Comparing and Contrasting Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen and Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston

Hedda Gabler is a play authored by Henrik Ibsen while Zora Neale Hurston authors sweat and they both present characters who are morally ambiguous. Henrik majors on the character Hedda, and she depicts her as a purely evil lady whose aim to create misery and trouble among the people around him. On the other hand, Sweat by Zora Hurston presents Delia as a young woman who is morally upright and upholds all the duties expected of her. The actions of these two female protagonists widely differ and bring out various themes in the buildup of the two plays. The comparisons of this essay, therefore, will focus on different elements of psychological states and events that highlight motivations as structured by the authors. Further, it will present an analysis of activities undertaken by the two female protagonists.
Control is the ultimate need for Hedda as shown in the story. The desire for control and unhappy marriage molds the psychological makeup for Hedda. Although she seems to be trapped in the marriage, she shows a high need for control over her husband, secret lovers, and her life. She has successfully mastered techniques of deceiving and creating illusions whenever she wants her way out. For instance, her respond to Elvert when he came to seek for help left him more confused and helpless. Hedda offered him a pistol and further instructed him to do it beautifully thus leaving with thoughts of delusions and love. Also, she manages to control Mr. Tesman by treating him like an object.

It is clear that they both have no affection for each other, but Hedda manages to control him and expects no one to make any inquiries about it. Different characters experience painful circumstances and feelings while Hedda comes out as the innocent. Finally, her husband shoots himself, and upon realization of the ugly act, Hedda kills herself too, and they both succumb to death.
Delia, on the other hand, works for long hours as a washerwoman and is presented as a hardworking lady with upright principles. Delia faces mistreatment and torture from her husband. Her marriage is abusive, and she seems to be trapped in it just like Hedda. Delia is married to Sykes who oppresses her by instilling fear and through physical violence. Observers in town also show that Delia has lost her beautiful and elegant look as a result of an abusive husband. These instances have made Delia lose the need for a spouse and the marriage since her wages had paid for their home. Sykes further establishes a love affair with other women and plots to poison Delia by use of a rattlesnake. However, Sykes is fatally poisoned by the snake and Delia leaves him to die helplessly despite the plea.
The instances and experiences of both Hedda and Delia in their marriage life have impacted and ruled their decisions and choices made ultimately. Both their husbands had a vital role in the last circumstances that bestowed them regardless on the guilty and innocent party. The two authors, therefore, have successfully presented a strong, realistic story of actual life instances. As indicated in this analysis, gender roles among the partners in a marriage are facilitated by the realization of oneself despite the circumstances faced. The women gender is displayed in diverse ways by both the two authors. Henrik through the use of Hedda depicts the female sex as deceiving, controlling and of superiority. Contrary, Zora presents it as the hardworking, aggressive, brave, and submissive yet it’s oppressed and mistreated by their counterpart male gender.