I've finished The Wife, which is the second of the three books that make up Kristin Lavransdatter. I enjoyed it more than the first--the story just gets better as it goes. I think what impresses me most about this novel is how well it reflects life and what we go through in relationships. And it is all played out against the panorama of Medieval Norway.
In the first book Undset tells us the story of Kristin and Erlend's romance and betrothal. In The Wife, we see what comes after the marriage ceremony. It's not exactly a fairy tale ending, though it is obvious despite all their hardships Kristin and Erlend love each other. Kristin moves to Husaby, Erlend's family estate, which out of mismanagement is not as grand as it was in former times. Under the weight of her guilt for how she behaved with Erlend, Kristin tries to lead a respectable and honorable life. Not only will she need to manage the estate, but she raises her ever increasing family, at times she will do so alone. Erlend is appointed sheriff in one of the northern provinces and years pass when Erlend and Kristin are not together. Their marriage will show the strains of this separation. Kristin's former betrothed, Simon Darre, will once again reenter her life when he marries her younger sister. It is with his help that Erlend will be pardoned by the king when he becomes involved in a treasonous plot against the crown.
Undset goes into some detail portraying the life and politics of Medieval life in Scandinavia. At the same time her prose is clear and concise and there is no confusion in the events she depicts. As a matter of fact the novel highly readable. The Wife is told from several different perspectives and we get a sense of the extreme personal turmoil the characters must deal with both in their own lives and in their interactions with each other. I've skimmed over the larger details in this novel, but you will not be surprised to know there is so much more to it than what I've written about.
I think I am going to concentrate this week on finishing the last novel, The Cross, rather than juggling several books at once. Aside from the fact I want to find out what happens, I am finding that the book is very heavy to drag around with me on a nearly daily basis. The deluxe edition is gorgeous, but the individual volumes would have been more practical to carry around. In anticipation for reading the last section here are the questions from the reading group guide:
- When Kristin and her family move to Jørundgaard, why does she assume all responsibility for running the estate and stand by as Erlend "with chieftainlike calm and dignity lived on her father's manor like a guest?" [p. 26] Does Erlend's acceptance of their misfortune stem from a realistic understanding of the situation (based on the laws and conventions of the time) or is it a reflection of his childish approach to life? How do Kristin's memories of her father and her guilt about the way she treated him influence her feelings about and behavior towards Erlend?
- The correlation between earthly love and divine love is an important theme in late medieval literature. Sex is viewed as an expression of love in God's name and procreation and maternal nurturing as a sacred obligation for women. Discuss the different ways this theme is woven into the story of Kristin and Erlend's marriage, considering both the positive and negative implications.
- The first part of The Cross is entitled "Honor Among Kin." To what extent does Erlend's extreme sensitivity about his own honor and reputation contribute to his downfall? Is he foolishly naïve about the motivations and loyalty of others, as Simon suggests? [p. 99] Why is Simon devastated when he learns of his brothers' involvement in the plot against King Magnus? Does his jealousy of Erlend lead him to be too harsh on himself when he considers his behavior towards Kristin and her family? Which of the two men is truer to the medieval ideal of honor and nobility as it is presented in the novel? Which one more closely embodies your own definition of honor?
- When Erlend eventually leaves the family, why does he make his home in Haugen, where one of the darkest incidents in his life occurred? Is Erlend's suggestion that Kristin join him realistic? Is Kristin's refusal motivated only by concern for her children? What other factors, both emotional and practical, influence her? Would it have been possible for Kristin to find spiritual peace with Erlend? What impact does the choices her sons make have on Kristin as she contemplates her own future? Is there a particular moment that marks Kristin's final understanding of the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds and her willingness to accept God's will wholeheartedly? What is the significance of her decision to donate her wedding ring for masses?
- Kristin Lavransdatter explores many issues that resonate today: women's sexuality; the balance of power between men and women; and the role of religious faith in everyday life. Would you characterize Undset's approach to these subjects as "liberal" or "conservative"? Is Kristin a feminist heroine, striving to balance her career as the hard-working mistress of Husaby and the Jørundgaard and her family obligations? Are the decisions she makes and the values by which she lives her life relevant to contemporary readers?
Hopefully at this time next week, I'll be giving you a run down of the final novel. If you are reading along, are you still finding it as enjoyable as I am? How far along are you?