Short Fiction · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for Short Fiction by Selma Lagerlöf.

Read with companions Book page

Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.

Chapter 1
Short Fiction
A collection of short fiction pieces exploring themes of love, sacrifice, class, deception, death, nature, family, suffering, and gender roles through various characters and their intertwined stories.
Chapter 2
The Spirit of Fasting and Petter Nord
Petter Nord, a poor boy, finds a fifty-crown note and is tempted to keep it, but his conscience and the spirit of fasting lead him to return it. He flees the town in shame after being accused of theft, but later finds redemption through the kindness of Halfvorson.
Chapter 3
I
In a rural courtroom, a young farmer's daughter sues a married man for child support. As the defendant prepares to swear an oath denying paternity, the plaintiff, terrified of his perjury, seizes the Bible and withdraws her suit, declaring she still loves him and does not want him to damn his soul. The Judge and courtroom are moved by her selfless love.
Chapter 4
II
Helga returns home after renouncing Per Mårtensson's help, expecting rejection but finding her parents' support. Gudmund, who had earlier shunned her upon learning her identity, later seeks her out at Big Marsh croft after witnessing her bravery in court. He offers her a position as his mother's nurse, and when he finds Helga in despair contemplating suicide, he convinces her that she is not abandoned.
Chapter 5
III
Helga, now working at Närlunda, struggles with homesickness but finds solace after secretly spreading ashes from her home hearth on the fire. She shares this with Gudmund, who is amused but intrigued. Meanwhile, Hildur Ericsdotter visits as Gudmund's prospective bride, and Helga later learns she must leave Närlunda in April.

Free preview

83 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.

83 more companions → free preview

Short Fiction

The Spirit of Fasting and Petter Nord

I

II

III