In the Wild Duck, Henrik Ibsen begins his play by emphasizing the
             value of color and light. He uses the theme of light to contrast Old
             Werle, a stingy rich man, with Old Ekdal, a poor helpless man. Ibsen
             connects the color green with the loss of eyesight of Old Werle. A
             possible affair between Old Werle and Gina, Hedvig's mother, may
             suggest the cause of Hedvig's loss of sight. By using sun and moon,
             Ibsen establishes the atmosphere 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 order to construct the
             plot and to adjust the mood of the scene.
             F.L. Lucas analyzes the opening arrangement and writes "In the
             outer room 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 some extra copying,' and in return receives a
             small income. The inside room, representing wealth, is Old Werle's
             dining room where he was hosting a party. The distinctions of these
             two lit rooms contrast Old Ekdal and Old Werle.
             "In contrast to Werle's party, the lighting is of comparative
             poverty 'on the table a lighted lamp'"(190), explains critic, F.L.
             Lucas. Unlike Old Werle's expensive and exquisite illumination, a
             small inexpensive lamp lights the Ekdals home, displaying poverty.
             This dissimilarity shows another significant distinction between Old
             The distinctions of the light between Old Ekdal's and Old Werle's
             homes is illustrated in the following incident.It is brought to the
             reader's attention th...