The Soul Master Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Soul Master.
The Soul Master Ending Explained: Deserted by his wife Arline, who absconds with their baby daughter Ruth as well, Robert Travers loses all faith in women. Directed by Marguerite Bertsch, this 1917 drama film stars Earle Williams (Robert Travers), alongside Katharine Lewis as Ruth Carroll, Julia Swayne Gordon as Laura Wilson, Denton Vane as Monty Fitzburgh. With a 9/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Soul Master?
Deserted by his wife Arline, who absconds with their baby daughter Ruth as well, Robert Travers loses all faith in women. Years later, Travers, now known as the man without a soul, is the owner of a chain of department stores in which young Ruth Carroll is employed as a ribbon clerk. Finding himself strangely attracted to the girl, he takes a fatherly interest in her and offers Ruth a position in his office. Laura Wilson, who wants Travers for herself becomes jealous and tries to lure the girl away but Travers comes to realize she is his own daughter.
Marguerite Bertsch's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Earle Williams (Robert Travers)'s journey. Years later, Travers, now known as the man without a soul, is the owner of a chain of department stores in which young Ruth Carroll is employed as a ribbon clerk.
How Does Earle Williams (Robert Travers)'s Story End?
- Earle Williams: Earle Williams's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Marguerite Bertsch delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 0h 50m runtime.
- Katharine Lewis (Ruth Carroll): Katharine Lewis's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Julia Swayne Gordon (Laura Wilson): Julia Swayne Gordon's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Soul Master Mean?
The Soul Master concludes with Marguerite Bertsch reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Earle Williams leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.