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sidharthvardhan's review against another edition
4.0
Solness, the master builder of story, seems a lot like the author himself in his rebellious spirit - Ibsen's plays questioned the norms of society as much as the mater buikder's challenge to the God. But just as writers are more rebellious spirits in their opinions and books than their actions; Solness too though building Hugh towers is afraid of heights. Only twice did he climbed to the top of towers he build. The first time it made him embrace life (symbolised in Hilde) before losing that courage to demands of the world and becoming a man who uses mean and lowly tricks to gain power by opresssing others.
The second time it is Hilde, the temptresses, who brought him memories of his old days and tempted him with a new wish to regain his spirit. Only old people can't imitate the young.
Hilda's is best Ibsen character o have come across so far. Influences by a real life husband stealing woman another whom Ibsen met first at age of 12 and who later come to work for him, she is full of temptations for Solace - the temptation to do away with people on whose obedience his livelihood depended, that of adultery and of trying to regain his rebellious spirit. I won't be surprised if Ibsen was attracted to his own character.
Aline, Solness's wife, always dressed in mournful black after loss of her children is typical Ibsen tragedy - martyer on path of duty. In fact, in this case it can't be more obvious - with her repeative use of word 'duty'. And it is because she was doing her duties that she lost both her children and husband.
The second time it is Hilde, the temptresses, who brought him memories of his old days and tempted him with a new wish to regain his spirit. Only old people can't imitate the young.
Hilda's is best Ibsen character o have come across so far. Influences by a real life husband stealing woman another whom Ibsen met first at age of 12 and who later come to work for him, she is full of temptations for Solace - the temptation to do away with people on whose obedience his livelihood depended, that of adultery and of trying to regain his rebellious spirit. I won't be surprised if Ibsen was attracted to his own character.
Aline, Solness's wife, always dressed in mournful black after loss of her children is typical Ibsen tragedy - martyer on path of duty. In fact, in this case it can't be more obvious - with her repeative use of word 'duty'. And it is because she was doing her duties that she lost both her children and husband.
awest505's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chillcox15's review against another edition
4.0
My dude Bygmeister Solness is a first-ballot "horny as hell" hall of fame entrant. He's shacking up with his employee's fiancee, *and* has seemingly been cultivating a whole cadre of other women by promising them castles. My dude so horny he's promising to build moats (to teen girls, sheesh, major issues bro). My boy Solness so hornt he's willing to tempt the gods by climbing his tower and plunging back to the earth.
haazex's review against another edition
4.0
Ibsen comes as a surprise to me as he eloquently weaves conversations between people in his plays. Somehow he manages to unfold intricate psychological relationships between people with an incredible force and at a rapid pace. He also has an ability to add dramatic elements in his acts that rapidly changes the direction of the play as it progresses. I did not have any great expectations approaching a play focused on an architect and his married life, but Ibsen surprised me. I can see how one can spend many hours discussing the characters and their psychological layers. In addition, it is a wonderful gateway to late 19th century society and its issues. Ibsen certainly deserves his reputation as one of the master playwrights of our time. (Translated as "The Master Builder").
baileysmusical's review against another edition
3.5
While I do prefer The Glass Menagerie, Ibsen’s plays are a hot bed of metaphor crashing into real life, and this play is no exception. The audience is left wondering what is true, what is an exaggeration, and what is a metaphor for life, or regret, or depression. A play well suited for literary analysis with other theatre practitioners, and can be adapted a bunch of ways for the stage.
However, in the translation I read, if I had known that the author had changed so much of the original script beforehand, I would have searched for a different version. In the afterword the translator admitted to changing stage directions and condensing “boring” dialogue. It was still enjoyable, but not as true to the original.
However, in the translation I read, if I had known that the author had changed so much of the original script beforehand, I would have searched for a different version. In the afterword the translator admitted to changing stage directions and condensing “boring” dialogue. It was still enjoyable, but not as true to the original.
romantiques's review against another edition
2.0
eh. it was alright. it wasn't as interesting as i thought it would be, and i really disliked solness. his view on the “younger generation” can explain a bit the building and architecture industry quite well though, even now.
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