Wild Duck Journal #1

Gregers Werle, is such a man of knowing the absolute truth that he crosses boundaries to attain this truth. He reveals to the Ekdal family the complete stories, some untold, of their life. He brings up to Hjalmar that Gina had an affair many years back. He leaves Hedvig wondering who her real father is, because she originally thinks that Hjalmar is her real father. Gregers says he only brings it up because he wants the truth, and only the truth. Thus, Gregers is truth seeking and an idealist. He has a false conception of himself because he thinks that it is his job to notify everyone of the absolute truth. In reality, though, he is hurting others. He is the instigator of Hedvig shooting herself. Also, Gregers faces an emotional boundary in regard to his relationship with his father. While Gregers is gone to Hoidal for work, communication between him and his father are brief and only occur through business letters. It is clear that their relationship suffered while they were away from each other because they get into an argument quickly over Gregers becoming a partner in his fathers business. Similarly, Hjalmar struggles with his relationship between him and his father, Old Ekdal. For example, when at the party Hjalmar intentionally turns away when his father walks in so he does not see him. Also, the Ekdal's may not be as well off as the Werle's because Old Ekdal works for the Werle's and they do not want them to stay in his house, which could be a social issue.