Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

In the frontier town of Hanover, nestled within the windswept Nebraska prairie, the Bergson family battles the harsh realities of settling in a new land. Young Alexandra, alongside her little brother Emil, ventures into town to fetch medicine for their ailing father. Their struggles are compounded by their father's illness and the children’s youth, which leave them unable to manage the farm's demands entirely on their own.

Challenges and Companionship

In town, Emil faces a minor crisis when his kitten becomes stranded atop a telegraph pole, leaving him in tears. Alexandra returns just in time to encounter their neighbor, Carl Lindstrum, who heroically retrieves the frightened feline. The three of them journey back to the homestead, sharing the warmth of camaraderie and Carl’s musings about his passion for drawing. Upon arriving home, they find their parents anxiously awaiting their return, with supper prepared and ready.

Before long, Alexandra’s father gathers the family, imparting his final wishes. Despite societal expectations, he urges them to heed Alexandra’s guidance, recognizing her ability to manage their farm successfully. His ultimate insistence is on the family’s commitment to retaining their land.

Bearing the Burden

After her father’s death, young Alexandra shoulders the family's burdens with remarkable tenacity. Her practical acumen leads them to prosperity, securing their future and turning their fortunes around. Meanwhile, Emil remains the dreamer, his thoughts often drifting to Marie Tovesky, his childhood affection who is now married to the possessive Frank Shabata.

Alexandra harbors deep feelings for Carl Lindstrum, whose family left their own farm in the face of adversity, returning to more stable lands where Carl took up the engraver’s trade. Despite the distance, Alexandra values their connection and cherishes their time together.

Crazy Ivar’s Wisdom

On her farm, Alexandra finds an unlikely ally in Crazy Ivar, a hermit considered by some as divinely touched and by others as a threat. In reality, Ivar is a gentle soul, devoted to animals and nature. Even when he loses his own land, Alexandra offers him shelter, much to her siblings’ chagrin. They press her to institutionalize Ivar, but Alexandra’s respect for him remains steadfast.

Defending What Matters

Alexandra’s loyalty extends to Carl Lindstrum, who returns after sixteen years, his dreams of success seemingly unfulfilled in the eyes of their pragmatic community. Though Carl has no wealth or family, his aspirations align with Alexandra’s, who is now affluent in her own right. Her brothers, Oscar and Lou, vehemently oppose the union, prompting Alexandra to send them away. Aware of the conflict, Carl departs for the West.

Pursuing Progress

Undeterred, Alexandra shifts her focus to other endeavors. She aids fellow Swedes in immigrating to America and adopts innovative farming techniques. Her bond with Marie Shabata deepens, even as Marie’s husband grows increasingly suspicious and hostile. Alexandra supports Emil’s education, allowing him to pursue university studies despite familial dissent.

Emil, caught in a web of unrequited love for Marie, struggles to distance himself from feelings that remain unchanged. His college experience only highlights the depth of his attachment to her, despite meeting others who fail to capture his heart in the same way.

Misguided Jealousy

Frank Shabata’s jealousy intensifies, leading to paranoia and erratic behavior. Convinced of Marie’s infidelity, he dismisses employees and shadows her incessantly, even within the church. His mistreatment of Marie escalates, driving a wedge between them.

When Emil returns home following a friend’s tragic passing, he decides to bid farewell to Marie. They meet in her orchard, where they surrender to their emotions and become lovers for the first time.

Tragic Consequences

A fateful night unfolds as Frank, inebriated and enraged,...

(This entire section contains 791 words.)

Unlock this Study Guide Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

discovers a Bergson horse at his stable and grabs a weapon. Upon finding Emil and Marie together, he fires in a fit of fury, killing them both. In shock, Frank flees, leaving destruction in his wake.

Crazy Ivar stumbles upon the tragic scene and hastens to inform Alexandra. Overcome with grief, Alexandra withdraws into a period of mourning, visiting the cemetery frequently. It takes a fierce storm to jolt her back to reality, during which Ivar helps her find her strength.

Paths to Redemption

Frank is soon captured, tried, and sentenced to prison. Driven by compassion, Alexandra resolves to help him, believing in redemption despite his crime. Her aim is to secure his freedom, honoring Emil’s memory through her actions.

Amid her efforts, Alexandra learns of Carl’s return. Unaware of the tragedy, Carl had been in Alaska, but the news reached him upon reading about the trial. The promise of a fruitful mining venture reinvigorates him.

Reunited, Alexandra and Carl decide to marry, finally ending their long separation and embracing the future together.

Next

Themes

Loading...