When a beloved family member dies, the natural human reaction to deal with the depressing news is known as denial. In Hedda Gabler and “How to Paint a Water Lily,” both Ibsen and Hughes suggest that men live in a fantasy that rejects reality to protect them from terrifying situations. While Hughes believes that this fantasy is a natural survival technique used by men, Ibsen believes that by hiding the reality of life men are driven to madness, which prevents the growth of a potential cultural hero. Ibsen reflects his belief: fantasy life protects human beings from a frightening circumstance with his character Hedda Gabler whose fantasy is the life of a perfect wife. Throughout the book Hedda's actions have a double meaning: the reason she gives to Tessman and her true intention. Ibsen wants to convey that culture suppresses Hedda's abilities to lead and manipulate power. Hedda tries to justify her actions, such as burning the book, by telling Tessman "I did it for your good, George" (292) and makes herself believe that she burned the book for Tessman so that it would be in her that in her. In Tessman's minds the fantasy of the broad ideal can be fulfilled. Hedda sells this fantasy to Tessman to prevent him from seeing her true intention. In Tessman's perspective, Hedda is the wife who is willing to do anything for him and his happiness. For Hedda this fantasy of an ideal wife is what motivates her to continue the relationship with Tessman, she knows that her true desire is power and freedom; he must believe that Tessman has the capacity to be better. Ibsen demonstrates Hedda's passion for living out the fantasy with the following conversation between Hedda and Brock "Fortunately the honeymoon is over now... I'll never skip out." (252) where Hedda's superficial love...... middle of paper...... society. Hughes also juxtaposes the beautiful delicacy of the environment created by the fireflies, as in lines 14-15 “Their arcs, sparkle or settle/cool like beads of molten metal” to demonstrate that beauty can come from violence. Water lily growth is a natural event that encompasses the magnificence and tumult of nature. Hughes wants the reader to understand that the balance between Apollonian and Dionysian is an uncontrollable circumstance. Although these authors do not agree with society's opinions, it is true that fantasy for men will always exist as an optional escape from reality. of the complex and raw world. There needs to be a point of balance between reality and fantasy, to avoid madness in the male gender. This point of balance between these two ideals is what will keep a culture and society strong throughout the ages.