What exactly are the inciting events that are important to us? Are there any preparations (objects introduced that will be of some use later)? What secrets are kept from others? When and how are they revealed?
Ultimately, how does Ibsen take the formula of the “well made play,” which Scribe argued should be for amusement first and foremost, and make it political?
Where and when does Hedda defy the expectations of the genre? Shaw said that “problem plays” replace the well-made play’s neatly tied-up ending with a “discussion.” Is this true in Hedda Gabler? What are we to make of Brack’s final line? What, ultimately, is Ibsen confronting us with in his conclusion?