# IV explained — Jenny

> Chapter companion for Jenny by Sigrid Undset.

## What happens

Jenny and Gert walk along the shore, where Jenny reveals her decision to go to Berlin and her pregnancy. Gert offers to marry her, but Jenny refuses, asserting her independence and her commitment to her art. The chapter explores Jenny's internal conflict and her resolve to face the future alone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Self-Deception

Jenny admits she gave herself to Gert without true love, and Gert's perception of her affection is challenged.

### Gender Roles and Women's Autonomy

Jenny refuses Gert's offer of marriage, asserting her right to make her own choices about her life and her child.

### Motherhood and Unwanted Pregnancy

Jenny's pregnancy is central to the chapter, and she expresses both anxiety and hope about becoming a mother.

## Character check-ins

### Jenny Winge

Reveals her pregnancy to Gert and her decision to go to Berlin, asserting her independence and commitment to her art.

### Gert Gram

Offers to marry Jenny despite the age difference, but is rejected; he is deeply affected by her news.

## Key lines

> I needed rest and I needed warmth; I needed to feel that somebody loved me. I did not wish to deceive you, Gert, but you did not understand—I could not make you see that I loved you in a different way—with a very poor love.

Jenny explains that she sought comfort and affection from Gert, but her love was not as deep as he believed.

_Jenny clarifies her feelings to Gert, acknowledging the imbalance in their relationship._

> I am fond of you, Gert, but I cannot go on only taking when I can give you nothing that is real.

Jenny tells Gert that she cares for him but cannot continue a relationship where she cannot reciprocate his love.

_Jenny expresses her inability to sustain the relationship due to her lack of genuine love._

> I am not going to marry you when I cannot be your wife in truth.

Jenny refuses Gert's marriage proposal because she cannot fully commit to him as a wife.

_Jenny rejects Gert's offer, prioritizing honesty over social convention._

## Links

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