Wild Duck #3

"Visual action can be as important on the stage as speech."

I think this is true to an extent. I believe that visual action is important, but not neccessarily as important or more important than speech.

In Oedipus, visual action action is important when Jocasta is warning Oedipus about inquiring more into his past; "Flinging through the palace doors. A long, tense silence follows". The stage cues allow the reader to add intensity to Jocasta's movements. She is hoping that Oedipus will stop his search and by running off, the reader can come to the conclusion that she is very emotional about the topic at hand.

Also, in Oedipus, the stage cues are also important when Oedipus is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the shepherd that appears to hold all the answers; "Oedipus strains to see a figure coming from the distance. Attended by palace guards, an old shepherd enters slowly, reluctant to approach the king". This cue allows the reader to predict what will happen between Oedipus and the shepherd. Also, it gives insight into the tension of the scene.

In Wild Duck, the stage cues are also very important. The cues given to Hjalmar after he returns from his long walk with Gregers give the reader an insight into his mood; "He takes off his overcoat. Gina and Hedvig start to help him; he waves them away". This cue gives multiple insights into the story. It provides an idea of what Gregers might have shared with Hjalmar. It also allows the reader to see Gina's position in the household, one of service and help.

Also, in Wild Duck, the stage cue for Gregers is important to feel part of the tension and mood during a slight argument between Gina and Hjalmar; "Gregers cautiously opens the hall door and looks in". This cue suggests that he was listening to Hjalmar and Gina and was wary of an awkward encounter if he was not cautious.

In both Oedipus and Wild Duck, the stage cues are used as an imprtant aspect of the play to give the reader insight into moods and feelings, etc. The stage cues are not more important than speech, however. Though the two can be considered equally important.