Introduction : Use of irony in the Wild Duck includes explanation of irony and examples from Act I. II, III, IV and V.
What is irony?
“The contrast between appearance and reality is called irony“. There are many types of irony like irony of dialogue, irony of situation and irony of character etc. First, what a character says and what he actually means? is the irony of dialogue. Second, what a character thinks himself and what he actually is? What he desires but what actually occurs? are the irony of character. Third, what a character believes and what the readers know? What we had expected and what actually happens? are the irony of situations.
Why the writers used irony in the plays or other kinds of literature?
Actually irony intense the effect of tragedy or comedy. In tragedy irony served to heighten the tragic effect and in comedy it served to heighten the comic effect. In this play “The Wild Duck” it is used to intensify both the effects according to their situations. Some times it Heightens the tragic effect and some times heightens the comic effect.
Use of irony in the drama the Wild Duck
Irony used in Act-I
Hjalmar says to Gregers that his wife is as good and capable as any man could ask for. But, Gregers knows reality and later in the play Halmar him self thinks it opposite.
Hjalmar says to Gregers that Mr Werle is kind and good hearted man. Who helped him in his distress but Gregers knows reality. And later he shows the real face of Mr werle to Hjalmar.