Jenny · Chapter
IV explained
Helge surprises Jenny in Kristiania, having told his family he is in Berlin.
What happens
Helge surprises Jenny in Kristiania, having told his family he is in Berlin. Their reunion is joyful, but tensions arise over Jenny's secret meetings with Helge's father, Gert Gram, and a misunderstanding about Jenny's mother. They discuss Cesca's sudden marriage to Ahlin and Jenny's new painting, which she painted from the view at Gert's office. Helge becomes upset about his home life, and Jenny comforts him.
Themes in this chapter
Artistic Identity and Work
Jenny's new painting is a central topic, and her artistic process is discussed, including her inspiration and composition.
Jealousy and Possessiveness
Helge shows jealousy and possessiveness over Jenny's relationship with his father, leading to a misunderstanding and emotional outburst.
Family Dynamics and Maternal Control
The tension between Helge and Jenny over his mother's role and Helge's hatred of his home highlights family dynamics and maternal influence.
Characters to notice
- Jenny Winge
Overjoyed by Helge's surprise visit, but feels uneasy about her secret relationship with his father. Shows her new painting and tries to comfort Helge.
- Helge Gram
Surprises Jenny in Kristiania, having told his family he is in Berlin. Becomes jealous and upset about Jenny's interactions with his father, and expresses hatred for his home.
- Gert Gram
Mentioned as having visited Jenny and taken an interest in her painting, which causes tension with Helge.
- Cesca Jahrman
Mentioned as having suddenly married Ahlin, surprising Jenny and others.
Key passages
“When she opened she was seized and hugged and kissed by a man who stood on the landing. “Helge!” She was overjoyed.”
Jenny is startled but delighted when Helge appears at her door and embraces her.
Reunion scene.
“I wanted to give you a surprise, and so I did, it seems.”
Helge explains that he intended to surprise Jenny, and he succeeded.
Helge's motivation for the visit.
“You see, your father came one day to call, and he has been to tea sometimes in the afternoon. We sit and talk about you.”
Jenny tells Helge that his father has been visiting her, and they talk about Helge.
Reveals secret meetings.
“I thought she was all taken up with her work. ... but then she got married all of a sudden.”
Jenny expresses surprise at Cesca's sudden marriage, as she thought Cesca was focused on her art.
Discussion of Cesca's marriage.
“When I was wandering about waiting for my own boy—after walking here so lonely and sad many a spring before—and saw the maples and the chestnuts opening out their tender leaves against the smoky houses and red walls under a golden spring sky, I wanted to paint it.”
Jenny explains that her painting was inspired by her lonely walks and the contrast of nature against the urban landscape.
Artistic inspiration.
“You said, my mother is not like that. ... No; you said my mother. You may not like her—although I cannot see what reason you have so far not to—but you should remember that you speak about my mother, and that I am fond of her as she is.”
Helge misinterprets Jenny's comment about her own mother as a slight against his mother, leading to a quarrel.
Misunderstanding and tension.