Discussion Topic
Analysis of gender roles and relationships in The Wild Duck by Henrik Ibsen
Summary:
In The Wild Duck by Henrik Ibsen, gender roles and relationships are complex and often reflect societal expectations. Female characters, like Gina and Hedvig, are confined to domestic roles, while male characters, such as Hjalmar and Gregers, dominate public and decision-making spheres. The play critiques these traditional roles, highlighting the resulting personal and familial conflicts.
Compare the male and female characters in The Wild Duck by Henrik Ibsen.
In general, the female characters see more clearly and act more in a way
that sustains community than the male ones. With the exception of Relling, who
has devoted himself to study of human nature, the men all tend to be in some
way self-deluding.
Male characters
(Old) Ekdal: Hjalmar’s father. Previously, Hakon Werle’s business partner.
After being jailed for illegal tree cutting, returns a drunkard who works as a
copyist for Hakon.
Hjalmar Ekdal: Son of Old Ekdal. Runs a photographic business. Like his father,
lives somewhat in a fantasy world, dreaming of getting rich from an invention
he hasn't actually made to work.
Molvik: Border. Another alcoholic living in a fantasy world.
Dr. Relling: A clear sighted individual who acts as a moral and intellectual
compass.
Gregers Werle: Hakon' idealistic young son who believes that revealing Gina's affair with Hakon will improve her marriage with Hjalmar. He ideals...
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normally prompt him to do precisely the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Hakon Werle: Wealthy man who out of guilt for his affair with Gina supports the
Ekdal family.
Female Characters:
Gina Ekdal: Wife of Hjalmar Ekdal. Practical and sensible and holds family
together.
Hedvig Ekdal: Spiritual and sensitive daughter who shows the other side of the
feminine in a nurturing of the soul and connection to nature.
Mrs. Sorby: Widowed housekeeper to Hakon. Engaged to Hakon. Another emblem of
practical femininity.
Discuss the male-female relationship in The Wild Duck.
The relationship between Gina Ekdal and Hjelmar Ekdal in Henrik Ibsen's The Wild Duck is reminiscent of the relationship between Nora Helmer and Torvald Helmer in Ibsen's A Doll's House. Both women have enormous secrets from their husbands and both women work behind the scenes to create happy lives for their families. Further, Gina protects Hjelmar just like Nora protects Torvald. There the comparison begins to break down, nonetheless it is a significant one. Gina truly loves Hjelmar and their family, despite life's difficulties, is happy.
The similarity again arises at the climax when Hjelmar is told the truth about his daughter's doubtful parentage and, just like Torvald, rejects his wife and sees her identity as that of a stranger. Ibsen explores the impact of the origin of happiness, the development and fragility of identity, the role of secrecy and deception in male-female relationship. The weight of evidence comes down in favor of women being the foundation of the relationship until bad news breaks. Then, the male is the unequivocal arbitrator of the meaning and ultimate outcome of the relationship.