The characters in the play conform to stereotypes of the Victorian era. Women were expected to marry and stay at home, being considered unintelligent and fragile. Hedda Gabler is neither, thus emphasizing Henrik Ibsen's view of female oppression in the Victorian era. Hedda's character does not exhibit the typical affectionate trait a wife would have towards her husband; The idea that women were expected to marry and have children early in the Victorian era. The male role was meant to be extreme domination over the woman and to be the breadwinner. Reflecting Henrik Ibsen's Victorian era in the story, Hedda Gabler emphasizes the social norms imposed on women and men. The play challenges the power dynamic distributed between the two sexes, the concept that a woman's proper role in her marriage is to care for her husband, while a man's role is to provide for them. needs of the family and maintain its reputation. Henrik Ibsen presents two characters who are victims of this drastic social code and the steps both characters must take in order to structure their ideals around a strict society. When the ideals of both characters come into conflict with the social mores of society, the result is often unsatisfying or tragic. For example, Hedda's lust for power in the story is a trait not often found in women during the Victorian period. The role of power is reserved for men only in Victorian society. To gain power, Hedda sacrifices her stereotypical image of a woman. Hedda does not display the typical role of a loving wife, but instead adopts a vicious and manipulative feminine character trait. George Tesman also breaks this stereotype, by depending on Hedda to get his teacher...... middle of paper ...... with George about his honeymoons, Brack corresponds with Hedda regarding financial issues . This is a role that is usually taken on by a man. If Hedda had been born a man, her life would be very different. Hedda would have had more control over her economic and social status, as well as the decision of whom she could marry. As a woman, Hedda could not do any of these things, and even though Hedda had accepted the control of a powerful and important man, like her father General Hedda in her life, she could not accept the power of her husband George on her, loving and gentle. as he was. Therefore, weapons can only be toys for her; Hedda will never be able to have the power that her father represented. Another symbol is the manuscript. He represents intellectual power and can influence the world just like his father with his military status and power..