“Introduction: Use of irony in the Wild Duck includes explanation of irony and examples from Act I. II, III, IV and V.”
Explanation of Irony and Its Use
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 does a character say, and what does he actually mean? is the irony of dialogue. Second, what does a character think of himself and what he actually is? What he desires but what actually occurs? is the irony of character. Third, what a character believes and what the readers know? What we had expected and what actually happened is the irony of situations.
Why did the writers use irony in the plays or other kinds of literature?
Actually, irony intensifies 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. Sometimes it heightens the tragic effect, and sometimes it 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 himself thinks it opposite.
Hjalmar says to Gregers that Mr Werle is a kind and good-hearted man. Who helped him in his distress, but Gregers knows reality. And later, he reveals the true face of Mr. Werle to Hjalmar.
Irony used in Act II
Hjalmar tells his family that he is quite blunt in his talk with the guests at the party. But in reality, he had taken a little part in the conversation.
Hjalmar says that he will work as long as his strength holds out, but in reality, he is a lazy man.
Hjalmar says to Gina and Hedvig, “With my flute in my hand and you two beside me, never mind if our roof is low and poor”. But later in the play, he says that he cannot bear the sight of Hedvig and cannot live under the same roof with Gina.
Hjalmar says to Gregers that Hedvig is the brightest joy of his life, but later in the play, he says that he cannot bear the sight of Hedvig.
Hjalmar says that one day his old father will wake up and find. His son has become a prosperous man as a result of his invention. But readers/audience know that he is not capable of invention.
Irony used in Act III
Hedvig says that life is very sad for the wild duck, but later in the play, her own life is very sad.
Gina says that her husband is not an ordinary photographer, but in reality, he is an ordinary photographer.
Hjalmar says to Gregers that he is working on an invention in photography. But, in reality, he is a lazy man and not working on any invention.
Gregers thinks that he is doing good to Hjalmar by revealing the true facts of his life to him. But, these true facts have ruined his life by Hedvig’s death.
Relling’s remarks about Hjalmar that he is a lucky man, has a good wife, and is working on an invention. But later in the play, we know that all is opposite.
Irony used in Act IV
Hjalmar says that he has now decided to do everything himself. And to do all the work single-handed, but in Act V, we saw that he did not live alone.
Irony used in Act V
When a pistol shot is heard the Gregers says that Hedvig has proved her love for Hjalmar, has killed the duck. Hjalmar says that now all will be well, and we can begin a new life. But nothing is well, Hedvig has shot herself.
In this play, dramatic irony had played an important role. It heightens the tragic and comic effects.
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