The Wild Duck: Journal Questions

Thurs., Nov. 6-- Read Act I: answer #1 and EITHER #2 OR #3

1. What are the two "secrets" from the past that Hjalmar does not know and still does not by the end of the act? (Information lies in conversations between Old Werle and his son Gregers about the past; don't say that Werle is giving money to Old Ekdal-- that is a secret, but a less important one.)

A) one secret is connected with Old Ekdal (Old Ekdal himself apparently does not know this "secret")

B) one secret is connected with someone else close to Hjalmar (think "soap opera" relationships)

2. Compare the way Hjalmar talks about his father with his actions toward him. Do the actions confirm or contradict what the talk implies?

3. How does Gregers feel about his father and why? (support with quotes and actions)

Tues., Nov. 11-- Read Act II: answer 1 of the following questions:

1. Evaluate whether Hedvig loves her father in terms of her actions. Evaluate whether her father loves her in terms of his actions.

2. Look closely at the relationship of Hjalmar and Gina: is this a good marriage? Consider how they treat each other and what each contributes to the relationship (to the comfort, well-being, and happiness of the other). (Find evidence in terms of actions, words, etc.)

3. Compare Hjalmar's description of himself at the party with what we saw.

Thurs., Nov. 13-- Read Act III and Act IV: answer the questions on Act III (below the questions are suggestions of evidence that might be pertinent).

Act III: A) What kind of man does Hjalmar consider himself to be as a father? as a son? as a worker? B) Does evidence supports his "self-view." (Find comments he makes about himself and then see whether this self-view is borne out by what he does.)

Why does Hjalmar first reject the bread and butter, then take it?

How do his actions match such comments as "Poor old white-haired father! You may depend on your Hjalmar. He has broad shoulders."

Compare his view of suicide when talking about his father with his view when talking about himself.

Acts IV: mark quotes in the text that provide evidence regarding these questions- they're important!. (The journal due concerns the question above on Act III, not these questions.)

1. Find lines that would help you defend Gina's position and comment.

2. Does Gregers learn? (In other words, will he or will he not make the same kind of mistake in the future?) If he "learns," there should be some quote recognizing how his behavior contributed to the problem and how he might change that behavior. He should have better self-knowledge.

Tues., Nov. 18-- Read Act V. Mark passages in the text that provide evidence pertaining to this question: Has what happened to Hedvig been in vain? Find key speeches by Hjalmar that indicate whether or not he recognizes his responsibility in what happened. Find key speeches by Relling that indicate whether Relling thinks Hjalmar has "learned."

Questions for Class Discussion

1. Look for passages that illuminate Gregers' reasons for setting Hjalmar free of falsehood. What subconscious motives (supported by evidence in the text) might be influencing him?

2. What stage actions and props function symbolically and how so?

3. Who is a possible "author spokesman" in this play?