Alone in the attic, Hedvig finally shoots 'the wild duck', rescued from the sexual adventures of Werle, her father. Therefore, Hjalmar repents of rejecting Hedvig, in a glorious vindication of idealistic Gregers, Hedvig's half-brother.
Is there more?
There is more.
Gregers is the moral hero who is ultimately isolated, socially and financially, like Dr Stockmann in 'An Enemy of the People'. Gregers fortifies with honesty the approaching marriage of his father to Mrs Sorby and, with Hedvig's extraordinary heroism, the mediocre marriage of Hjalmar and Gina. He helps to restore Old Ekdal to some credibility. The very plausible Dr Relling is merely the voice of mediocrity!
What else is there?
I've just reread the play.
So what if Dr Relling's right and Hjalmar misappropriates the sacrifice of Hedvig a few months later: better truth for a time than none at all. The thirteenth man, the outsider, is an unappreciated witness to the truth, a man of probity and integrity!
Gregers, the black sheep, take a bow.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote