Alexandra Bergson

Carl Linstrum

Alexandra and Carl have a deep, enduring romantic bond that survives years of separation.

Emil Bergson

Alexandra is Emil's devoted older sister, protective and loving, but unable to prevent his tragic fate.

Marie Shabata

Alexandra and Marie are close friends, though Alexandra is unaware of Marie's secret romance with Emil.

Frank Shabata

Alexandra is a neighbor and occasional confidante to Frank, but their relationship is strained by his bitterness.

Crazy Ivar

Alexandra employs Crazy Ivar as a farmhand, treating him with kindness and respect despite his eccentricity.

Lou Bergson

Lou is Alexandra's younger brother, often resentful of her authority and success on the farm.

Oscar Bergson

Oscar is Alexandra's older brother, conservative and resistant to her progressive farming methods.

Father Duchesne

Father Duchesne is the local priest and a trusted spiritual advisor to Alexandra.

Old Mrs. Lee

Old Mrs. Lee is Alexandra's elderly mother, whom Alexandra cares for with patience and affection.

Carl Linstrum

Alexandra and Carl have a deep, enduring romantic bond that survives years of separation.

Carl Linstrum

Alexandra and Carl have a deep, enduring romantic bond that survives years of separation.

Father Duchesne

Father Duchesne is the local priest and a trusted spiritual advisor to Alexandra.

Part I: The Wild Land

Introduced as the capable and strong-willed daughter, entrusted by her dying father with the stewardship of the family farm.

I

Shows maturity and worry as she faces her father's illness and the burden of the family farm; her childlike excitement at Carl's magic lantern reveals her youth beneath the strain.

II

John Bergson's daughter, entrusted with managing the family land and guiding her brothers after his death.

III

Visits Ivar to seek advice on hog farming and observes the natural world.

IV

Found lost in thought in the garden; learns Carl is leaving; comforts him and later tells her brothers the news, defending her decision to stay on the land.

V

Leads the exploration of river farms, makes the bold decision to buy more land, and convinces her brothers to take on mortgages.

The Divide Transformed

Though not present in the scene, her farm is described in detail as one of the richest on the Divide, reflecting her success and connection to the land.

II

Presides over dinner, encourages her men to talk, defends her silo, and reassures Ivar about his place in her household.

III

Welcomes Carl Linstrum warmly, defends Ivar against her brothers' pressure, and plans to buy a piano for Milly.

IV

Discusses the transformation of the land, her hopes for Emil, and her appreciation for Carl's freedom despite her own success.

V

Recalled by Carl in a vivid memory of her milking at dawn; she is busy with farm work during the chapter.

VI

Visits Marie with Carl, dressed in white, and reflects on their friendship.

VIII

Mentioned in conversation between Emil and Marie; Marie suggests Alexandra may be in love with Carl, but Emil dismisses the idea.

Chapter X

Defends her independence and property rights against her brothers' claims, asserting her legal authority over her land and her personal choices.

XI

Has been crying after a quarrel with Lou and Oscar; confides in Emil about her loneliness and desire to marry Carl.

XII

Alexandra lights the lamp and speaks sadly with Carl, revealing her sense of loss and her wish that her father had not foreseen the costs of his task.

Part III: Winter Memories

Reflects on her past and the harsh winters, contemplating her life and the land.

I

Alexandra visits Marie, bringing Emil's letters and news of Carl. She observes Marie's changing demeanor and reflects on their friendship.

II

Reflects on her blind side regarding Emil and Marie, her impersonal happy memories tied to the land, and her recurring fancy of being carried by a strong, sunlit figure.

Part IV: The White Mulberry Tree

Learns of Emil's death and the tragedy, and later receives Carl Linstrum's return.

I

Drives Emil to the church supper, proud of his return and the land's progress; observes Marie and Frank with quiet concern.

II

Observes Signa's wedding and reflects on the practical nature of Swedish girls; shows her pragmatic and somewhat weary perspective on marriage.

III

Sewing by the table, sharing memories of their father and expressing faith in Emil and the land.

V

Alexandra informs Emil of Amédée's death and provides comfort to Marie over the phone, showing her role as a steady presence in the community.

VIII

Rises early worried about Emil; sees Ivar approaching and goes to meet him, learning of the tragedy.

Part V: Alexandra

Reflects on her life and the changes in the Divide, feeling the weight of her independence and the conflict with her brothers.

I

Grieving Emil's death, she resolves to visit Frank Shabata in prison and experiences a visionary dream of a powerful lover.

II

Visits Lincoln, walks the university campus, then visits Frank Shabata in prison, promising to seek his pardon. Returns to her hotel and receives a telegram from Carl Linstrum.

III

Returns from Lincoln, wears white to avoid mourning clothes, discusses Emil's death and her feelings for Carl.