Poor Miss Tessman

I know there was some discussion in class about the weakness of Miss Tessman. However, I have to say that I actually sympathize with this woman. I think she genuinally cares about the well being of her nephew and even Hedda. "Don't worry yourself about that, dear. I've also put security to cover the carpets and furniture," Miss Tessman told her nephew. Tessman responds, "Security? Aunt Julie, dear-- you? What kind of security could you give?" Miss Tessman answers, "I took out a mortgage on our pension... I saw nothing else to do." Aunt Julie makes sacrifices for Tessman. She knows that Hedda comes from a higher class than Tessman. Back in these days, the man was expected to provide for the family. Miss Tessman knows George will struggle meeting the needs and desires of Hedda so she does what she can to make his job easier. She actually tells Tessman, "What other joy do I have in this world than soothing the path for you, my dear boy?" Aunt Julie finds pleasure in aiding her family members. She comments on how she will visit Tessman and Hedda's home frequently. Aunt Julie does so much for others she changes her outward appearance so that Hedda will not be embarrassed of her. I know to us this seems pretty lame. Would I do this..? probably not. However, she cares about pleasing those around her and seeks the acceptance of others in particular, Hedda's. So I think we should cut her come slack. As an elderly lady, Aunt Julie just wants to hang in there with the other characters of the novel and therefore puts her personality, best interest and ideas on the back burner in order to please others. She raised her nephew and now that he is gone she may fear what the future holds so clings to him for comfort and stability. Poor Miss Tessman...