Read, The Master Builder by Ibsen - Essay Example

Ibsens the Master Builder was written during the late period of Ibsens life and reflects the more symbolic aspects of these works. Even as the Master Builder has been classified within the symbolic spectrum of Ibsens ouevre, his underlining realist prose reveals a number of direct themes. In examining the Master Builder a number of notable questions are necessary to consider within the context of the work. This essay examines the Master Builder, considering whether the story of Halvard Solness can be considered a tragedy, and whether the conclusion of the play is inevitable.

In considering whether the story of Halvard Solness is a tragedy its necessary to consider the various aspects of his life that contribute to both sides of this argument. In the first act, Ibsens Master Builder begins through establishing the dynamics of the main characters. Ibsen indicates that while Rangnar and Kaia are scheduled to be married, Halvard is indicated to have a relationship with Kaia such that she is hesitant of her marriage to Rangnar because of her feelings for Solness. In addition to this relationship, Ibsen established one of the prevailing plot elements throughout the play – the need for Solness to approve Rangnars plans before Rangnars father Brovik passes away from his unspecified illness.

In these regards, Brovik himself visits Solness to ask him for his aid to which Solness refuses to help. The reason Ibsen explores these narrative elements is to establish much of the complications regarding Solness life, as they point towards Solness living a duplicitous and somewhat morally unstable existence. They also demonstrate that Solness has had a number of elements in his life that have had a positive effect. For instance, Brovik states, “that did not prevent you from setting to work – and pushing your way up and taking the wind out of my sails – mine, and so many other peoples” to which Solness responds, “Yes, you see – circumstances favored me”