Jenny · Chapter
VI explained
Helge continues his courtship of Francesca, feeling nervous and awkward around her, while he finds it easier to talk seriously with Jenny.
What happens
Helge continues his courtship of Francesca, feeling nervous and awkward around her, while he finds it easier to talk seriously with Jenny. On Christmas Eve, they attend midnight mass at S. Luigi de Franchesi, where Francesca is restless and critical. Later, at a Christmas supper, a conversation about Hans Hermann and social class erupts, with Heggen expressing harsh views on the lower classes and Cesca defending Hermann's struggle. The chapter ends with Jenny reflecting on Christmas morning and her family back home.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Self-Deception
Helge's attempts to impress Francesca while being more genuine with Jenny highlight his self-deception in love.
Class and Social Justice
The debate about Hans Hermann and the lower classes reflects themes of social hierarchy and justice.
Characters to notice
- Helge Gram
Nervous and awkward around Francesca, finds it easier to talk seriously with Jenny.
- Jenny Winge
Engages in serious conversations with Helge, listens to the debate, and expresses her views on marriage and free love.
- Cesca Jahrman
Restless at the mass, defends Hans Hermann's struggle, and brings Hjerrild to the Christmas supper.
- Gunnar Heggen
Expresses strong opinions on social class and justice, argues with Cesca about Hermann.
- Mr. Hjerrild
Shares anecdotes about Hans Hermann and joins the Christmas supper.
Key passages
“He did not know how to lead the conversation on to what he wanted to say, and he was afraid of being pressing or tactless; afraid to do anything that made her like him less.”
Helge was unsure how to steer the conversation and feared being too forward or tactless, worried that any misstep would diminish her liking for him.
Highlights Helge's anxiety in courting Francesca.
“It did not occur to him that the reason why he could not talk to Francesca as he talked to Jenny was that he wanted to appear far more important, confident, and strong to her than he really believed himself to be.”
Helge was unaware that his inability to converse with Francesca as he did with Jenny stemmed from his desire to project an image of importance and strength that he didn't truly feel.
Reveals Helge's self-deception in his romantic pursuit.