Option 2: Character Perceptions
Who has false conceptions about themselves?
First off, Gregers has a misconception about himself. One thing he prides himself on is his ideals. Throughout the story, it comes to be known that he has held on to these ideals for many years. Relling exhumed this old information and is the character that opposes these ideals the most. Although Gregers refers to them as truthful, Relling sees ideals and lies as one and the same (Ibsen 203). Gregers feels like the truth will be a good thing to reveal to the Ekdal family. However it is the reverse; the family explodes into conflict, and one of the family members commits suicide.
Who has misconceptions about others?
Nearly all of the characters besides herself have misconceptions about Gina. Even the readers do not give her as much credit as she deserves. Gina is introduced as a stereotypical housewife, and when Hjalmar returns home at the beginning of scene two, the first glimpse of her greater importance is seen. She inquires if the photography business has improved, and that the newspaper advertisements seem to not be effective. Furthermore, she convinces her husband to stay in the living room for a couple days after he had firm intentions of leaving his family. In act three of the play, Hjalmar claims that Hedvig does not and has never loved him.
Who recognizes the facades created by other characters? Embrace, ignore or confront facade?
Hedvig recognizes the facade that Hjalmar sees and embraces and defies it. In fact, there is great irony because Hedvig craves her father's attention and wants nothing more than to see him be happy. Gregers convinces her to sacrifice herself in order to achieve her father's love again. Therefore, one could presume that this facade is the reason that she commits suicide. All of the characters basically embrace the facade about Gina.
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