# The Peace of God explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Selma Lagerlöf.

## What happens

On Christmas Eve at the Ingmar farm, old Ingmar Ingmarson goes missing after a snowstorm, and the family searches for him. He is found to have sought shelter in a bear's lair. The next day, while hunting the bear, it attacks and kills Ingmar Ingmarson. His wife and son then drive to the Dean's house to announce his death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death and Mortality

Ingmar Ingmarson's death by bear attack underscores the suddenness of mortality, even during a time of peace.

### Family and Legacy

The Ingmar family's unity and sense of loss highlight the deep bonds and legacy of the family.

### Suffering and Redemption

The family's search and grief, and the bear's unexpected mercy on Christmas Eve, touch on suffering and the possibility of redemption.

## Character check-ins

### Ingmar Ingmarson

The old master of the farm, who goes missing on Christmas Eve and is later killed by a bear while hunting.

### Mother Ingeborg

The old housewife and Ingmar's wife, who reads the Bible and learns of her husband's death.

### Ingrid

The girl making birch whisks, who is afraid of Ingmar Ingmarson but is reassured by his gentle response.

## Key lines

> Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.

A message of universal peace and kindness, which the old housewife repeats as she fears for her husband's fate.

_This biblical phrase contrasts with the violence of the bear attack and the family's grief._

> Who was neighbour unto him that fell amongst thieves?

The question from the parable of the Good Samaritan, which the housewife reads while waiting for news of her husband.

_The family wonders if a 'good Samaritan' has helped Ingmar, but the answer is never read as he returns._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/the-peace-of-god
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_50_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters