Question

Read the excerpt from Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler in which Berta has learned she will be a servant for a new mistress. BERTA. Well, but there's another thing, Miss. I'm so mortally afraid I shan't be able to suit the young mistress. MISS TESMAN. Oh well—just at first there may be one or two things— BERTA. 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. Don't you remember how we used to see her riding down the road along with the General? In that long black habit—and with feathers in her hat? BERTA. Yes, indeed—I remember well enough! How does the dialogue in the excerpt further develop the conflict?

Answer 1

Berta explains her sadness at parting with Miss Tesman.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

From the beginning of the play we can make out that Hedda is of a higher class than Tesman. She is General Gabler's daughter and has been accustomed to a fine life before her marriage. Berta, the servant girl, is afraid and worried that she is going to have a new mistress who is very difficult to please and that she would not be able to suit her needs. As soon as Hedda enters the play she complains about the open windows and Berta leaving her old bonnet on the table. This shows that she has unusually high standards which are difficult to meet. Her stubborn, inflexible and heartless behavior has been projected as a part of her personality and it further develops the conflict in "Hedda Gabler" by Henrik Ibsen.