Is Hedda Gabler a tragedy or anti-tragedy?

Life in the 1890s Europe - Hedda Gabler?

• I'm doing an essay on elements of realism, relating to the play "Hedda Gabler" by Henrick Ibsen. Do get a better insight of what was "real" then, or at least to be able to contrast Hedda to everyone else (and how she was 'ahead of her time'), I wish to know how life was in the 1890s. Other then generally, it would be helpful if I knew the following: 1) What was considered old? Hedda being 29, would she be considered too old to be pretty like in Elizabethan times, or is it more modern then that and old not generally considered until mid life? 2) What was happening at the time? Hedda Gabler is set in Kristiania, Norway. Were there any events that could of affected the characters, or even Ibsen in writing the play. Note that the play was first published in 1890. 3) What was the position of women? Although they had no political power, were they simply "servants of their husbands" or did they have a slightly higher influence? 4) Guns. Hedda has two pistols, of which are from her father. How common was it to have weaponry? Note Hedda is from the richer side of society, but now lives in the middle-class.

• Answer:

  1) Old. 29 then = 60 now. 2) Nothing was happening at that time. 3) They were in charge of the servants. 4) Very uncommon.