# Chapter VI explained — Growth of the Soil

> Chapter companion for Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun.

## What happens

Isak works on building and land improvement while Inger becomes distant and preoccupied. Oline visits and subtly probes about a new child, but Inger reveals she has lost the baby. Oline later suggests she could take care of the farm when Inger goes to prison for infanticide. Inger, distressed, visits the hidden grave of her child.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Isolation

The family's isolation is highlighted by the sheep incident, where the loss of two animals becomes a communal crisis. Oline's visit brings both connection and threat.

### Guilt and Redemption

Inger's guilt over her infanticide is palpable; she visits the hidden grave and is haunted by the prospect of prison, while Oline's scheming foreshadows judgment.

## Character check-ins

### Isak

Works on building and land, feels neglected by Inger's lack of praise, but is buoyed by Oline's flattery.

### Inger

Distracted and troubled after losing her baby, sings and teaches Eleseus prayers, but is hostile to Oline and later breaks down at the hidden grave.

### Oline

Visits Sellanraa, flatters Isak, probes about a new child, and suggests she could manage the farm when Inger goes to prison.

### Eleseus

Taught an evening prayer by Inger, plays with stones near Isak.

## Key lines

> fate, making for their happiness and comfort and well-being, or against them.

The small events of daily life determine the settlers' fortune, for good or ill.

_Reflects the theme of fate and the importance of mundane occurrences in the wilderness._

> Inger had lost the day. She cries and shakes her head and looks down.

Inger is defeated and weeps, shaking her head in despair.

_Shows Inger's emotional collapse after Oline's proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters