The Master Builder

The Master Builder Summary | Act 1, Part 1 Summary

Brovik, his son Ragnar and Kaia work at their desks. Brovik suddenly gets up, breathing with difficulty and saying he can't bear working much longer. Kaia and Ragnar urge him to go home but Brovik refuses, saying he won't leave until he's had a word with the boss. Kaia hears footsteps, and hurries Brovik and Ragnar to their desks in the inner office.

Solness enters. He pretends to speak with Kaia about business but in quiet tones flirts gently with her, making her nervous.

Solness asks Ragnar whether anyone's called. Ragnar tells him that a young couple wanting Solness to build their new home came by, eager to see his drawings. Solness tells Ragnar they can wait, that he's not interested in building something that's merely a roof over someone's head. He says the couple can apply to someone else for all he cares. Brovik asks if he means it, Solness says he does, and then Brovik leaves his desk and asks for a private word with Solness.

Solness sends Kaia into the inner office and listens impatiently as Brovik pleads with him to give more work to Ragnar, who's desperate to marry Kaia and begin their life together. Solness complains that Ragnar has no experience but Brovik reminds him that he (Solness) had no experience when he started and managed to become quite famous. Brovik suggests that Ragnar might be offered the contract with the young couple, saying that the couple found his sketches new and original. Solness takes that to mean that the couple found his ideas old fashioned and accuses Ragnar of trying to force him into making room for the younger generation. Brovik pleads for the chance to enjoy his son's success while he's still alive, but Solness tells him he must face his death as best he can.

Solness goes to the inner office and tells Ragnar it's time to take Brovik home. Ragnar asks Kaia to come too, but Solness says he needs her to type a letter for him. After Brovik and Ragnar leave, Solness asks Kaia whether it's true she wants to get married. She says that it's Brovik and Ragnar who are so insistent. She's happy loving Solness. Solness suggests that she persuade Ragnar to not give up his position, that way he can keep Ragnar working for him and Kaia nearby for affection. Kaia falls to her knees in devoted gratitude. Solness hears his wife coming, pulls Kaia to her feet and sends her to her desk.

Mrs. Solness (Aline) appears. Solness tells her that Kaia was just preparing a letter for him to sign. Aline asks him to join her and their visitor, Dr. Herdal, in the drawing room. Solness wonders suspiciously whether the doctor has anything particular to say to him, but is assured the doctor came to see her and would just like to say hello. Solness says he'll join them in a moment. With a look at Kaia, Aline leaves.

Kaia worries that Aline is suspicious but Solness dismisses her concerns, ordering her to take care of the business with Ragnar right away. She tells him she'd gladly break off her engagement if that's the only way she can stay, and asks fearfully whether it's Ragnar he truly needs. Solness reassures her that it's her he needs and tells her to go home. As she goes he asks whether the drawings Ragnar prepared for the young couple are still on his desk. Kaia finds them, hands them over to him, and leaves.

Just as she's going Aline and Dr. Herdal come in from another door. Aline comments on Kaia having finishing the letter so quickly and tells Solness he's lucky to have her. Solness responds with a pointed comment about being unused to having a good natured and willing spirit around. Aline reproaches him gently, and Solness apologizes. Aline invites Herdal to come back later for a cup of tea, then leaves him alone with Solness.