Mrs Elvsted fight for control over Lovborg in the future. 

Recording 2 Aspect Of Society

Recording 1 Mrs.E Motivations

The symbol of her hair and the manuscript. 

Wei Ye LI

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