Wild Duck Journal 4

Narrative structure: How has the plot (not the story) been constructed? Are their parts? Is the plot circular? Subplots? How important/effective is the ending? Has everything been revealed by the end or are there unanswered questions? Does this matter? What period of time has been covered? Is time important?

The plot of Wild Duck is constructed in a similar way as Oedipus. The beginning is in the moment of the story, without any background information. Throughout the story, the background information is delivered. This background information, in essence, will create the tragedy in the present. In Oedipus, the tragedy was his true identity and what that meant for him as a person. In Wild Duck, the tragedy was the death of Hedvig, caused by the meddling of Gregers and past philandering of Gina.

There are five acts in Wild Duck. The subplot is the back story behind the whole novel. This consists of the wrongdoings of Werle and poor judgement of Gina, and the history that connects all of the characters. The subplot that is constructed is vital to the story. A relationship between the elder Werle and Hjalmar's Gina is enough to create doubt amongst Gina and Hjalmar over whether or not their daughter, Hedvig is legitimate. The elder Werle's past crimes create a motive for him to help provide for the elder Ekdal and Hedvig. The personality of Gregers' mother and his "moralistic fever," causes him to make decisions and pursue justice that wreaks havoc on the lives of others. These details are all obtained from the subplot and are vital to the outcome of the story.The actual story of Wild Duck takes place over only a few days, but the details and events included in the subplots go back decades.

The ending of Wild Duck leaves some unanswered questions. While it is clear that Hedvig is dead, it is unclear what effect this will have on those around her. Will Gina and Hjalmar stay together? Will Gregers give up the moral crusade that has only caused problems? What will happen to the elder Ekdal? What is to come of the wild duck? This is effective because it conveys the tragedy in the death of Hedvig. The fact that her father was so willing to take everything back after he believed he had some proof if her love proves that her death was in vain. Similar to Romeo and Juliet's misunderstanding. This tragedy makes the terrible costs of lies and deception known. This is the point of many tragedies.