The Emigrants: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Emigrants: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the lives of a group of Norwegian emigrants who venture to America in search of a better future. Key figures include Erik Foss, who initiates the journey for his fellow countrymen and ultimately sacrifices his life in a blizzard while searching for cattle. Following Erik's death, Morten Kvidal takes on a leadership role, transitioning from a Norwegian to a railroad agent, helping his community adapt and thrive in their new environment. Ola Vatne, a laborer plagued by personal struggles, migrates with his wife Else, whose marriage to him defies her father's wishes. The narrative also presents Per and Anne Föll, whose tumultuous relationship is marked by jealousy and personal turmoil, leading Per to madness. Additionally, the Kvidal sisters, Bergitta and Anne, illustrate the dynamics of family and love amidst the challenges of emigration. The characters collectively embody themes of sacrifice, adaptation, and the complexities of identity, providing insightful perspectives on the immigrant experience.
The Emigrants: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Johan Bojer
First published: Vor Egen Stamme, 1924 (English translation, 1925)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Norway and the United States
Plot: Regional
Time: Late nineteenth century
Erik Foss, an emigrant to the United States. He returns to Norway to lead a band of his people to a new start in America, even helping them with money. His feet are frosbitten while he searches for cattle in a prairie blizzard, and he dies as a result.
Morten Kvidal, one of the emigrants. He assumes the leadership of the group after the death of Erik Foss and leads them for many years. He returns briefly to Norway to bring a wife, Bergitta, to Dakota. He becomes a railroad agent, helps his people become Americans, and shows them how to prosper in their adopted land. Blinded by an exploding lamp, he returns as an old man to Norway. He feels that he is still a Norwegian, though his children are Americans.
Ola Vatne, a Norwegian laborer in love with his employer's daughter. After serving a term in prison for burning his employer's barn, he migrates to America with Erik, taking his wife Else with him. A drunkard and gambler, he cannot succeed without help from his friends.
Else Vatne, Ola's wife. She marries him against her father's wishes after he is released from prison.
The Colonel, Else's father, who dismisses Ola when he discovers the love between his daughter and the man.
Per Föll, a big, hardworking emigrant. He is jealous of his wife, knowing her too well. His jealousy drives him mad, and he is placed in an institution.
Anne Föll, Per's wife, admired by Morten Kvidal's young brother. She is pregnant by another man when Per marries her.
Bergitta Kvidal, Anne's sister and Morten's wife.
Kal Skaret, a hardworking, efficient emigrant who succeeds well in the Dakotas.
Karen Skaret, Kal's hardworking, efficient wife.