Niels Lyhne · Chapter
VI explained
Niels Lyhne becomes immersed in a circle of modern thinkers and artists in Copenhagen, feeling a thrilling sense of belonging and purpose as his private dreams are echoed by the crowd.
What happens
Niels Lyhne becomes immersed in a circle of modern thinkers and artists in Copenhagen, feeling a thrilling sense of belonging and purpose as his private dreams are echoed by the crowd. His family, particularly the old Councillor Neergaards, disapproves of his associations, especially his intimacy with the vivacious and controversial Mrs. Boye. In Mikkelsen's studio, Niels is introduced to Mrs. Boye by Erik Refstrup, and a lively debate about art, naturalness, and Shakespeare ensues, during which Niels and Mrs. Boye share a charged, ambiguous exchange.
Themes in this chapter
Dream vs. Reality
Niels experiences his private dreams becoming public and real, yet feels a sense of unreality as his unique visions are absorbed into the crowd's ideas.
The Artist and Creativity
The studio setting and debate about Shakespeare, naturalness, and artistic courage highlight the nature of creativity and the artist's role.
Love and Illusion
The charged, ambiguous interaction between Niels and Mrs. Boye hints at romantic illusion and the play of attraction.
Characters to notice
- Niels Lyhne
Feels his secret thoughts validated by the modern ideas of his new circle; engages in a flirtatious intellectual debate with Mrs. Boye about Shakespeare.
- Mrs. Boye
A lively, childlike widow who champions naturalness in art; teases Frithjof and Niels, and shares a meaningful glance with Niels after their exchange.
- Erik Refstrup
Now a sculptor with a moustache, introduces Niels and Frithjof to Mrs. Boye in his studio; expresses skepticism about Shakespeare.
- Frithjof
A recent graduate who defends artistic idealism and conscious courage in art; is teased by Mrs. Boye for his pedantic views.
- The Neergaards
Old Councillor Neergaards and family disapprove of Niels's new circle and his association with Mrs. Boye, worrying about appearances.
Key passages
“To Niels the world, in those days, began to wear a different aspect. He heard his own vaguest, most secret thoughts loudly proclaimed by ten different mouths.”
Niels felt the world change as he heard his private ideas echoed by many others.
Captures Niels's sense of validation and loss of uniqueness as his thoughts become common.
“She was laughing when they came in, as a child laughs—a long, merry peal, gleefully loud, delightfully free.”
Mrs. Boye greeted them with a carefree, childlike laugh.
Highlights Mrs. Boye's playful and natural demeanor.
“Neither of them meant anything in particular by these last words, but they said them in a significant tone, as if a world of delicate meanings were hidden in them, and looked at each other with a subtle smile.”
Niels and Mrs. Boye exchanged words with a tone of hidden meaning, though neither intended anything specific.
Illustrates the flirtatious ambiguity between Niels and Mrs. Boye.