Monologue

Solness Monologue from The Master Builder

From The Master Builder by Henrik Ibsen

male · anguished · 1:26 min

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(Rises.) Well, well, perhaps you are right. (Vehemently.) But how can I help turning into a troll, when this is how it always goes with me in everything--in everything! (HILDA: How do you mean?) (Speaking low, with inward emotion.) Mark what I say to you, Hilda. All that I have succeeded in doing, building, creating--all the beauty, security, cheerful comfort--ay, and magnificence too-- (Clenches his hands.) Oh, is it not terrible even to think of--? (HILDA: What is so terrible?) That all this I have to make up for, to pay for--not in money, but in human happiness. And not with my own happiness only, but with other people's too. Yes, yes, do you see that, Hilda? That is the price which my position as an artist has cost me--and others. And every single day I have to look on while the price is paid for me anew. Over again, and over again--and over again for ever!

About this piece

Solness reflects on the heavy cost of his artistic ambition, expressing a deep sense of loss and the burden of affecting the happiness of others.

40s · despair · ambition · human happiness · sacrifice · isolation

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