Solness Monologue from The Master Builder

From The Master Builder by Henrik Ibsen

male · contemplative · 59 sec

Oh yes, I thought about it--but never got any further. Every time I intended to set to work, it seemed just as if a hand held me back. Not to-day, I thought--to-morrow; and nothing ever came of it. (HILDA: But why did you keep putting it off like that?) Because I was revolving something in my mind. (Slowly, and in a low voice.) Through that little black crack in the chimney, I might, perhaps, force my way upwards--as a builder. (HILDA: That must have been thrilling.) Almost irresistible--quite irresistible. For at that time it appeared to me a perfectly simple and straightforward matter. I would have had it happen in the winter-time--a little before midday. I was to be out driving Aline in the sleigh. The servants at home would have made huge fires in the stoves.

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