# Guilt and Redemption in Growth of the Soil

> Theme guide for Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun.

Inger's infanticide due to her child's harelip and her subsequent imprisonment create a thread of guilt, punishment, and eventual return, examining moral failings and societal judgment.

## Where it surfaces

- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/vi): Inger's guilt over her infanticide is palpable; she visits the hidden grave and is haunted by the prospect of prison, while Oline's scheming foreshadows judgment.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/vii): Inger's guilt over killing her child and her attempts at redemption through work and hymns are central to the chapter.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/viii): Isak's superstitious acts of kindness, like freeing trapped birds, reflect his hope for Inger's redemption and return. Geissler's offer to seek a pardon underscores the theme of seeking forgiveness.
- [Geissler's Visit and Inger's Freedom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/x): Inger's potential pardon and release from prison after killing her newborn child explores themes of guilt, punishment, and the possibility of redemption.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xi): Inger's return from prison and her repaired harelip suggest a second chance and redemption after her crime.
- [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xiv): Inger's theft of money and Isak's harsh reaction lead to guilt and a period of estrangement, but Inger's humble haymaking work begins a process of redemption and reconciliation.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/ii): Axel grapples with guilt over the child's death and Barbro's possible role, while Barbro shows no guilt, leading to a breakdown in trust and the relationship.
- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/vi): Inger's silent suffering, her confession to Isak, and her turn to religious devotion illustrate a personal journey of guilt and the search for redemption.
- [Chapter VII: The Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/vii): Axel is cleared of guilt, and Barbro's potential redemption is debated through Fru Heyerdahl's arguments about society's role.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/themes/guilt_and_redemption
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/themes