Growth of the Soil
Jan 2020 · Otbebookpublishing
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331
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About this ebook
Growth of the Soil (Norwegian Markens Grøde), is a novel by Knut Hamsun which won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920. It follows the story of a man who settles and lives in rural Norway. First published in 1917, it has since been translated from Norwegian into languages such as English. The novel was written in the popular style of Norwegian new realism, a movement dominating the early 20th century. The novel exemplified Hamsun's aversion to modernity and inclination towards primitivism and the agrarian lifestyle. The novel employed literary techniques new to the time such as stream of consciousness. Hamsun tended to stress the relationship between his characters and the natural environment. Growth of the Soil portrays the protagonist (Isak) and his family as awed by modernity, yet at times, they come into conflict with it. The novel contains two sections entitled Book One and Book Two. The first book focuses almost solely on the story of Isak and his family and the second book starts off by following the plight of Axel and ends mainly focusing on Isak's family.
Growth of the Soil (Norwegian Markens Grøde), is a novel by Knut Hamsun which won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920. It follows the story of a man who settles and lives in rural Norway. First published in 1917, it has since been translated from Norwegian into languages such as English. Th...
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About the author
Knut Hamsun, born Knud Pedersen in 1859 in rural Norway, is a towering figure in modernist literature, renowned for his innovative narrative techniques and psychological depth. Hamsun's early life was marked by hardship and wanderlust, experiences that profoundly shaped his literary voice. He spent years in America, working various odd jobs, which provided rich material for his later works.Hamsun's breakthrough came with "Hunger" (1890), a novel that delves into the psyche of a starving writer, showcasing his pioneering use of stream-of-consciousness and interior monologue. This novel, along with "Mysteries" (1892) and "Pan" (1894), established him as a master of psychological realism and a precursor to later existentialist writers.Hamsun's influence extended to luminaries such as Franz Kafka, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas Mann, who admired his ability to capture the complexities of the human condition. His works often explore themes of nature, isolation, and the individual's struggle against societal norms, resonating with contemporary readers who grapple with similar issues.However, Hamsun's legacy is marred by his controversial political views. During World War II, he expressed support for Nazi Germany, a stance that led to his post-war arrest and trial for treason. This aspect of his life continues to spark debate, challenging readers to reconcile his literary genius with his flawed human character.Despite the controversies, Hamsun's contributions to literature are undeniable. His revolutionary ideas about narrative structure and character psychology paved the way for modernist and postmodernist writers, ensuring his place in the pantheon of literary greats.
Knut Hamsun, born Knud Pedersen in 1859 in rural Norway, is a towering figure in modernist literature, renowned for his innovative narrative techniques and psychological depth. Hamsun's early life was marked by hardship and wanderlust, experiences that profoundly shaped his literary voice. He spe...
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