Description
By: Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906)
In Henrik Ibsen’s The Master Builder, readers are taken on a journey into the mind of an architect who has gained fame and success but is haunted by his past. The protagonist, Halvard Solness, is a complex and fascinating character whose internal struggles are brought to life through Ibsen’s masterful writing.
The play explores themes of ambition, guilt, and the consequences of one’s actions. Solness is a man who is consumed by his desire for power and control, leading him to make questionable choices that ultimately come back to haunt him. As the story unfolds, we see Solness grappling with his fears and insecurities, as well as his relationships with those around him.
Ibsen’s characters are richly drawn and each one adds depth and complexity to the story. From Solness’s wife, Aline, to his young apprentice, Kaja, every character brings their own motivations and desires to the play, creating a web of relationships that drive the narrative forward.
Overall, The Master Builder is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged play that delves deep into the human psyche. Ibsen’s powerful and evocative writing explores universal themes that are still relevant today, making this a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers.
Book Description:
Henrik Ibsen’s The Master Builder, first published in 1892, is about architect Halvard Solness, who despite personal tragedy (including the death of his two sons) has risen to the top of his profession. He has succeeded partly through ruthless competition and exploitation and partly through a seeming ability to force his will on others. His unhappy wife Aline mourns for their lost life, and resents his interest in various young women, including his bookkeeper Kaia Fosli. Solness disregards the ambitions of other architects, including Knut Brovik and his son Ragnar, and seeks solace in the advice of family physician and friend Dr. Herdal. With the entrance of Hilda Wangel, a young woman whom he met as a child ten years ago, his life acquires a new focal point, one that will mean the end of him.
