Jenny · Chapter
VI explained
Jenny's son dies after only forty-four days, plunging her into deep grief.
What happens
Jenny's son dies after only forty-four days, plunging her into deep grief. She falls physically ill and is comforted by Mrs. Schlessinger, who tries to console her with platitudes. Jenny writes to Gert Gram about the child's death, and he responds with a long, reflective letter, offering marriage and his name for the child's sake, while expressing his own sorrow and sense of being an outsider.
Themes in this chapter
Motherhood and Unwanted Pregnancy
Jenny's intense grief over the loss of her child, despite the circumstances of its birth, highlights the deep emotional bond of motherhood.
Sacrifice and Consequences
Gert Gram's letter reflects on the consequences of their affair, his own suffering, and the sacrifices he is willing to make.
Loneliness and Isolation
Jenny's despair and physical illness, along with Gert's solitary reflections, underscore the isolation both characters experience.
Characters to notice
- Jenny Winge
Grieves the death of her infant son, falls ill, and corresponds with Gert Gram.
- Gert Gram
Writes a letter to Jenny expressing his sorrow, offering marriage, and reflecting on their relationship.
- Mrs. Schlessinger
Cares for Jenny during her illness and offers comfort and advice.
- Gunnar Heggen
Sends letters to Jenny, first congratulating her on the birth and later offering sympathy after the child's death.
Key passages
“Jenny’s son lived six weeks—exactly forty-four days and a half, she said bitterly to herself, thinking again and again of the short time she had felt really happy.”
Jenny's son survived only six weeks, precisely forty-four and a half days, a period she bitterly recalled as the brief span of her true happiness.
Highlights the brevity of her joy and the bitterness of loss.
“It was God’s will, and was probably much better for the boy and for her too—still so young as she was.”
Mrs. Schlessinger consoled Jenny by saying it was God's will and likely for the best for both the child and Jenny, given her youth.
Shows the conventional comfort offered, contrasting with Jenny's profound grief.
“But this little one would only have been a chain round the feet of the Fräulein who was so young and pretty.”
Mrs. Schlessinger thought the baby would have been a burden to Jenny, who was young and attractive.
Reflects societal views on illegitimate children as obstacles.
“I see that you reproach yourself because of your relations to me; my dear little girl, I have nothing to reproach you for, so you must not do it yourself.”
Gert tells Jenny not to blame herself for their relationship, as he holds no resentment toward her.
Gert's attempt to absolve Jenny of guilt.
“Nothing is more terrible in life than for a man to be old while his heart is still young.”
Gert reflects that the worst fate is to have an old body but a youthful spirit.
Expresses Gert's internal conflict about age and desire.
“You must not hesitate to accept my name as my wife and the protection it would give you and the child any more than Mary hesitated to submit herself to the care of Joseph.”
Gert urges Jenny to accept his marriage proposal for the sake of the child, comparing their situation to Mary and Joseph.
Uses religious imagery to justify a marriage of convenience.