Anyone who’s read or seen Henrik Ibsen’s great work, Hedda Gabler, is probably confused about his or her feelings towards the title character. On one hand she’s spoiled, she toys with people’s emotions, she’s demanding, and she can’t let go of the past. On the other, however, she is strong and proud. She wants her husband’s success and will do anything to help him attain it.

Her last act in the play, and, really, in her life, is to kill herself after playing a raucous tune on the piano. No matter your personal opinion, you have to feel a twinge of pride in Hedda for choosing death before slavery. In choosing such a drastic way to show her refusal, she displayed the strength of her spirit in all its glory.

Maybe I’m alone in being so very proud of her for the act. After all, there were many ways out of the situation. And yet…it was such a strong thing to do!