Act 1 Summary

In Werle's upper class home, two servants tidy the living room as a dinner party draws to a noisy close in the dining room. Toasts are proposed and laughter is heard in the background as the servants gossip about how Werle has feelings for his housekeeper, Mrs. Sorby and how Werle is throwing the party for his son who is taking a vacation from his job at the family factory up north, "The Works." Old Ekdal, who asks to be let into the office so he can collect some work, interrupts them. The servants comment on how Old Ekdal used to be a lieutenant in the army, went into business with Werle and then made a bad deal that got Werle into trouble and ended up in jail. Before they can speak any further, Mrs. Sorby leads her guests through to another room...