In both Blood Wedding and Wild Duck, there is a notable difference between characters' behavior while in public and characters' behavior in their private life. In both cases, the main characters appear to be satisfied and cheerful while in the presence of others, but when alone with family members they appear discontented and unfulfilled.
Ibsen writes his character Hjalmar in this way. When he is around only his daughter, wife, and father, Hjalmar often complains about the difficulty of his life. He outwardly expresses his discontent with his current life. He second guesses himself constantly, which suggests he is insecure, and does not assert his power as male-figure in the household. However, in front of guests and friends, Hjalmar is lively and in high spirits. He orders his family around, and emphasizes his happiness in conversation with others. There is a significant difference between Hjalmar's personality in public versus his personality in private.
Lorca writes the Bride's character in a similar manner. When the audience first meets her, they assume that she is pleased with her suitor, and is excited to be wed. Viewers then begin to see a different side to the Bride. She is bitter, unhappy, and tense when alone or with her servants. The audience infers then that she does not actually wish to marry her soon-to-be husband. The Bride throws the audience for another loop when she tells the Bridegroom that she wants him to hold her and never let her go. Following that, she returns to her pessimistic self, and proceeds to run away with her brother-in-law. The Bride hides her true emotions in public to avoid criticism and gain approval. It seems that she is undergoing an internal conflict between what she wants, and what she believes is best for herself and her future.
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