# VII explained — Growth of the Soil

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

## What happens

The chapter follows Isak and Inger as they continue their work on the farm, dealing with the aftermath of Inger's infanticide. Inger is haunted by her act and the memory of the child, while Isak tries to move forward practically. The barn is completed, crops are harvested, and Inger eventually faces legal consequences, being sentenced to eight years in prison. Isak considers seeking help from Geissler.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Redemption

Inger's guilt over killing her child and her attempts at redemption through work and hymns are central to the chapter.

### Family and Generational Change

The family unit is strained by Inger's crime and imprisonment, affecting the children and the future of Sellanraa.

### Community and Isolation

Inger's isolation is deepened by her secret and the eventual legal consequences, while the community's gossip (via Oline and Lapps) leads to her downfall.

## Character check-ins

### Isak

Isak works tirelessly on the farm, completes the barn, and tries to support Inger after her crime. He considers seeking Geissler's help.

### Inger

Inger is consumed by guilt over killing her newborn, sings hymns mournfully, and is eventually sentenced to eight years in prison.

### Eleseus

Eleseus is taught prayers by Inger and receives gifts from Fru Geissler.

### Sivert

Sivert receives gifts from Fru Geissler along with Eleseus.

### Geissler

Geissler is remembered fondly; Isak plans to seek him out in Sweden for help.

### Oline

Oline is suspected by Inger of having sent the hare that supposedly caused the harelip, and is feared to have spread the secret.

## Key lines

> Good things mostly leave no trace, but something always comes of evil.

Positive events are quickly forgotten, but negative actions have lasting consequences.

_Reflects the lingering impact of Inger's crime on the household._

> She was all the same as myself. Her mouth.

Inger explains she killed the child because it had a harelip like her own.

_Reveals Inger's motive rooted in her own suffering and shame._

> Isak took the matter sensibly—what else was there to do?

Isak accepted the situation pragmatically, seeing no alternative.

_Highlights Isak's stoic and practical nature in the face of tragedy._

## Links

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