The Snake Pit: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Snake Pit: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and personal struggles of individuals in a complex narrative centered around Olav Audunsson and his family. Olav, now back at his childhood home of Hestviken after years away, faces the weight of concealing his involvement in the death of his wife Ingunn's lover, Teit. This burden grows heavier as he grapples with the impact of his actions on his family, particularly for his daughter Cecilia, and the legacy he wishes to uphold for his late wife. Ingunn, once vibrant, experiences a tragic decline marked by multiple stillbirths, which ultimately influences the dynamics of her relationships with both Olav and their children. Eirik, her son by Teit, initially sees Olav as a father figure but grows resentful as Olav's character changes. The narrative also touches on other notable characters, such as Torhild, who has her own complicated connections with Olav, and Arnvid, who represents a confidant in Olav’s time of strife. Through these characters, the analysis reveals themes of guilt, familial obligation, and the societal pressures surrounding reputation and legacy. This character-driven exploration invites readers to reflect on the multifaceted human experiences portrayed in the story.
The Snake Pit: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sigrid Undset
First published: Olav Audunssøn i Hestviken (2 volumes, 1925; in English as The Axe, 1928, and The Snake Pit, 1929; included in the complete tetrology The Master of Hestviken, 1934)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Norway
Plot: Historical
Time: Late thirteenth, early fourteenth centuries
Olav Audunsson, the master of Hestviken. Now married to Ingunn and returned, for the first time since the age of seven, to his home of Hestviken, he finds that the concealing of his murder of Ingunn's lover Teit, which is necessary to protect Ingunn from shame, becomes increasingly burdensome. After her death, Olav must still keep her reputation spotless for the sake of his daughter.
Ingunn Steinfinnsdatter, Olav's wife, once beautiful but now frail and sickly. After she has four stillborn children, Olav brings to Hestviken from a foster home her son Eirik, whom he claims as his. Olav regrets the decision when Ingunn gives birth to a boy, Audun, now defrauded of his birthright. Audun is sickly and lives only a short time. Ingunn herself dies after giving birth to another child, a daughter.
Eirik, Ingunn's son by Teit. At first fond of his supposed father Olav, Eirik comes to dislike him after Olav's manner becomes harsh and aloof.
Cecilia Olavsdatter, the daughter of Olav and Ingunn.
Audun Olavsson, the short-lived son of Olav and Ingunn.
Torhild Björnsdatter, the housekeeper at Hestviken. After she bears Olav's son, Olav gives her a farm for her own.
Björn, the illegitimate son of Torhild and Olav.
Olav Half-Priest, an aged kinsman of Olav Audunsson. Hestviken deteriorated somewhat under his stewardship during the years before Olav Audunsson's return.
Tora, Ingunn's sister, now widowed.
Jon Steinfinnsson, Ingunn's brother. After his death, Olav goes north to collect Ingunn's share of Jon's goods. Olav brings Eirik back to Hestviken on his return.
Arnvid Finnsson, an old friend of Olav and Ingunn. He is about to enter the order of the Preaching Friars. Olav unbur-dens his guilt to Arnvid, who can say little to comfort his friend.