The Wild Duck Journal 2

The metaphor of a wild duck seems to describe several of the characters in the play. Hjalmar is one example of who could be considered a "wild duck." He does not know that his wife was with Werle and so Greger's moving in to save the family is one way the metaphor is shown. Hjalmar can also be considered a wild duck because of how Werle saved him by paying for his photography lessons. Hjalmar is incapable of saving himself, and he is put through many perils. All of the other characters are always "saving him."

Another character that could be considered a wild duck is Old Ekdal. He can no longer take care of himself, and he has been shamed by a scandal. People are always whispering about him, and he is characterized as a quirky, if not a bit crazy. Hjalmar tries to save him from his problems. He moves him into the loft, and surrounds him with animals so that he can hunt, and feel like he is back in his glory days. Hjalmar does thing that would not be considered usual so that his father will feel better. Also, Hjalmar's life goal is to build the invention so that the Ekdal name will be restored, and his father will no longer be gossiped about.