IB Junior English Journal Response 21 (The Wild Duck)

In Act I of The Wild Duck, Ibsen creates several different types of boundaries.  These include social and internal boundaries.  Greger creates a social boundary between him and his father when the subject of marriage is brought to their attention.  He believes that Werle’s interest in Mrs. Sorby would affect the parent and son relationship when he asks, “When has there ever been family life here? Never, as long as I can remember.” (135).  Werle responds by attempting to make Greger empathize with him.  Throughout this portion of the act, both chracters use figure of speeches and euphemisms for certain terms.  Also, Greger’s choice of words change which reflect how he views his own father.

List of Other Boundaries in the Play:

-Emotional Boundaries (Greger and Werle)
-Occupation in Society (Merchant and Photographer)
-External Boundaries (Ekdal and Pattersen)