"Independent People" Characters Analysis
fiction | 509 pages | Published in 2009
Estimated read time: 6 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bjartur | Protagonist |
| Rosa | Protagonist's wife |
| Nonni | Protagonist's daughter |
| Asta | Protagonist's daughter |
| Margret | Protagonist's daughter |
| Ingolfur | Protagonist's son |
| Toti | Protagonist's grandson |
| Steinunn | Love interest |
| Bjorn | Antagonist |
| Vigdis | Protagonist's neighbor |
| Zopha | Protagonist's faithful dog |
Role Identification
"Independent People" is a novel written by Halldór Laxness which revolves around the life of Bjartur, a sheep farmer in rural Iceland. He is the protagonist of the story and the driving force behind the narrative. The other characters play various important roles in Bjartur's life, shaping his experiences and decisions throughout the book.
Character Descriptions
- Bjartur: Bjartur is a fierce and determined man in his early forties. He is of stoic nature, deeply rooted in his beliefs and fiercely independent. His rugged appearance and weathered face reflect the hardships he has endured throughout his life as a farmer.
- Rosa: Bjartur's first wife, Rosa, is a strong-willed and hardworking woman. She shares Bjartur's independence and resilience, but their marriage is filled with hardship and distance.
- Nonni: Bjartur and Rosa's eldest daughter, Nonni, is a kind and caring woman. She possesses a gentle demeanor and a deep connection to nature, inherited from her father.
- Asta: Asta, the second daughter, is an ambitious and adventurous spirit. She dreams of a different life and longs for something beyond the harsh realities of their existence.
- Margret: Margret, the youngest daughter, is a quiet and shy girl. She often gets overshadowed by her siblings, but she remains a supportive presence in her family.
- Ingolfur: Ingolfur is Bjartur's only son, who shares his father's independent nature and strong work ethic. He struggles to find his place in a world dominated by his father's determination.
- Toti: Toti is Bjartur's grandson, a young boy who brings joy and innocence to the story. He represents the hope and future of the family.
- Steinunn: Steinunn is a love interest and later becomes Bjartur's second wife. She is a kind-hearted and compassionate woman who brings warmth and tenderness to Bjartur's life.
- Bjorn: Bjorn is the antagonist of the story. He is a wealthy landowner and a symbol of the oppressive forces that Bjartur fights against.
- Vigdis: Vigdis is Bjartur's neighbor and a supportive presence in his life. She represents the sense of community and solidarity amidst the harsh Icelandic landscape.
- Zopha: Zopha, Bjartur's loyal dog, symbolizes loyalty, companionship, and serves as a constant source of comfort in Bjartur's life.
Character Traits
- Bjartur: Stoic, independent, determined, resilient, stubborn
- Rosa: Strong-willed, hardworking, resilient
- Nonni: Kind, caring, connected to nature
- Asta: Ambitious, adventurous, longing for more
- Margret: Quiet, shy, supportive
- Ingolfur: Independent, hardworking, struggling to find his place
- Toti: Innocent, joyful, hopeful
- Steinunn: Kind-hearted, compassionate, bringer of warmth
- Bjorn: Wealthy, oppressive, symbol of power
- Vigdis: Supportive, sense of community
- Zopha: Loyal, comforting
Character Background
Bjartur grew up in poverty and was determined to become an independent farmer, free from the oppressive forces of society. He married Rosa and together they started a family on the remote Icelandic moors. Throughout the book, we learn about the hardships they faced, including difficult weather conditions, financial struggles, and the constant battle against hunger and isolation.
Character Arcs
Bjartur's character arc revolves around his relentless pursuit of independence. He adamantly holds onto his principles, even when faced with immense challenges. His unwavering determination becomes both his greatest strength and his tragic flaw. As the novel progresses, Bjartur experiences personal loss, including the death of two of his daughters and the failure of his first marriage. However, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of independence, which ultimately leads to his isolation and the loss of important relationships.
On the other hand, Steinunn's entrance into Bjartur's life brings a new dynamic to his character arc. She offers him love and tenderness, challenging his rigid independence and slowly breaking down the walls he built around himself. This relationship forces Bjartur to question his long-held beliefs and opens the possibility of emotional growth and connection.
Relationships
Bjartur's relationships with the other characters in "Independent People" play a crucial role in his journey:
- Rosa, his first wife, represents a strained partnership that mirrors the harsh realities of their lives.
- Nonni, Asta, and Margret, his daughters, showcase different aspects of familial love and support.
- Ingolfur, his son, represents an unsteady bond and the challenge of passing down the values of independence.
- Toti, his grandson, symbolizes innocence and hope for the future.
- Steinunn, his second wife, provides emotional support and prompts Bjartur's transformation.
- Bjorn, the antagonist, represents the oppressive forces that Bjartur fights against.
- Vigdis, his neighbor, symbolizes the strength of community and support in times of need.
- Zopha, his faithful dog, serves as a devoted and constant companion throughout the story.
These relationships shape Bjartur's experiences, shaping his character and influencing the choices he makes in his pursuit of independence.
Overall, "Independent People" presents a rich array of characters whose interactions with Bjartur illuminate themes of independence, resilience, hardship, and human connection in the rugged landscape of rural Iceland. The complex and diverse cast of characters contributes to the depth of the novel, ensuring an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience.
