Niels Lyhne: Analysis of Major Characters
"Niels Lyhne" explores the complexities of its characters, mainly through the life of Niels Lyhne himself. The novel follows Niels, who, despite his mother's aspirations for him to be a poet, ultimately finds himself continuing the family tradition of farming. As he grapples with existential questions, he transforms into an atheist who embraces a form of humanism, leading to profound disillusionment after the tragic deaths of his wife and child. His fleeting search for belonging in the army culminates in a bitter end when he is fatally wounded in battle.
The character dynamics enrich the narrative; Bartholine Lyhne, Niels' mother, embodies a love for beauty and poetry, while Mr. Lyhne's lack of insight leads to his wife's disappointment. Niels' aunt, Edele, influences him through her adventurous spirit, though it ultimately leads to her decline. Friendships are depicted through Erik, whose descent into vice contrasts with his artistic potential, and Fru Boyle, an older widow who distracts Niels from his studies. The themes of love and betrayal also emerge with Fennimore, Erik's wife, whose affair with Niels results in remorse after Erik's death. Lastly, Gerda, Niels' wife, highlights the tension between faith and humanism in her final moments. Collectively, these characters reflect the struggles of finding meaning and connection in a tumultuous world.
Niels Lyhne: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jens Peter Jacobsen
First published: 1880 (English translation, 1896)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Denmark
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Nineteenth century
Niels Lyhne, a boy whose mother wants him to be a poet. He becomes, like his father, a farmer. He thinks a great deal, finally becoming an atheist who can accept only his own brand of humanism. After the deaths of his wife and baby, he believes life is empty. He finds temporary solace in belonging to a group when he joins the army, but he is fatally wounded in battle and dies a bitter death.
Bartholine Lyhne, Niels' mother. She loves beauty, especially poetry. She dies while on a trip arranged for her by her son.
Mr. Lyhne, Bartholine's husband. He disappoints his wife, for although he comes from a family of poets and travelers, he has little insight. He dies while his son is still a student.
Edele Lyhne, Niels' aunt. She ruins her health by engaging in the social life in Copenhagen and returns to her brother's farm, where she dies. Niels admires her, and her death makes him melancholy, quieter, and more imaginative.
Erik, Niels' friend and boyhood chum. He becomes a sculptor and painter, but after his marriage he spends his time drinking and gambling. He is killed when his carriage overturns. His wife has an affair with Niels.
Fru Boyle, a buxom widow, somewhat older than Niels, who becomes his friend. Niels spends his time with her instead of studying.
Fennimore, Niels' cousin and Erik's wife. She comes to despise her husband when he proves dissolute and accepts Niels as her lover. When her husband is killed, in her remorse she blames Niels for their affair.
Gerda, a farm girl who becomes Niels' wife. On her deathbed, she departs from the humanism her husband taught her and asks for a pastor so that she can die a faithful Christian.
Herr Bigum, Niels' tutor, an insignificant man who fails his examinations for the priesthood and turns to tutoring. He loves Edele Lyhne.