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 #1
TESMAN
And fancy—I'm delighted to hear that he is quite a reformed character. (1.435)
That’s what you think. Is there such thing as "reform" in Hedda Gabler?
Quote #2
BRACK
Why bless me—cold punch is surely not poison.
LØVBORG
Perhaps not for everyone. (2.281-2)
This is the first line that clearly indicates alcoholism as Eilert’s big issue, and even this is implicit in its claim. Looks like another case of Victorian values is at play here. Did you notice that we never even hear the word "alcohol"?
Quote #3
HEDDA
Do think it quite incomprehensible that a young girl—when it can be done—without any one knowing—
[…]
HEDDA
—should be glad to have a peep, now and then, into a world which—?
[…]
HEDDA
—which she is forbidden to know anything about? (2.348-52)
Eilert’s drinking renders him both more dangerous to Hedda and more interesting (which is why she threatened to shoot him and why she refers to herself as a coward for breaking it off her relationship with him).