Act One/ Act Four

In the initial description of Act One's setting, both Juliana Tesman and Berta are presented, each in a positive manner. "Miss Juliana Tesman [enters] wearing a hat and carrying a parasol" (221). Juliana Tesman is dressed fashionably and has a "kind and good-natured look" (221). Next Berta enters carrying flowers with a plain and rather provincial appearance. Both of these women are positively presented. Hedda Gabler's character, however, remains unmentioned. In comparison to Act Four's setting, on the other hand, both of these women are presented in a despondent and seemingly negative way. Contrary to Act One's setting, Hedda Gabler is the first character presented, "pacing back and forth in the dark room" (289). Berta is next presented "carrying a lighted lamp with eyes red from crying [and] black ribbons on her cap" (289). It is obvious that Berta is burdened and troubled by her constant movement about the room. Along with the presence of Hedda Gabler comes an overall shroud of darkness and obscurity. It is obvious that Hedda in unconcerned with the death of Aunt Rina and her movement throughout the description of Act Four's setting convey this lack of worry. Hedda's general presence asserts a certain power over the other two women present and adds, both figuratively and literally, darkness to the room.