MovieChat Forums > A Master Builder (2014) Discussion > Is Hilde an angel?

Is Hilde an angel?

posted 10 years ago by krp2003
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I viewed the majority of the film as a dream or mystical experience Solness experiences upon his cardiac arrest. I believe Hilde arrived as an angel, to forgive, grant redemption, or at least witness Solness' transgressions (and those of his wife, which remain ambiguous). I couldn't believe it when I saw the credits and read that Hilde's last name was Wangel-- pronounced "Vangel" in Norwegian, but with angel clearly imbedded. Not sure it was what Ibsen intended, but I think it was what Shawn intended.

[–] Anaheim92807 10 years ago

My personal interpretation was that Hilde was indeed the Angel of Death for many of the reasons you've stated. She shows up when Solness is on his death bed and is always dressed in white. She then proceeds to have Solness review his life, its decisions and the cost of of those decisions. She even gives him the premonition of his death with discussion of his fear of heights and the placement of the wreath on his newly constructed tower. To me the wreath can be associated with a death in the family.