Guilt and Remorse

Characters are haunted by past actions, such as Captain Lennart's war trauma, the Broby clergyman's avarice, and Gösta's role in the captain's death, leading to psychological torment and attempts at atonement.

Gösta's guilt over his past and his suicidal thoughts are central; Margareta also expresses remorse for her lost innocence and the person she once was.

Gösta Berling is consumed by guilt over Ebba Dohna's suicide, which prevents him from acting to help the major's wife.

Gösta's guilt and self-loathing after Marianne's words, feeling that being loved by him is a disgrace worse than death.

The major's wife is burdened by her mother's curse, driving her actions to seek redemption for her home.