How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used Edmund Gosse and William Archer's translation.
Quote #7
HEDDA
And so—to help him out of his torment—I happened to say, in pure thoughtlessness, that I should like to live in this villa.
BRACK
No more than that? (2.143-4)
The events of the future are dependant on the smallest of actions. We see this elsewhere in Hedda Gabler, too – for instance, Hedda impulsively hands Eilert one of her pistols, which leads to the Judge’s attempt at blackmail, which leads to Hedda’s suicide.
Quote #8
LØVBORG
Yes, it does; and this one deals with the future.
TESMAN
With the future! But, good heavens, we know nothing of the future!
LØVBORG
No; but there is a thing or two to be said about it all the same. (2.233-5)
It’s funny, Hedda Gabler actually argues against the idea that anything concrete can be said about the future.