The Story of Gösta Berling · Chapter
Ebba Dohna's Story explained
Anna Stjärnhök reveals to Countess Elizabeth the tragic story of Ebba Dohna, who died after discovering that Gösta Berling, the man she loved, was a dismissed priest and unworthy of her.
What happens
Anna Stjärnhök reveals to Countess Elizabeth the tragic story of Ebba Dohna, who died after discovering that Gösta Berling, the man she loved, was a dismissed priest and unworthy of her. The revelation leads Countess Elizabeth to confront Gösta, accusing him of deceiving her and driving him away. Anna, who had urged Elizabeth to act, then turns on her, vowing to follow and protect Gösta. The chapter also explores Anna's inner turmoil and her struggle to interpret signs from heaven.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Remorse
Anna Stjärnhök is consumed by guilt after revealing Ebba's story and causing Gösta's rejection, while Gösta himself carries the burden of Ebba's death.
Love and Sacrifice
Ebba Dohna sacrifices her life rather than marry Gösta, whom she cannot love as she loves God; Anna sacrifices her friendship with Elizabeth to protect Gösta.
Social Class and Power
Gösta's status as a dismissed priest and homeless adventurer makes him unworthy in the eyes of Countess Elizabeth and Ebba's mother, despite his personal qualities.
Characters to notice
- Anna Stjärnhök
Reveals Ebba Dohna's story to Countess Elizabeth, then regrets her cruelty to Gösta and vows to protect him.
- The Young Countess
Confronts Gösta Berling after learning of his past, accusing him of deception and driving him away.
- Gösta Berling
Defends himself against the countess's accusations, claiming he believed she knew his history, and leaves after being scorned.
- Ebba Dohna
Her tragic story is recounted: she died after choosing death over marrying Gösta, whom she deemed unworthy of her devotion to God.
- Countess Märta Dohna
Mentioned as Ebba's mother, who pressured Ebba to marry Gösta despite his past.
Key passages
“I cannot understand how anyone with your antecedents can show himself in the presence of an honorable woman.”
Countess Elizabeth tells Gösta that his past makes him unfit to be around respectable women.
This is the climax of the confrontation, where Elizabeth openly condemns Gösta based on his history.
“You have now done what I wished, but it is also the end of our friendship.”
Anna Stjärnhök tells Elizabeth that while she wanted Gösta confronted, she cannot forgive Elizabeth for being cruel to him.
Anna's regret and loyalty to Gösta override her earlier desire for Elizabeth to act.
“If it really was not God who did it, she used to whisper to herself. If it was not God, who sent the wolves?”
Anna wonders if the wolves that killed her father were not sent by God, seeking a sign to guide her actions.
Anna's internal struggle and search for divine direction drive her decision to expose Gösta's past.