Peder Victorious: Analysis of Major Characters
"Peder Victorious" is a novel that explores the complexities of cultural identity through its major characters, particularly focusing on the Norwegian immigrant experience in America. Central to the narrative is Beret Holm, a determined pioneer mother dedicated to preserving her children's Norwegian heritage, resisting their Americanization, and aspiring for her youngest son, Peder, to become a minister. Peder, however, grapples with conflicting desires as he navigates his mother's strict expectations and his own emerging identity, which includes a budding romance with Susie Doheny, an Irish girl. This relationship challenges Beret's steadfast beliefs, ultimately leading to her surprising acceptance of their union.
The Reverend Johan Gabrielsen serves as a contrasting figure to Beret, advocating for Peder’s education in English and his eventual role as a spiritual leader, which creates tension within the family. Other characters, including Peder's siblings and his friend Charlie, add depth to the exploration of cultural dynamics and personal aspirations. Through these relationships and conflicts, "Peder Victorious" delves into themes of love, identity, and the struggle between tradition and change within a close-knit immigrant community.
Peder Victorious: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: O. E. Rölvaag
First published: Peder Seier, 1928 (English translation, 1929)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Dakota Territory
Plot: Regional
Time: Late nineteenth century
Beret Holm, a Norwegian pioneer woman who is determined that her children are Norwegian and are to be reared as Norwegians. She discourages their use of the English language and refuses to give up her old-country customs. She wants her son, Peder Victorious, to become a minister and is single-minded in this purpose. She is strongly opposed to anything that tends to Americanize her family. Finally, she becomes reconciled to her son's marriage to an Irish girl in the community.
Peder Victorious, Beret's youngest child. His mother is determined that he become a minister. He has a fine, strong voice and is often called upon to recite at programs, but his mother objects when he does this reciting in English. He is perplexed by the problem of a God of love who is also responsible for all of the catastrophes that befall him and the community. He resents being kept at home, away from parties and dances, and begins slipping out to go to them at night. He is cast in a school play opposite an Irish girl, and they fall in love. He is surprised and delighted when his mother consents to their marriage.
The Reverend Johan Gabrielsen, the minister to the Norwegian settlement, who is convinced that Peder should go to the seminary and become the next spiritual leader of the group. He is more lenient than Peder's mother and believes that English will take the place of the Norwegian language in the community. He antagonizes Beret by asking Peder to read in English and by saying grace in English in her home.
Susie Doheny, the girl who is cast in the play with Peder and who falls in love with him.
Ole, Store-Hans, and Anna Marie, Beret's other children.
Charlie Doheny, Peder's friend, a jolly Irish boy who is Susie's brother.