Giants in the Earth: A Saga of the Prairie: Analysis of Major Characters
"Giants in the Earth: A Saga of the Prairie" is a novel that delves into the experiences of Norwegian immigrants settling in the Dakota Territory. Central to the narrative are the complex relationships and struggles of the Hansa family, particularly Per Hansa, a resourceful and determined pioneer who transforms a barren wilderness into fertile farmland. Despite his strengths, Per grapples with the challenges posed by his wife Beret, who is deeply religious and increasingly troubled by the hardships of their life, leading to significant emotional turmoil within the family.
The novel also features key characters like Hans Olsa, a steadfast community leader and Per's close friend, whose commitment to the pioneering spirit is highlighted through his actions within the community. The children of Per and Beret, including Ole, Hans, Anna Marie, and the newborn Peder Seier, embody the hope and resilience of the immigrant experience. Additionally, other community members such as the Solum brothers and the justice of the peace contribute to the rich tapestry of pioneer life, showcasing both the cooperative spirit and the conflicts that arise among settlers. This narrative presents a vivid portrayal of the triumphs and tragedies faced by those who sought a new life on the American frontier.
Giants in the Earth: A Saga of the Prairie: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: O. E. Rölvaag
First published: I de dage, 1924 and Riket grundlœgges, 1925 (English translation, 1927)
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Dakotas
Plot: Regional
Time: Late nineteenth century
Per Hansa, as his friends call him, born Peder Hansen and later renamed Peder Holm to fit his new life in the Dakota Territory. A strong, self-reliant man who came to America to be near his best friend, Per Hansa saves his small Norwegian pioneer community by his ingenuity and perseverance in the face of great odds. Though beset by family problems, the powerful man turns his wilderness tract into the finest farmland, superior to all the other farms in the region. He is loving, cheerful, and even-tempered, except for a few black and angry moods caused mostly by his wife's piety on the one hand and her lack of wifely respect on the other. He goes to his certain death in a blizzard for the spiritual comfort of his best friend.
Beret, his beautiful, pious, superstitious wife, who sees the giants or trolls of destruction come out of the untamed prairie. She often confounds her enterprising husband with sharp criticism of his seemingly dishonest acts, such as removing claim jumpers' stakes from their land. She suffers from a mental disorder brought on by childbirth and depression over their hard life; after a traveling preacher sets her mind at ease, however, she becomes the loving wife of former years, with only her dark piety causing discord. It is she who persuades the dying friend that he needs the ministrations of the preacher; thus she sends her husband out into the blizzard that claims his life.
Ole Haldor, Hans Kristian, Anna Marie, and Peder Seier, their four children, the latter born on Christmas day of their first year in the wilderness. Ole and Hans are useful to their father and mother, while the younger sister keeps them all cheered by her sunny looks and disposition. The new arrival, is born with a caul, a sign of future greatness that the mother hopes will mean he will become a minister.
Hans Olsa, born Hans Olsen, who later changes his name to Hans Vaag, after his wife's birthplace. Hans Olsa, the leader of the community and the great friend of Per Hansa, is as steady as he is strong. Only once is he roused to anger, when an Irish claim jumper curses him; and then one sledge-hammer blow with his great fist fells the man, and a great swoop of the Norwegian's arms throws the poor fellow into his own wagon. Hans performs christening ceremonies, fills out legal papers, opens up new lands, and generally manages the pioneering community's business. His wife Sorïne cares for the Hansa child while Beret is ill, looks after the bachelor Solum brothers when they are teaching the neighborhood youngsters, and ministers gently to the needy immigrants. Their daughter is a favorite among Per Hansa's boys. Hans Olsa loses his life as the result of exposure and frostbite, and he dies waiting for the preacher he knows his friend Per will bring safely through the blizzard.
Sorïne, Hans Olsa's devoted wife.
Sofie, their daughter.
Syvert Tönseten, the foolish, garrulous justice of the peace. Although his wife Kjersti is a favorite of the group, Tönseten is embittered because he has no children and because he is never consulted on matters of importance. While Kjersti is beloved for her secret generosity, Syvert is laughed at for his pompous ways. He keeps the Solum brothers from leaving the community, but he offsets the value of keeping them on as schoolteachers by displaying his own authority in the classroom.
Henry Solum and Sam Solum, Norwegian American brothers who come with the wagon train from Minnesota. Henry shows good sense and courage at all times, though Sam develops these pioneer qualifications as he grows to manhood. They speak English and thus act as interpreters for the group.