Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Wild Duck - Journal #4

Alright, characters who are at fault. There are three that I can see right now:
1. Gregers
2. Werle
3. Gina

Gregers: I was really positive that when I came through that door I'd be met by a transfigured light in both your faces. And what do I see instead but this bloomy, heavy, dismal-
(185)

I put Gregers because it is because of his hand that Hjalmar begins to question the life around him.

Werle because if he did not 'have his way' with Gina, marriage with Hjalmar may not have happened, and Hedvig would not play a factor in Hjalmar's mind.

Gina: Yes, I did the wrong thing; I really should have told you long ago.
(183)

Gina, because she kept all this hidden from Hjalmar.


I believe Werle to be the most blameworthy, as he probably impregnated Gina, and influenced Gregers childhood enough to make him consider helping the Ekdal family as a grown man.

As for a blameless character I would say Hedvig fits the role best. Her life is was a product of past events, and has done nothing to really aggravate the situation. Well, I could argue that because Hjalmar likes her so much it stressed him a whole bunch to find out she may not have been his daughter.

Well, Werle sort of takes responsibility.
Hjalmar: One hundred crowns, as long as he needs it. That means till death of course.
Gina: Well, then he's provided for, poor dear.
Hjalmar: But there's more. You didn't erad far enough, Hedvig. Afterwards this gift passes over to you.
(194)

Although Gregers argues this was a trap to see if Hjalmar could be bought out, this gesture of Werle's can be seen as possibly being an attempt to right his wrong using his resources. Giving the money to care for old Ekdal, who was his scapegoat years ago may have been done out of guilt. Hedvig because she may have been his child.

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