Monologue

Solness Monologue from The Master Builder

From The Master Builder by Henrik Ibsen

male · anguished · 1:54 min

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If the house had been old Knut Brovik's, it would never have burnt down so conveniently for him. I am sure of that; for he does not know how to call for the helpers--no, nor for the servers, either. (Rises in unrest.) So you see, Hilda--it is my fault, after all, that the lives of the two little boys had to be sacrificed. And do you think it is not my fault, too, that Aline has never been the woman she should and might have been--and that she most longed to be? (HILDA: Yes, but if it is all the work of these helpers and servers--?) Who called for the helpers and servers? It was I! And they came and obeyed my will. (In increasing excitement.) That is what people call having the luck on your side; but I must tell you what this sort of luck feels like! It feels like a great raw place here on my breast. And the helpers and servers keep on flaying pieces of skin off other people in order to close my sore!--But still the sore is not healed--never, never! Oh, if you knew how it can sometimes gnaw and burn! (HILDA: You are ill, Mr. Solness. Very ill, I almost think.) Say mad; for that is what you mean.

About this piece

Solness expresses his deep inner turmoil and the burden of his ambitions, revealing the pain and isolation that accompany his perceived success.

40s · despair · isolation · ambition · identity · suffering

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