Hedda Gabler

Hedda Gabler Summary | Act 1, Part 1 Summary

On a bright summer morning, Julle Tesman pays a visit to her nephew Jorgen, referred to as Tesman, and his new wife Hedda. As Julle opens the windows to let the sun in, the housemaid Berte, who had been Julle's housemaid before moving to work for Tesman and Hedda, tells Julle that Tesman and Hedda got in late the night before. Hedda had needed everything unpacked and put away in a very particular manner, and it was even later before everybody went to bed. Julle comments that it's not much of a surprise, and tells Berte to remember that Hedda was the beautiful, popular daughter of General Gabler before she married Tesman. She intimates that it's not a surprise that Hedda should be so particular. Berte asks about Rina, Julle's bedridden elderly sister. Berte had nursed Rina for several years and worries that the new housemaid won't do as good a job. Julle reassures her that Rina is fine, and that she will ensure everything is as it should be. Julle also tells Berte that she must address Tesman more formally now that he's been made a doctor. She also hints that soon she will have to address him with an even grander title.

Tesman enters, glad to see his aunt. As they greet each other, Tesman tells Berte to put the suitcase he's carrying in the attic. He tells Julle it was full of notes and research. We learn that Tesman and Hedda have been away for almost six months. Tesman spent much of that time working on an academic dissertation on medieval domestic crafts, and it's finally finished. As they wait for Hedda, Tesman compliments Julle on her new hat, which she says was purchased in Hedda's honor. They chat about the prospects for the future, although it seems that they're talking about different kinds of prospects. As they discuss plans for the house, Tesman's continues to focus on his books and his academic career, including a professorship he seems certain to get. Aunt Julle hints about other uses for the now-empty rooms. They also discuss how the large house was financed. Tesman says Hedda wanted this house more than any other, and Aunt Julle reveals that she took out a mortgage for its furnishings on the collateral of an annuity that she and Rina receive. When Tesman protests, Aunt Julle tells him it is the least she can do for her beloved brother's son. She tells him it is wonderful it is to see him successful after many years of difficulty and competition with his rival. She mentions that his rival, Ejlert Lovborg, is back in town. As Tesman digests that information, Aunt Julle congratulates him again, especially for winning Hedda Gabler's heart.

Hedda enters at that moment. She greets Aunt Julle rather formally, shakes her hand, and then complains about the open window. When Tesman goes to close it, she tells him it will be enough to close the drapes. Hedda invites Aunt Julle to sit, but Aunt Julle says she's must return to Rina. Before she leaves, she has to take care of something she had forgotten earlier. She hands Tesman a small package containing his favorite slippers, which he had forgotten when he went on his honeymoon. Hedda comments that he mentioned them frequently on their trip. Tesman tells her that Rina embroidered them for him, but she doesn't seem interested in looking at them. Hedda mistakes Julle's hat for Berte's and tells Tesman that Berea will have to be dismissed for leaving her belongings lying around. As Aunt Julle takes her hat and leaves, Tesman mentions how beautiful Hedda is and how much she's filled out on the trip, but Hedda insists she is as she always has been. Aunt Julle kisses Hedda goodbye and promises to come every day and visit. As she leaves, Hedda paces the room, angry and tense.