The Wild Duck Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Wild Duck.
The Wild Duck Ending Explained: The play opens in the study at Hakon Werle's house during a dinner party for the return of Werle's son, Gregers, from the Hoidal mines. Directed by Tancred Ibsen, this 1963 drama film stars Henki Kolstad (Hjalmar Ekdal), alongside Wenche Foss as Gina Ekdal, Lars Nordrum as Gregers Werle, Kjersti Dalbye as Hedvig. Rated 5.3/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Wild Duck?
The play opens in the study at Hakon Werle's house during a dinner party for the return of Werle's son, Gregers, from the Hoidal mines. Gregers has not come home for fifteen years. Old Ekdal appears before two servants, begging to be let into the office. Ekdal was an army officer and partner to Werle until a forestry scandal sent him to prison over some scandal. He now works as one of Werle's copyists.
Tancred Ibsen's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Henki Kolstad (Hjalmar Ekdal)'s journey. Gregers has not come home for fifteen years.
How Does Henki Kolstad (Hjalmar Ekdal)'s Story End?
- Henki Kolstad: Henki Kolstad's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Wenche Foss (Gina Ekdal): Wenche Foss's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Lars Nordrum (Gregers Werle): Lars Nordrum's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Wild Duck Mean?
The ending of The Wild Duck brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Henki Kolstad's story may not satisfy all audiences.