Henrik Ibsen's 'A Short Analysis Of Solness'
"SOLNESS (eagerly). That’s it! That’s it, Hilda! There’s a troll in you – same as in me. It’s that troll in us, don’t you see – that’s what calls on the powers out there. And then we have to give in – whether we want to or not." (Ibsen 356)
In this passage, Solness responds to Hilda, after Hilda questions Solness' motivations. Solness understands that both Hilda and himself are internally run by "trolls" or some unconscious force that is much stronger than their own "ego", as it may be referred to in certain branches of psychology, something much more powerful and out of their own control. This is shown in a more physical and tangible way throughout the play as much of Solness' current life is as it is due to coincidence and circumstance, or forces far beyond his own control. As well, this makes for an ironic interaction due to the fact that Solness is trying to assert his power over Hilda and his inherent ability to "control" others. This passage, however, more than anything seems like a plea towards Hilda, trying to …show more content…
convince her of something he believes, that both his and Hilda's actions are inherently uncontrollable and far beyond comprehension of the average human being. This is exactly why Solness uses "trolls" as a metaphor for something grander and more mysterious, as they are considered a nuisance in mythology, yet still mystical and devious.
The fact that Solness can recognize the inability to control his inner most desires and wants is shown through his emotional response to Hilda.
The way that he pauses in between his words, showing thought and a premeditated way of speaking, is both emotional and intentional, as he is trying to convey that he truly believes that there is a supernatural force, a "troll", that controls both his and Hilda's actions and responses to things, far beyond their own rational way of thinking or behaving. Even the italicized "have" shows a conviction about his beliefs, one in which he feels as if it is impossible to tame such things that he is speaking of, and almost seems desperate in an attempt to convince Hilda of the same thing. His eager tone is also key in showing his desperation, trying to manically explain something that he truly believes in his heart and head to someone he cares about dearly, giving the appearance of someone who is mentally
unstable.
In this passage, Solness responds to Hilda, after Hilda questions Solness' motivations. Solness understands that both Hilda and himself are internally run by "trolls" or some unconscious force that is much stronger than their own "ego", as it may be referred to in certain branches of psychology, something much more powerful and out of their own control. This is shown in a more physical and tangible way throughout the play as much of Solness' current life is as it is due to coincidence and circumstance, or forces far beyond his own control. As well, this makes for an ironic interaction due to the fact that Solness is trying to assert his power over Hilda and his inherent ability to "control" others. This passage, however, more than anything seems like a plea towards Hilda, trying to …show more content…
convince her of something he believes, that both his and Hilda's actions are inherently uncontrollable and far beyond comprehension of the average human being. This is exactly why Solness uses "trolls" as a metaphor for something grander and more mysterious, as they are considered a nuisance in mythology, yet still mystical and devious.
The fact that Solness can recognize the inability to control his inner most desires and wants is shown through his emotional response to Hilda.
The way that he pauses in between his words, showing thought and a premeditated way of speaking, is both emotional and intentional, as he is trying to convey that he truly believes that there is a supernatural force, a "troll", that controls both his and Hilda's actions and responses to things, far beyond their own rational way of thinking or behaving. Even the italicized "have" shows a conviction about his beliefs, one in which he feels as if it is impossible to tame such things that he is speaking of, and almost seems desperate in an attempt to convince Hilda of the same thing. His eager tone is also key in showing his desperation, trying to manically explain something that he truly believes in his heart and head to someone he cares about dearly, giving the appearance of someone who is mentally
unstable.