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Settlers of the Marsh (Masterplots II: American Fiction Series, Revised Edition)

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The Novel

Settlers of the Marsh is the story of a young Swedish immigrant who becomes a successful farmer in the Canadian West, is rejected by the woman of his dreams, and unwittingly marries the nearby town’s prostitute. The novel’s pattern includes five main motifs: anticipation and preparation, rejection, degeneration, expiation, and regeneration.

Niels comes to the New World on a quest: He will work hard to build a farm that will personify his dream, namely a piece of land, a house of his own with a wife to love, and children all around. For some time, he...

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