Journal #1

Ibsen creates many physical boundaries within the characters. I think this is most clearly seen through the motif of decay or dying away. Both Hedvig and Werle have the physical boundary of fading eyesight. This adds to the motif of decay but also shows the boundary Ibsen creates. By giving them both the same boundary, it is interesting to look at how the other characters respond or react to the same physical boundary. While not much is mentioned about Werle and his eyesight, Hedvig receives much sympathy and care from her parents and even Gregers appears to be interested. Old age can also be seen as a physical boundary. This also adds to the motif of decay and dying away as seen by Ekdal and his diminishing life. Another physical boundary is created through the motif of alcohol. With the consumption of alcohol, a physical and mental boundary is created. From Ekdal to the less important character of Molvik, alcohol is present in many scenes. Alcohol creates a dazed state of mind and alters physical coordination, but I don't see much criticism of the use of alcohol. It is so common that in the eyes of the characters, it probably wouldn't be seen as a boundary.