Henrik Ibsen made this play in the age of 64. It is discussed whether the play is an exposure of Ibsen's private life, or if Ibsen uses the play to recall, conclude and evaluate his entire life. In difference from his often very realistic plays this one is concentrating on symbolism by analyzing the soul of people.
A mysterious fire gives The Master Builder, or Solness the destructive genius in the play the opportunity to become a master architect. His extraordinary strength and passionate charm attract young ladies so that the aging master expects the power of youth but fears the threat of youth as well when walking on the edge of moral. Thus, he lives an unhappy life despite of his enviable reputation.
Ibsen always deemed himself as a constructor and his plays as buildings. Just as Solness, he was increasingly afraid of watching down from high or from the ground to the abyss as he gradually grew old.
Before writing The Master Builder, Ibsen composed a poem to sort out his thoughts, in which he said "hidden in that ruin there is a treasure whose glory is brighter than roaring flames and could only be found by a devoted heart." What is the treasure hidden in the ruin? What is the relationship between the climbing and falling of master builder Solness and we people of the contemporary era?
The answer is in your heart or The Master Builder!
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