Illustration of Harvard Solness perched at the top of a high church tower

The Master Builder

by Henrik Ibsen

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What are the techniques which are used in "The Master Builder"?

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Ibsen combines elements of realism and expressionism in the play. In The Master Builder, Ibsen experiments with expressionism, a new movement that was coming into vogue.

Symbolism is also used in The Master Builder. The dominant symbol in the play is the tower that Solness climbs on two occasions, a phallic structure that suggests his authority and sexuality.

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