Scan barcode
eb00kie's review against another edition
4.0
A play tackling imposter syndrome.
Without giving away too much of the plot, the play overlaps two stories of a builder.
One is the outside perspective, of a somewhat capable man elevated by chance who is nonetheless insecure and manipulative, taking advantage under the guise of compassion of those who can safeguard his position as a builder.
The other is of a man tormented by the perception that what he wanted he has often obtained so easily it was almost demonic (“troll”, “devil”). This was unfair and the price was subsequently paid by those he loves.
When a chance is offered that he rise beyond himself and prove himself, he takes it.
The title
The title refers to the main character, therefore directing focus. However, the appellation is not the more modern ‘architect’ as Ragnar would be called, but ‘master builder’ as Solness calls himself, arguing that he learned as he went, as opposed to Knud, for example, who knows how to calculate the weights and loads of the designs.
Conversely, him putting himself down in public could also be a sign of what the Danish do, trying to look modest as a form of politeness, but using the title professionally appears too pointed for that.
The genres
The successful architect sees the world one way, the people around him see another.
The play merges realism and symbolism. Juxtaposed, they create the tonal differences between the outside perspective and Solness’ inner workings.
Every dialogue except with Hilde is plain and succinct. Whereas when talking to Hilde, there is talk of trolls, demons and princesses and the God as an active player.
The characters
Differences of perception
One marked example is the death of Solness’ children. He perceives that as the price he must pay for his gift and a debt he has to his wife Aline.
Conversely, Aline barely dwells on the children. What she mourns is the loss of her childhood dolls.
Kissing Hilde
Various interpretations.
- Halvard recognised a kindred soul or kindred ‘troll’ and was carried away in his hour of triumph, as she is shown to also have a strong will and power to dream and achieve.
- Could have been shoehorned to give her a motivation to come torment him.
The fall
The final scene is eerily reminiscent of the temptation of Christ. They both climb - a mountain / tower.
Where demons tempt Christ to try to fly to prove that God will catch him, Hilde tempts Halvard to re-enact one of his greatest achievement and confronting God despite his fear of heights.
Additionally, this is no longer a church tower, as it had been ten years ago. Solness stopped building churches and started making homes. Instead it is a tower on a home, an additional act of defiance.
The 4 stars
Love the idea, I think it’s a fantastic original approach.
That being said, it took me a fair bit to puzzle together a coherent message for the play and the way the characters were presented, it detached them from the audience, emotionally.
Would recommend.
Without giving away too much of the plot, the play overlaps two stories of a builder.
One is the outside perspective, of a somewhat capable man elevated by chance who is nonetheless insecure and manipulative, taking advantage under the guise of compassion of those who can safeguard his position as a builder.
The other is of a man tormented by the perception that what he wanted he has often obtained so easily it was almost demonic (“troll”, “devil”). This was unfair and the price was subsequently paid by those he loves.
When a chance is offered that he rise beyond himself and prove himself, he takes it.
The title
The title refers to the main character, therefore directing focus. However, the appellation is not the more modern ‘architect’ as Ragnar would be called, but ‘master builder’ as Solness calls himself, arguing that he learned as he went, as opposed to Knud, for example, who knows how to calculate the weights and loads of the designs.
Conversely, him putting himself down in public could also be a sign of what the Danish do, trying to look modest as a form of politeness, but using the title professionally appears too pointed for that.
The genres
The successful architect sees the world one way, the people around him see another.
The play merges realism and symbolism. Juxtaposed, they create the tonal differences between the outside perspective and Solness’ inner workings.
Every dialogue except with Hilde is plain and succinct. Whereas when talking to Hilde, there is talk of trolls, demons and princesses and the God as an active player.
The characters
Spoiler
Differences of perception
One marked example is the death of Solness’ children. He perceives that as the price he must pay for his gift and a debt he has to his wife Aline.
Conversely, Aline barely dwells on the children. What she mourns is the loss of her childhood dolls.
Kissing Hilde
Various interpretations.
- Halvard recognised a kindred soul or kindred ‘troll’ and was carried away in his hour of triumph, as she is shown to also have a strong will and power to dream and achieve.
- Could have been shoehorned to give her a motivation to come torment him.
The fall
The final scene is eerily reminiscent of the temptation of Christ. They both climb - a mountain / tower.
Where demons tempt Christ to try to fly to prove that God will catch him, Hilde tempts Halvard to re-enact one of his greatest achievement and confronting God despite his fear of heights.
Additionally, this is no longer a church tower, as it had been ten years ago. Solness stopped building churches and started making homes. Instead it is a tower on a home, an additional act of defiance.
The 4 stars
Love the idea, I think it’s a fantastic original approach.
That being said, it took me a fair bit to puzzle together a coherent message for the play and the way the characters were presented, it detached them from the audience, emotionally.
Would recommend.
nicholas_ryan's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Themes: 1
Enjoyment: 1
Style: 0.25
Enjoyment: 1
Style: 0.25
arbenjaag's review against another edition
4.0
This was heavy with symbolism, which made it seem a bit unrealistic or even maddening if read by surface without interpretations. Its about an architect who has been troubled at a personal level, at home and at profession with no resolution in sight. To this stagnancy, arrives a person who claims that she has come to get a long back promise delivered. How she ends up moving things on all fronts to a resolution, some fatally, forms much of the play. While it was fun to think of all possible interpretations, I think I like ibsen's earlier books better and not looking forward to other plays from the same phase
buck's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0