When a beloved family member dies, the natural human reaction to coping with this depressing news is known as denial. In Hedda Gabler and “How to Paint a Water Lily,” Ibsen and Hughes suggest that men live in a fantasy rejecting reality to protect them from horrible situations. While Hughes believes that this fantasy is a natural survival technique used by men, Ibsen believes that by hiding the reality of life, man is driven to madness, which prevents the growth of a potential cultural hero . Ibsen reflects his belief: the fantastic life protects humans from a terrible 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 Tessman and her true intention. Ibsen wants to make it clear 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 you, George" (292) and she makes herself believe that she burned the book for Tessman so that, both for her and for him. Tessmans believes that the fantasy of the ideal can come true. Hedda sells this fantasy to Tessman to prevent her 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 pursue the relationship with Tessman. She knows that her true desire is power and freedom; she must believe that Tessman has the capacity to be greater. Ibsen demonstrates Hedda's passion for living the fantasy with the following conversation between Hedda and Brock: "Fortunately, the marriage journey is over now...I will never jump." » (252) where Hedda's superficial love...... middle of paper ... society. Hughes also juxtaposes the wonderful delicacy of the environment created by the fireflies, as in lines 14 and 15 "Rainbow, their arcs, sparks or settle/cool like beads of molten metal" to demonstrate that the beauty can come from violence. The growth of the water lily is a natural event that contains the splendor and hustle and bustle of nature. Hughes wants the reader to understand that the balance between the Apollonian and the Dionysian is an uncontrollable circumstance. Although these authors disagree on society's views, it is true that fantasy for men will always exist as an optional escape from reality. of the complex and raw world. There must be a point of balance between reality and fantasy, to avoid madness in men. This point of balance between these two ideals is what will maintain a strong culture and society throughout the ages..