The Story of Gösta Berling (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Selma Lagerlof
- First Published: 1891
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Picaresque
- Time of Work: Early nineteenth century
- Setting: Sweden
- Genres: Long fiction, Fable, Mythological literature, Picaresque fiction, Folklore, Parable
- Subjects: Mythology or myths, Love or romance, Nineteenth century, Marriage, Sin or Original sin, Depression, economic, Ministry or ministers, Adultery, Good and evil, Ethics, Devils or demons, Labor, Parties, Sweden or Swedish people, Begging or beggars, Hedonism
- Locales: Värmland, Sweden
Characters Discussed
Gösta Berling, a tall, slender, handsome, and poetic but irresponsible priest unfrocked after an investigation of his brandy drinking. He becomes successively a beggar, one of Margareta’s Cavalier pensioners, a good Samaritan to Anna, the fiancé of Marianne, the husband of Elizabeth, and at last a good man.
Countess Elizabeth Dohna, a gay, lovely woman married to a stupid husband from whom she escapes to lead a pleasant life. Following the annulment of her marriage, she bears a child and asks Gösta to marry her to give the child a father. They...
[The entire page is 803 words long]
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