The Story of Gösta Berling · Chapter
II: The Beggar explained
On a cold December day, a beggar (Gösta Berling) encounters the daughter of the Broby clergyman, who is dragging a stolen bag of meal.
What happens
On a cold December day, a beggar (Gösta Berling) encounters the daughter of the Broby clergyman, who is dragging a stolen bag of meal. He helps her avoid her father's wrath by taking the sledge himself. Later, he meets the major's wife, Margareta Celsing, who persuades him not to commit suicide by promising to care for the clergyman's daughter. Gösta agrees to live and becomes a guest at Ekeby, though he later attempts to leave twice—first as a laborer and then as a tutor at Borg—but ultimately returns to Ekeby after the death of Ebba Dohna.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Penitence
Gösta Berling, a dismissed priest seeking death, is given a chance at redemption by Margareta Celsing, who offers him a reason to live by caring for the Broby clergyman's daughter.
Guilt and Remorse
Gösta's guilt over his past and his suicidal thoughts are central; Margareta also expresses remorse for her lost innocence and the person she once was.
Social Class and Power
The contrast between the wealthy Ekeby and the poverty of the Broby clergyman's family, as well as Margareta's influence as the most powerful woman in Värmland, underscores class divisions.
Characters to notice
- Gösta Berling
The beggar, a dismissed priest contemplating suicide, who is persuaded by Margareta Celsing to live and becomes a guest at Ekeby.
- Margareta Celsing
The major's wife at Ekeby, who reveals her past as the beautiful Margareta Celsing and convinces Gösta to live by promising to care for the Broby clergyman's daughter.
- Broby Clergyman
The mean and ill-natured father of the girl who steals the meal; his daughter fears he will kill her if he catches her.
- Ebba Dohna
The young sister of Count Henrik Dohna, with whom Gösta fell in love while tutoring at Borg; her death led him to abandon hope of a normal life.
- Henrik Dohna
Count Henrik Dohna, for whom Gösta briefly worked as a tutor at Borg.
- Altringer
The wealthy man who loved Margareta Celsing and later became master of Ekeby, helping her in her poverty and causing scandal.
Key passages
“Forgive me, I cannot.”
Gösta refuses Margareta's offer to save him, insisting he must die.
Gösta's initial rejection of Margareta's help, driven by his despair.
“I am no suicide, I am condemned to die.”
Gösta claims he is not choosing death but is fated to die.
Gösta's belief that his death is inevitable and not a choice.
“I shall not kill myself as long as she is under your care.”
Gösta agrees to live if Margareta protects the Broby clergyman's daughter.
The turning point where Gösta accepts Margareta's condition to live.
“He is a great and wonderful God. He has mocked me and cast me out, but He will not let me die.”
Gösta acknowledges God's power in preventing his death despite his suffering.
Gösta's resigned acceptance of his continued life as divine will.
“I am the mistress of Ekeby, and I am the most powerful in Värmland. ... I am only a dressed-up corpse.”
Margareta declares her external power but inner emptiness, feeling dead inside.
Margareta's confession of her emotional numbness despite her social status.
