Act Four is a Tragedy

Three different deaths occur in Act Four. I think the importance of death in the play suggests conflict between the characters and Hedda. The first death is Aunt Rina’s. George tries to encourage Hedda to join him say a last goodbye to Aunt Rina, but she refuses. Hedda’s response to Aunt Rina’s death characterizes Hedda as a selfish individual who does not care about anyone or anything. The second death that occurs is Mr.Løvborg’s. Hedda seems to be amazed and interested in Løvborg’s death as she exclaims, “I’m saying there’s beauty to all of this” (296), referring to his death. Hedda cares more for the “beauty” of his death more so than his well-being. Hedda implies more than once that Løvborg’s death was beautiful. Hedda can be directly related to Løvborg’s death as she is the one who burned his manuscript, which influenced his death. Hedda is also the one who provided the pistols for Løvborg. In the end, Hedda’s confrontational ways take control over her own life. Hedda commits suicide after her own power is taken away from herself. I think Hedda felt as though death was the only escape from her miserable life that she created.