Journal #1: The Wild Duck

I believe plot is valued greatly in literary works, however the writing style of an author is more important in my opinion. It is rather a strong writing style that creates a strong plot of a story or novel.

In The Wild Duck, Ibsen uses a style that includes many of the actions the characters would perform on play. Ibsen even includes precise movements that each character would do on stage. For example, he writes, "GINA. Because then you'll be free later on, you know. (She goes back into the kitchen. A short pause.)" and "EKDAL. (at the door to the loft, behind the net). Hjalmar!" (160). This creates a stronger visualization for the reader, in that they can picture the scene in their head. Ibsen includes these many actions in writing style because of this reason. He uses it to his advantage. Also, he uses many dashes and commas in his writing. For example, "HJALMAR. And if I should seem unreasonable at times, then-good Lord-remember that I am a man assailed by a host of cares. Ah, yes! (drying his eyes.) No beer at a time like this. Bring me my flute. (Hedvig runs to the bookcase and fetches it.) Thank you. There-so. With flute in hand, and you two close by me-ahh!" (146). Ibsen writes in a more casual style, almost mimicking how most people talk with short, almost choppy sentences.

Sophocles on the other hand has a completely different writing style than Ibsen. In Oedipus the King for example, Sophocles writes with very little action, but rather leaves the reader to interpret their actions. For example, Oedipus says, "Not at all. Apollo told me once-it is my fate-I must make love with my own mother, shed my father's blood with my own hands. So for years I've given Corinth a wide berth, and it's been my good fortune too. But still to see one's parents and look into their eyes is the greatest joy I know" (216). Sophocles writes in an almost riddle-like manner, which was greatly influenced by the time period of when the play was written because plays during the 5-6 B.C. used this writing style. However, his writing style is very strong because it leaves the reader to figure out what he is intending to say. Thus, Sophocles writes many well known tragedies.