Value of Color and Light in Henrik Ibsens Wild Duck :: Henrik Ibsen Wild Duck Essays

The Value of Color and Light in Henrik Ibsens Wild Duck In the Wild Duck, Henrik Ibsen begins his play by emphasizing the value of colorize and light. He uses the theme of light to severalise Old Werle, a stingy rich man, with Old Ekdal, a poor helpless man. Ibsen connects the color green with the deviation of eyesight of Old Werle. A possible affair between Old Werle and Gina, Hedvigs mother, may suggest the cause of Hedvigs loss of sight. By using sun and moon, Ibsen establishes the atmospheric state of the scene. The story line deteriorates from peaceful to tragic. Similarly, does the setting in the last four acts. In the Wild Duck, Henrik Ibsen employs the image of light to portray certain characteristics in society to construct the plot and to adjust the mood of the scene. F.L. Lucas analyzes the opening arrangement and writes In the outer fashion the lamps are dimmed, with green shades, in contrast to the brilliance of the room behind(190). We understand that this meant that the outer room, lit with soft and shaded light, implies poverty, where as the inner room, illuminated with bright candles, expresses wealth. The darkened room, insinuating poverty, is the office in which the poor Old Ekdal does just about extra copying, and in return receives a small income. The inside room, representing wealth, is Old Werles dining room where he was hosting a party. The distinctions of these two lit rooms contrast Old Ekdal and Old Werle. In contrast to Werles party, the lighting is of comparative poverty on the table a lighted lamp(190), explains critic, F.L. Lucas. Unlike Old Werles expensive and exquisite illumination, a small inexpensive lamp lights the Ekdals home, displaying poverty. This dissimilarity shows another significant distinction between Old Werle and Old Ekdal. The distinctions of the light between Old Ekdals and Old Werles homes is illustrated in the hobby incident.It is brought to the readers attention that in the following quotation Old W erle and Old Ekdal were partners in crime. Old Werle escaped by the skin of his teeth, while they sentenced Old Ekdal to prison. This incident resulted in total hatred toward Old Werle for his poor aid to Old Ekdal. Being that Werle had a vast amount of money, Old Ekdal, Hjalmar, and Werles son, Gregers felt tremendous feelings of animosity. Gregers recognized the miserable realise his father has given to the Ekdals.