Wild Duck Journal 1

There seems to be a social boundary between Ekdal and Werle and his social group. It is shown in the play that Ekdal used to be "well up in the world," because they used to all "drink many a schnapps and bottle of beer together" (120). However some business deal went awry that caused Ekdal to be "sent to jail" (121). It is this deal that now causes a social divide between Ekdal and Werle's social group. Now, instead of being partners as they once were, Ekdal works for Werle as "someone who does copying on the outside when it's needed" (120). Ibsen also informs us about the boundary by showing others reactions to the boundary. For example, when Ekdal comes to the door, Petterson immediately tries to get rid of him by insisting that "the office closed over an hour ago" (120). The author does not simply explain all of this to the audience however. Ibsen simply lets us listen into a few small conversations and makes us draw all the conclusions. by showing rather than telling, Ibsen captivates his audience and makes them pay attention with great detail to the boundary between Ekdal and Werle's social group. Ibsen may do this in order to make the audience pay attention to a key component of the play, or he simply may do it to leave a certain amount of mystery in the play.