Which of the following is part of the rising action in Act III of Hedda Gabler?

• Tesman gives Hedda the manuscript that Eilert has dropped the night before. This occurs early in Act III. Tesman finds the manuscript and brings it home, believing it to be Lövborg's "child." He then gives it to Hedda, setting the stage for her subsequent actions. This is a key event in the rising action.
• Judge Brack threatens to expose Hedda's involvement in Eilert's death. This happens in Act IV, after Lövborg's actual death, and is part of the play's overall falling action and climax.
• Hedda burns Eilert's manuscript in the stove. This is the climax of Act III, not part of the rising action leading up to it.
• Hedda gives Eilert one of her father's pistols so that he can end "beautifully." This event takes place at the end of Act II.

Therefore, the event that is part of the rising action in Act III is Tesman giving Hedda the manuscript.

The correct option is the first one.
Tesman gives Hedda the manuscript that Eilert has dropped the night before.