The Story of Gösta Berling · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Story of Gösta Berling by Selma Lagerlöf.

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Chapter 1
Translator's Preface
The preface introduces Selma Lagerlöf's Gösta Berling, published in 1894, describing its basis in actual occurrences and its depiction of life in early 19th-century Värmland, Sweden—a region of forests, lakes, and mining. It notes Lagerlöf's deep connection to local legends and the encouragement she received from the Crown Prince.
Chapter 2
The Story of Gösta Berling
This chapter introduces the titular character, Gösta Berling, a defrocked priest who becomes a central figure in the community of Ekeby. It explores his fall from grace, his struggles with alcoholism, and his search for redemption among the eccentric residents of the estate.
Chapter 3
The Priest
Gösta Berling, a young and handsome minister, stands in the pulpit awaiting judgment from the bishop for his drunkenness and neglect of duties. He reflects on the harsh conditions of his parish and his reliance on brandy to endure life. During his sermon, he experiences a moment of divine inspiration and delivers a powerful sermon, after which the congregation, moved by his words, refuses to complain against him. However, Captain Christian Bergh later reveals that he terrorized the bishop and deans on their journey home, ensuring they will never return. Gösta, feeling betrayed by God and believing he will be dismissed, flees his home in despair.
Chapter 4
II: The Beggar
On a cold December day, a beggar (Gösta Berling) encounters the daughter of the Broby clergyman, who is dragging a stolen bag of meal. He helps her avoid her father's wrath by taking the sledge himself. Later, he meets the major's wife, Margareta Celsing, who persuades him not to commit suicide by promising to care for the clergyman's daughter. Gösta agrees to live and becomes a guest at Ekeby, though he later attempts to leave twice—first as a laborer and then as a tutor at Borg—but ultimately returns to Ekeby after the death of Ebba Dohna.
Chapter 5
The Landscape
The chapter describes the geography of the region where Gösta Berling and the knights of Ekeby lived: a long lake originating in the north, a rich plain, and blue mountains. The lake evolves from a playful northern stream to a stately southern body, while the plain and mountains engage in a perpetual, friendly struggle over space and protection. The landscape is portrayed as beautiful and formative, and the people are described as strong, brave, and intelligent, though in the 1820s they lived in modest conditions.

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Translator's Preface

The Story of Gösta Berling

The Priest

II: The Beggar

The Landscape