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
Most like she'll be terrible grand in her ways.
MISS TESMAN.
Well, you can't wonder at that—General Gabler's daughter! Think of the sort of life she was accustomed to in her father's time. (1.12-3)
Money is one of the insurmountable barriers between Hedda and Tesman.
Quote #2
TESMAN.
[With the bonnet in his hand, looks at it from all sides.] Why, what a gorgeous bonnet you've been investing in!
MISS TESMAN.
I bought it on Hedda's account.
TESMAN.
On Hedda's account? Eh?
MISS TESMAN.
Yes, so that Hedda needn't be ashamed of me if we happened to go out together. (1.43-6)
When it comes to money, Hedda’s reputation precedes her. From the mention of her many suitcases to this line about the bonnet, her character is immediately defined by aristocratic wealth.
Quote #3
HEDDA
I'm only looking at my old piano. It doesn't go at all well with all the other things.
TESMAN
The first time I draw my salary, we'll see about exchanging it.
HEDDA
No, no—no exchanging. I don't want to part with it. Suppose we put it there in the inner room, and then get another here in its place. When it's convenient, I mean. (1.194)
Because she’s grown up with such excessive wealth, Hedda has no sense of practicality when it comes to matters of money.