Tracking

The images I have been tracking are self inflicted struggle and pain. Their are obvious examples of this in the two plays and also examples that are not as apparent. In Oedipus, an obvious example of self inflicted pain is his eye gouging out. He does this as opposed to suicide, which is the seemingly more logical option. Jocasta commits suicide which seems to be the easier way out of a life overcome with struggle. In Wild Duck, the obvious example is how Hedvig offers to sacrifice her duck to prove her love of her father. She offers the duck as a testament to her love, but ultimately comes to the conclusion it must be her own life she has to take. Hedvig is also living a life overcome by struggle, as she never seems to find a place of belonging in her family, similar to the wild duck who is unwanted. Haljmar also offers an example of self inflicted struggle. As opposed to forgiving his wife of her affairs with Werle, he dwells on the issue to the point of leaving his wife and daughter. He can no longer love his daughter anymore as she is the child of his wife, who he hates. Haljmar could have chose to forget about the past relations of his wife and forgive her, but he won't let go of the issue and lets it take over his life.