The wild duck is the principal symbol that Ibsen employs in the play. She represents a variety of qualities apparent in a specific character throughout the play. The wild duck was found in nature wild and free at first. This portion of the wild duck’s life is illuminating the idea of freedom without interference from others. On a hunting escapade, Old Werle shot the duck in which it got stuck and trapped in weeds and sea moss. However, the duck after being shot intentionally wanted to be stuck as explained in the play: “They always do, the wild ducks-streak right for the bottom, deep as they can get, boy-bite right into the weeds and sea moss- and all that devil’s beard that grows down there. And they never come up again” (Ibsen 153). With this knowledge, the wild duck is representative of hiding from real problems and digging into worse problems in which it is now stuck. Old Werle’s dog however dives into the marsh and saves the duck. She is then put in a garret and kept by the Ekdal family as a “prized possession”. The wild duck being put in an attic is representative of a hidden life, loss of reality, and a pampered life. These descriptions of the wild duck’s life most symbolize the character of Hjalmar.
In the novel, Hjalmar was living a free life before interference from Old Werle, which is a direct comparison to the wild duck. After, Old Werle interfered in Hjalmar’s life and led him to Gina to hide all of his secrets. Hjlamar on top of being stuck also ran away from his problems frequently like the duck tried to run away from his problem but ended up sticking herself in more danger. Hjalmar, who prefers to run away from his problems then has his loyal and faithful companion, Gregers who tries to save him from “drowning”. Gregers reveals to Hjalmar Gina’s past of lies and from there on Hjalmar’s life slowly disintegrates like the wild duck’s. When Gregers attempts to save Hjalmar he reveals that for the duration of his life he has been kept away from...