Journal #2- Wild Duck

Ibsen uses the motif of decay/disease both literally and figuratively throughout the novel to express his belief that  hiding the truth has negative effects that deteriorate ones physical health as well as social. Throughout the play we see that old Werle suffers from poor eyesight, a trait he shares with Hedvig, his illegitimate daughter. Ibsen uses this disease to raise questions about how Hedvig got this disease, to which Hjalmar replies that heredity is to blame. Gina is quick to point out that it comes from Hjalmar's side of the family, "Hjalmar's mother also had bad eyes" (147). Although neither one of her parents have any sort of vision problems, Hedvig eyesight continues to grow worse, having to cover her eyes to read, showing Ibsen's belief that lying only serves to hurt those involved. Ibsen also uses the ideas of disease and decay through Gregers in order to frighten as well as enlighten Hjalmar. Gregers warns Hjalmar that he has an insidious disease within in him, referring once again to loss of sight- but this time figuratively. He tells Hjalmar that he has gone to die in the dark to which he replies, "Gregers, you're my old friend-please-don't talk anymore about sickness and poison. [...] In  my house nobody talks to me about ugly things" (170). From here we can see Ibsen's desired effect of the truth, as something that is not always wonderful and joyful, but instead a more realistic view as something that hurts but is necessary. Finally, in the conclusion of the play we see another example of Ibsen's view on truth. Gregers has told Hjalmar the awful truth about Gina and Werle and Hjalmar confronts Gina demanding that she come clean about the whole thing. When he asks her if Hedvig is his daughter and she replies that she doesn't know Hjalmar loses it. "I don't want that. [...] My home is down in ruins around me. (Breaks into tears.) Gregers, I have no child!" (195). From this we can see Ibsen's final, most crucial stance on the truth, that it can be absolutely devastating. Through the play the pattern arises showing truth as a harsh, cold truth bearer that can often catch you off guard. Whereas previously in dramas before Ibsen's time the truth had been embellished as the light that guided righteous ones to happiness, now it was being depicted in its real form.