I think Hedda is the forerunner of the quintessential film noir chic--simultaneously tough and weak, scheming, continuously dissatisfied, and bored with her own lot in life. She never really loves, but rather consumes. She needs attention and has a pathological fear of being rejection. She designs the entire plot that culminates in her old flame's suicide because it is something to do--a game--and one that revolves around her. Her own suicide galvanizes this idea--she notes her husband's growing affections for his level headed assistant and realizes (probably always has) that her impulsiveness is peavish. She is also suspect--the game has been foiled for her and she is getting old (no longer a woman w