# Cesca Jahrman — Jenny character guide

> Cesca Jahrman in Jenny by Sigrid Undset.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Francesca, Francesca Jahrman, Francesca Ahlin, Dear little Cesca

**First appearance:** 0000-part-i-i

## Snapshot

Jenny's younger sister Cesca Jahrman, married and settled, is pulled back toward an old seducer and discovers how little her new life has fortified her.

## Who they are

Cesca visits Jenny in Norway and seems at first the lighter, more conventional sister, absorbed in her marriage to Lennart. But a chance meeting with Hans Hermann, a man she once feared, leaves her shaken and unable to trust her own will. Her confession to Jenny reveals the gap between the sisters' lives and quietly measures what Jenny has given up.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-i)

The smaller of the two Norwegian women; she is annoyed by Italian men and argues about the tram route.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-ii)

Emotionally volatile, upset about missing corals, and seeks comfort from Jenny.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-iii)

Mentioned as Jenny's companion and friend, with whom she shares an apartment and an economical lifestyle.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-iv)

Cesca is emotionally distraught, confesses her past with Hans Hermann, and seeks Jenny's comfort.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-v)

Francesca apologizes to Helge for her earlier behavior, shows him around, and confides in him about her personal struggles and her deep bond with Jenny. She brings him flowers, indicating a mutual attraction.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-vi)

Restless at the mass, defends Hans Hermann's struggle, and brings Hjerrild to the Christmas supper.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-vii)

Shares her distressing encounter with Hjerrild, who made unwanted advances and spoke insultingly about Hans.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-viii)

Contrasted with Jenny in terms of their attitudes towards love and physical intimacy.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-ix)

Mentioned as Jenny's friend and housemate; her portrait is being worked on by Jenny.

### [The Slow Growth of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-x)

Expresses doubts about Jenny's engagement to Helge, believing that Jenny needs a husband she can look up to. She also reveals her own understanding of love and her tendency to see clearly in others' affairs but not her own.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-ii-i)

Jenny's friend in Italy, who Jenny feels guilty about not having seen much of recently. She is working hard and possibly in difficulties.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-ii-iv)

Mentioned as having suddenly married Ahlin, surprising Jenny and others.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-ii-ix)

Mentioned as being well; Jenny asks about her, and Gunnar replies she is all right.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-iii-i)

Jenny has accepted an invitation to stay with her at Tegneby to prepare for the break with Gert.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-iii-ii)

Cesca is present at the station, reads a letter from her husband, and appears to have aged and shrunk. She hosts Jenny and Gunnar at her home.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-iii-iii)

Distressed after meeting Hans Hermann, she fears his power over her and decides to leave for home. She confides in Jenny about her marital struggles and her fear of dishonoring Lennart.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-iii-vii)

Wants Jenny to go to Sweden.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-iii-x)

Writes a letter to Jenny, sharing her joy about her pregnancy and improved relationship with Lennart.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-iii-xi)

Gunnar sends the child's clothes to her, as Jenny had once said she would give them to her.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/characters/cesca
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jenny_se/characters