# IV explained — Jenny

> Chapter companion for Jenny by Sigrid Undset.

## What happens

Jenny wakes up in her cold Roman room and is visited by Cesca, who is emotionally distraught over her relationship with Hans Hermann. Cesca confesses her past with Hans, including his abusive behavior and her willingness to sacrifice for him, even pawning her grandmother's ring. Jenny comforts her and later shows her artwork to Gunnar Heggen, who praises it. The chapter explores Cesca's vulnerability and Jenny's role as a supportive friend.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Self-Deception

Cesca's confession reveals her self-deception about Hans's love, despite his abuse and infidelity.

### Sacrifice and Consequences

Cesca pawns her grandmother's ring to give Hans money, illustrating her willingness to sacrifice for him.

### Jealousy and Possessiveness

Hans's behavior and Cesca's jealousy over his other relationships are evident in her narrative.

## Character check-ins

### Jenny Winge

Jenny wakes up, comforts Cesca, and shows her artwork to Gunnar.

### Cesca Jahrman

Cesca is emotionally distraught, confesses her past with Hans Hermann, and seeks Jenny's comfort.

### Gunnar Heggen

Gunnar visits Jenny, praises her artwork, and expresses anger toward Hans Hermann.

### Hans Hermann

Mentioned as Cesca's former lover who was abusive and manipulative.

## Key lines

> She looked so miserable, poor thing. She hung on his arm, and he seemed sullen and angry.

Cesca observed that the woman appeared unhappy and dependent on the man, who seemed displeased.

_Cesca's observation about the woman's dependency._

> I suppose you are right—I have no instincts. Perhaps I never loved him really, but I should have liked to have a child by him.

Cesca admits she may not have truly loved Hans, but she wished to have his child.

_Cesca's reflection on her feelings for Hans._

> He had redeemed the things from the loan-office and pawned them with his private banker, as he called him, who gave more for them.

Hans took the pawned items and re-pawned them with a different lender for a higher amount.

_Hans's manipulative act with Cesca's pawned possessions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jenny_se/chapters/part-i-iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jenny_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jenny_se/chapters