Arne: Analysis of Major Characters
"Arne: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and personal struggles of its characters within a Norwegian setting. Central to the narrative is Arne, the illegitimate son of Margit and Nils, who faces the dual challenge of reconciling his lineage while seeking his own identity. After his father's death, Arne's life takes a downward turn towards alcoholism, mirroring his father's struggles. As he grows, he becomes a carpenter and develops a passion for Norwegian folklore and music, reflecting a deep connection to his cultural heritage.
Arne's marriage to Eli Böen, the daughter of his father's enemy, serves as a pivotal moment that resolves a long-standing feud, suggesting themes of reconciliation and hope. Nils, Arne's father, is portrayed as a tragic figure, embodying the destructive cycle of addiction and violence, which ultimately leads to his demise. Margit, Arne's mother, embodies resilience and pragmatism, with aspirations for her son to escape his father's fate, hoping that Eli's love will provide a transformative influence. Other characters, such as Baard Böen, represent the complexities of familial enmity and the blurred lines of memory, while Kristian, Arne's friend, introduces the prospect of new beginnings in America. Overall, the character analysis provides insight into the themes of legacy, conflict, and the search for redemption within a culturally rich narrative.
Arne: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
First published: 1858 (English translation, 1890)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Sweden
Plot: Pastoral
Time: Early nineteenth century
Arne, the illegitimate son of Margit and Nils. As he grows up, Arne is weaned away from his mother by his father. After the father's death, he takes up drinking, as had his father. He becomes a carpenter and also interests himself in Norwegian folklore and music. Falling in love with Eli, the daughter of his father's enemy, he marries her, thus ending a feud of many years' standing.
Nils, a tailor who fiddles for country dances. He is also a drunkard. He suffers a broken back in a fight with Baard Böen and is nursed by Arne's mother, whom he later marries. A gloomy, frustrated, morose man, he finally dies in drunken violence.
Margit, Arne's thrifty, solid, peasant mother. She hopes her son will not turn out like his father. She is pleased when the young man marries Eli Böen. Before the marriage, she shows the girl the treasures she has accumulated for her son and his bride. She believes Eli can save Arne from a dissolute and wasted life.
Eli Böen, daughter of Baard Böen, Nils' enemy. She falls in love with Arne and marries him.
Baard Böen, Nils' enemy, with whom Nils has the fight in which his back is broken. Years later, Baard tries to explain what happened. He finds, trying to tell Arne, that he cannot clearly recollect the cause of the quarrel that resulted in lifelong enmity.
Kristian, Arne's friend who has gone to America. He writes to Arne in hopes that Arne can be persuaded to join him in America.