Character - George Tesman

Question 1

Creative overview for George Tesman

Answer 1

• Bought up by his kindly aunts in the lower bourgeoise society
• Innocent naivety towards Hedda’s actions, has an academic, work dominated attitude and an unawareness of social proprieties
• Placed in an imbalanced marriage formed on a transactional basis
• Hedda, daughter of a General, has settled for him based on financial needs

Question 2

Possible context for Tesman

Answer 2

• Strongly patriarchal society of Norway whereby men took the authority position in a relationship and women had a very much inferior role
• Professorship would have held a fair amount of status at the time and would bring in a sufficient salary
• Hierarchical nature of society places him in a lower social class
• Interest in feminism

Question 3

Possible audience response if needed

Answer 3

• Sympathy in the audience at Tesman’s inability to assert his assumed male dominance over his controlling wife & naivety towards Hedda’s manipulation
• Empathy towards George’s frustration and shock when he finally sees Hedda’s dangerous and manipulative side

Question 4

Sections of the play to use

Answer 4

• Tesman being manipulated by Hedda on page 33/34

- End of act 4: Tesman beginning to see Hedda’s dangerous side

Question 5

Costume design for Tesman

Answer 5

his attire should reflect the background he initially came from - his suit and jacket would be less tailored than Brack’s, and somewhat washed out and dated in appearance - his outfit may not be up to date with the current trends and may appear a bit mismatched.
Instead of wearing a black suit, Tesman would be wearing a tweed jacket/ light brown jacket and slacks with a matching waistcoat and a ironed shirt. He would also have a pair of spectacles through which he could peer to emphasise his academic and bookish nature to the audience. He may also wear a dark coloured bow tie, as was traditional for the time period.
Tesman’s hair would be worn short and he may wear a brown bowler’s hat made of soft felt at times - this contrasts to the top hat worn by Brack, an indication of the class differences. He would also have a slight moustache.