Wild Duck Journal 4

Although she does not directly take responsibility, the whole conflict of the play is caused by Gina. Gina did multiple things wrong. To start, she let Werle "have his way with her" (183). We know that she is referring to sexual intercourse because later in the play, Gina admits to, "not knowing" whether Hedvig is Hjalmars or not (195). The only reason that would be a question  for Gina is if she had intercourse with multiple men. Sleeping with Werle in the firs place was wrong, but then Gina adds to it by not telling  Hjalmar that she not only had an affair with Werle, but may also possibly be bearing his child. The entire conflict of the play could have been either greatly reduced or exterminated if Gina had not hidden the truth. If she would have told Hjalmer in the first place what may have happened and what the possibilities are, then the conflict could have been averted. Gina lying to Hjalmar in order to maintain their marriage is a selfish thing to do. Although she is trying to protect her family, she is still lying to her husband in order for her to continue to be happy. Affairs, lies, and selfish reasons make Gina to blame for the conflict of the play.